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Continue ShoppingWe sell our products on-line and in-person with the Lahaina Arts Society. In August we are showing on the 29th at the Cannery Mall in Lahaina (10am to 3pm). We will be away teaching for AKS Sept 18 - 29th. In addition we are selling with Hawaiian Council at https://nameahawaii.com/collections/necklaces (We also book in-person appointments at the Kihei Studio). In Sept 2026 we will be away teaching for the American Kumihimo Society (18th to 28th 2026). Classes focus on confident beginners and emphasize the blending of Japanese tradition with island inspired Hawaiian necklace lei.
We reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei to create "Aloha Inspired Forever Lei." Our designs merge an ancient Japanese braiding technique of kumihimo with the beauty of island colors and textures. We showcase our jewelry with the Lahaina Arts Society on Maui's West Side at the Cannery Mall .Check schedules on our website. All of our jewelry is handcrafted exclusively on Maui..
Double Blue Kumihimo Fiber Necklace Lei (and/or Hat Band) - 20"
This elegantly stylish Art Jewelry necklace was woven using various hues of rich blue toned imitation silk fibers in two separate necklaces. Once the necklaces were finished we wove into a stunning but amazingly double size lightweight necklace. Inspired by Hawaiian Fashion Designer Manaolo, this necklace is unique and versatile. On one braid we combined two packets of Midnight Blue with a 3rd packet of Blue Teal and wove using the "Off-Balance" braiding technique. On the second braid we used that same Blue Teal in the middle and Deep Indigo on the outside edges. An extra strong silver toned magnet end allows you to wear with no worry of it falling off.
Altogether there are hundreds of strands of imitation silk threads that comprise this piece, leaving it luxurious yet flexible. The braid's spiral effect allows it to be worn tightly as a shorter hat band or stretched out.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and strong interlaced cords. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Japanese samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are designed as belts (obijime) that are worn as a belt with a kimono.
Customized orders are welcomed - these braids can be made using Japanese Silks and various small (4-6mm) size pearls or semi-precious stones. Please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
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