These “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
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.