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In the October 2007 issue of Simply Beads, designer Candie Cooper suggests hosting a jewelry-making party to get your friends together, make something pretty and have a good time. Artist Hannah Braun-Allen has taken this idea all the way to the game board by inventing a game called Bead Trade. Historically, beads have been used as currency. There is even a popular urban myth that beads were used to purchase Manhattan, however, no historical proof exist to support this lofty claim.
Hannah Braun-Allen began her love affair with beads when she was in high school. It has been a torrid affair, including a passion for making glass beads and crafting original jewelry. Hannah also instructs Girl Scouts so they can earn beading badges, hosts beading parties and teaches beading classes at the Rahr-West Art Museum in Manitowoc, Wis. Her original inspiration for the game came from a dream that woke her from a sound sleep. Hannah immediately began sketching every detail she could remember.
Hannah spent nearly two years developing Bead Trade from her dream with gracious support from her mother, husband and two daughters. She has applied for a patent for Bead Trade, the first hobby-related trading game ever invented. To turn her dream into a game board, Hannah traded her bead knowledge for Katy Consultant's game-industry expertise. The first 10,000 games rolled off the presses in November 2007 at Color Craft Graphic Arts, a Manitowoc printer.
Bead Trade can be played at parties, bead stores, ladies night, bead society meetings or a casual beading barbeque. Players can bring their own beads or the host can provide everyone with a goodie bag that can be used for wagering. Bead Trade comes with 6 different game boards that use bead terminology to direct the play. There are two different ways to play, one a bit more competitive than the other. Beads are used to ante-up and can range in value from 2 cents to $100, and winner-takes-all at the end of each round.
The game costs $24.95 and is designed for 2-6 players, ages 12 and up. Hannah has partnered with Beadniks, The Bead Goes On and Beadsmith-Helby to get the game into your home or local bead store. This is a fun way to learn terms, get a few new beads for your collection and leave the house for a few hours.
I asked Hannah to describe the best bead she has won playing Bead Trade. Over Christmas she won an old yellow, blue, brown and green African trade bead that belonged to her Aunt. So make a list of the best bead collectors you know and invite them over for some laughs and a round or two of Bead Trade. After all, you can't bead every night, and you could win the perfect bead for your next creation.