August 1 is International Mahjong Day, an opportunity to learn more about this popular strategy game. The 19th-century game became popular in the United States in the 1920s. It is like the Rummy card game but played with tiles featuring Chinese characters and symbols. Local artist Wendy Chercass has used the distinctive tiles to make tabletop accessories, earrings, and a menorah, all of which are available for sale in the WMODA Museum Shop.

Mahjong is played worldwide by people of all ages. It breaks down communication barriers, brings communities together, and bridges the gap between generations. Take the time to teach someone how to play Mahjong on August 1. It’s simple to learn once you can recognize the different characters and symbols and you can play indoors or outdoors on a summer day. Wendy’s mahjong accessories are the perfect gift for avid players. They also make great prizes for community tournaments.

Wendy Chercass is a self-confessed “beadaholic.”  She weaves tiny beads into beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She searches around the world for interesting beads from the markets of the Czech Republic to New York and Miami. She believes that beading is therapy and loves to teach others the various beading methods, including peyote, brick stitch, right angle weave, and herringbone.

Wendy lives in Hollywood, where she wears many hats, including licensed realtor and owner of Wiley Street Bed, Breakfast & Biscuits, an Airbnb for small dogs. However, she spends all her spare time beading and is happy to make custom pieces. Contact the WMODA Museum Shop for more information about Wendy’s work, including her creative mahjong designs.