組紐 These “Forever Lei” appeal to locals and people across the globe. By using thousands of beads, we reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei and incorporate fiber, shells, gemstones, pearls, lamp-work beads, glass seed beads and anything else we can weave into a fiber and beaded structure using a Japanese Kumihimo wooden loom called a Marudai (丸大)
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
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.