This rare handwoven beaded design was woven on our Marudai stand and inspired by the focal Blue/Black Whale's Tail from "mgglassart" on Etsy. Carol was so great as a client and allowed me to play with her ideas and choices.
The unique adornments make it a true "World's Only" original. Made on Maui this "Forever Necklace Lei" has 6 separate braid structures on each sides (3 per side). In our design we blended multiple 8 and 4 strand cords. These include Continuous Beaded Oimatsu braid (on the left is an 8 strand square Kaku Gumi) and another 8 strand round Kongo Gumi with added Unicorne Lampwork Teardrops beads. On the Right we used a 4-cord gimp braid, another round CBB Kongo Gumi in Blue and finally black and blue mixed beads are woven using a 8 strand Kongo Gumi Spiral technique.
We are a small boutique Kumihimo studio offering many one-of-a-kind necklace originals. As a Maui based business we are inspired by the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and hope our art jewelry brings color into your world.
We are unique in the world of Kumihimo as we blend all sorts of beaded structures to add a distinctive look to our rare necklace lei. Our Collection of LampWork Beaded Octopus' and Sea Star Designs were exhibited in the 2023 Hawaiian Hand Weaver's Hui juried event entitled "Surrounded by Water." We offer a collection of beaded and fiber collections. We are now able to offer this to the public. This magnificent art necklace is finished with a green wooden metallic magnet with an extra strong hold (see video) made by Banyan Bay Studio and our lentil beads provided by Diana Miglionico-Shiraishi of Jasmine Tea Designs..
Our necklaces feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care. To keep dust free use a clean moist towel with small amount of dish soap and run it through your hands every few months to keep 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 woven then together on a Japanese Marudai braiding stand.
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 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.
