Fantastic works of art come out of Africa, they are renowned for them. The most appealing works as of late are their brilliant beadwork. This beadwork technique has been past down for hundreds of years, they have mastered this beadwork technique to a tee. This incredible art form has to be seen to be believed.

In times gone by works of art have been made using anything from eggs to seeds, also stones and metal. However these latest artworks have been made using glass beads.

First came the discovery of glass beads by the Egyptians, eventually trade routes were set up with the people of South Africa, trading was common, Ivory and and other valuables were traded for glass beads.

The South Africans engineered the form of using these glass beads with the use of wire, to make some of the most beautiful designs, among them were cars, and radios, beaded roses, and almost any animal that you can think of. The frame is made of wire and filled in with colored beads.

In Africa many families are very poor and they could not afford glass beads. Families started making toys from just wire. The popularity of the wire structures became so popular with overseas tourists, they started extending the art form by adding the coloured glass beads to their designs. You can now find designs anywhere from drums to cars. Even security guards at night starting decorating their "Knockberries" with bright colourful telephone wire, just to keep them awake during their night watch.

Even though copper color coded wires where used in creating wire art, one can now find wire sculptures of musical instruments, animals, bicycles, and many other sculptures fashioned from steel wire, and can also be found not only is a studio, but also at flea markets, and roadside stands. These would make fantastic and unique gifts for anyone.

Looking at this artwork will amaze you, once you see how much work and passion was put into each creation. Some trees are fashioned from wire, sticking into a piece of wood, and the leaves on the tree are twisted in such a way that they look real. You will also find such things as wire beaded bowl sets, bracelets, beautifully designed animals of every sort, you will also see motorcycles designed in many different colors. Colorful plates made from wire, and matching under plates can also be seen.

Zulu artisans and crafters began selling their designs in public markets instead of roadside stands in order to drive more customers; however many wire artists realized the vale of the sculptures and opened up art shops and galleries to display their creative designs.

If you are looking for a gift with a difference, wire art would make the perfect gift, whether they are car collectors, or motorbike enthusiasts or animal lovers, there is definatley something for everyoine in the wire art designs. The creative sculptures will definatley draw attention to any art collection.