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.
As one of the world's most prized jewelry the Ni'ihau shell lei is both unique and rare. Most are found in museums or galleries for us to admire (or purchase). As an artist this inspired me to merge the braiding style of Japanese Kumihimo braiding with various beads made across the globe using the segmented styles seen from The Forbidden Island. The beads have a mottled appearance so almost look like the delicate shells found only on Ni'ihau. The bead types used on many designs are Picasso glass beads (named after the artist Picasso).
Necklaces and bracelets braids are made using a variety of Picasso beads in a variety of braiding configurations, and can be made using 8, 12, or 16 strands of beads. The latest addition to this collection are made using the largest beads (6/0) and Magatama (Dragon Scales) which create large lei with thick necklace lei type designs. After feedback from Merrie Monarch we learned these were a huge success. More to follow in 2024 during the Hilo Hula event in late March early April 2024.