- Affordability: Beads were inexpensive, making them an accessible craft supply for families during the economic hardship of the Depression.
- Versatility: Bead kits could be used to create a variety of projects, from jewelry to ornaments to household items. This allowed people to get creative and make practical items for their homes.
- Time-consuming: Beading is a time-consuming hobby, which could help to keep people occupied and take their minds off their troubles during the Depression.
It was a fun, yet time-consuming hobby that kept people entertained. Beading kits are still popular today, but back then, they were a great alternative to screen time!
Walco started with jewelry kits for women in the 1930s and then evolved into Christmas ornament kits in the 1960s. Most ornaments were covered in satin or thin velvet, but Easter ornaments often incorporated springtime colors and imagery. These Easter kits are most likely from the late 1960s to early 1970s, a period often referred to as the “kitsch era” for its embrace of bright colors, plastic, and non-traditional materials.
So EGGcited about these! These are fun & a nice memory of a simpler time, but yet beautiful. These vintage ornaments are a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of people during the Depression era. They are also a reminder of the enduring popularity of bead crafting as a hobby.
These are increasingly harder to find, but you can still spot them on sites like Ebay and Etsy. Happy hunting!
