New for May 2024 we are introducing "Edo Blended" with unique colors and a fun new Dragon Spiral design located in our "Segmented Collection". Akalei Designs continues innovating new handcrafted woven Kumihimo beaded glass "Forever" Hawaiian Lei. Based on Maui we have showcased on HI Now as part of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Pop-Up Marketplace and continue to discover new customers are our Kihei location on Maui.
Blending and weaving of glass beads is an artform the jewelry world has just begun to explore. Additionally the form of braiding in Japan of Kumihimo has recently adapted that ancient braiding technique to incorporate all styles of beads, gemstones, and pearls. Akalei Designs, based in Hawaii, has helped to expand these two jewelry worlds resulting in vibrant jewelry designs filled with colors that inspire all artists to achieve new heights in the use of color and light.
Each of the designs in this collection incorporate the use of contrast to give the desired effect in a beautiful spiral Kumihimo pattern. In the center of the spiral are lentil or rose petal glass beads from across the globe (Japan and Czech Republic), On the outer edge of this design is a variety of unique shaped beads - they include gecko beads, long drop beads, and rizo or rice beads. As this is the most recent design we continue to explore new and exciting ideas that reflect our amazing Hawaiian world.