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Continue ShoppingThese “Forever Lei” appeal to shoppers across the globe. By using thousands of glass beads, we reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei to design one of a kind necklace lei. We also make custom pieces and enjoy adding a variety of fiber, sea-shells, gemstones, pearls, and lamp-work beads. Each structure or braid is made using at least eight cords woven on a Japanese Kumihimo wooden loom called a Marudai (丸大). 組紐
組紐 Our Hawaiian Glass Beaded Lei are unique handcrafted designs made using a Japanese braiding technique called "Kumihimo." We gain inspiration from the 'āina surrounding us on Maui. Akalei reimagines traditional Hawaiian Lei using a blend of fibers, shells, glass beads and anything beautiful to create our Forever Lei on a Marudai loom 丸大
White Rose Petals with Purple Thistle Gold Beaded Hawaiian Haku Lei Mini (5 Clusters) - 24""
Opalescent White Rose Petals with a lavender sheen became the inspiration for this piece. The 5 clusters of the 11" focal section are crowded with various purple themed beads including purple crystal curved blown glass beads that are unknown by name but elegant and RARE. We then placed a glossy gold toned purple thistle fire polish bead into this mixture and surrounded all these with Pearly White Seed Beads. Keeping with this theme we found a perfect white acrylic magnetic end cap that is super strong for a tight hold.
These necklace lei drape gently to compliment the contours of the neck and chest. In addition, they feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care - simply clean by using a dry towel every few months to keep dust free and bright.
This late 2021 design requires meticulous attention to detail and effort while braiding because the beads themselves make patterns to look like flowers, yet these lei endure forever (with proper care of course). They also make perfect gifts for friends and loved ones! This Haku mini 5 was hand braided by Randy Spicocchi, and the pattern was developed by Rebecca Ann Combs of DesignandAdorn.com.
Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes this unique necklace lei design style made only here on Maui. We reinterpret traditional Hawaiian Lei using a vast assortment of glass and natural beads, Japanese silk and synthetic fibers, and a wide variety of braiding techniques and inspirations from across the globe.
This beautiful handcrafted necklace lei was made using hundreds of glass Japanese seed beads on multiple cords that are woven together on a wooden marudai stand. The necklace lei is created using an ancient Japanese braiding technique called Kumihimo, a Japanese word for “gathered threads."
Kumihimo is an art form that goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor for Japanese samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are designed as belts (obijime) that are worn as a belt with a kimono.
It is my goal to provide you with a long lasting, beautiful piece of jewelry that you will enjoy wearing for years to come. I take great care in the construction of my pieces to ensure just that. Please note: colors may slightly differ from their appearance on your display, as it depends on your monitor settings.
Please send me a message with questions or comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha
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