The Story of CanBead

How a simple string of beads grew into a national movement of healing

Every meaningful journey begins with a single step—or in our case, a single bead. CanBead's story began in 2011, born from a simple yet profound realisation: creative expression through beading could offer something uniquely healing to people facing life's most difficult challenges.

A Vision Takes Shape

Our founder, Sarah Clifford, noticed something remarkable while undergoing treatment for melanoma. A friend gifted her some beading supplies, and the vision was born.

From Passion to Purpose

Those early workshops confirmed what we suspected: beading offered far more than a creative outlet. It provided:

• A natural space for conversation where participants could share as much or as little as they wished

• The satisfaction of completing something beautiful during a time when many aspects of life felt unfinished or uncertain

• A skill that could be continued at home, offering ongoing therapeutic benefits

• Tangible creations that participants could keep or give as meaningful gifts

By the end of 2011, what began as a passion project had transformed into CanBead—a registered charity with a clear mission to bring the healing power of beading to New Zealanders facing illness, trauma, and loss.

Growing Bead by Bead

Those first years weren't without challenges. Operating on minimal funding, we relied heavily on donated materials and volunteer time.

Word spread primarily through participants themselves. Someone would attend a workshop, experience its benefits, and tell others in similar situations.

The Power of Connection

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of CanBead's growth has been witnessing the connections formed. In workshop after workshop, we've seen strangers become friends, sharing stories and offering support that extends well beyond the beading table.

That sense of belonging has proven as healing as the creative process itself. In a world where illness and loss can be isolating experiences, finding others who understand without explanation is invaluable.

Where We Are Today

Now, more than a decade later, CanBead has grown from its humble beginnings to offer workshops throughout New Zealand. Our team has expanded, our materials have improved, and our techniques have diversified—but our heart remains the same.

We still believe in the healing power of creativity. We still witness the transformation that happens when someone's focus shifts from their challenges to their capabilities. And we still see the magic that occurs when people find community during difficult times.