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Continue ShoppingEach of our designs are handcrafted with the braiding of glass beads. We have dozens of unique kumihimo structures that reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei to create “Forever Lei.” We are thrilled to be selected to teach 11 unique classes during the Glass Craft & Bead Expo in Las Vegas April 15th - 19th 2026. Limited seats Questions & Registration. https://glasscraftexpo.com/registration/
Our Hawaiian Glass Beaded Lei are unique handcrafted designs made using a Japanese braiding technique of "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 Lamp Work beads to create our handmade Forever Lei on a Marudai stand
Terra-cotta Earth Lamp Work Forever Lei - Art Jewelry 26"
With three distinctively different burnt orange beads we merged earth tones throughout this Forever Lei measuring in at 26" this provides lots of unique things to discover. There are actualy FIVE Lamp Work Beads made by two artists. Each of the six sections highlights the diversity of bead shapes. From round 6mm lentil beads to mini-daggers we work with the earth tones for a truly relaxing necklace. With a touch of blue spirals on each end we add that touch of sky to this earthly treasure just behind our copper roller beads. We finish it all off with a copper metallic magnet end cap with a safety groove for added security (simply twist off to remove).
The large Focal Lamp Work were made by Lisa DeCanio (Etsy Shop), and smaller beads on either side of the Focal middle made by taneres also out of Esty. The fun comes out of pulling this all together in a cohesive play of Structure and Color. Hope you enjoy.
Our necklaces feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care by using a clean dry towel every few months to keep dust free and bright. This beautiful hand-crafted style necklace was made using hundreds of glass beads from around the world that are meticulously loaded onto multiple cords that are then woven together on a Japanese Marudai braiding stand (see photo).
Akalei Designs make great gifts for woman, girls, and men! Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which captures this unique style only available on Maui.We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet classic Hawaiian looking Forever Lei For customized orders please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and durable interlaced necklaces and bracelets. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are used for belts (obijime) on kimonos
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 Aku.
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