As Hawaiian residents living on Maui we are reminded daily of the spiritual energy or Mana surrounding us. This energy fuels our creativity as we strive to live in harmony with our neighbors on this island. We draw wisdom and insights from our relationships to nature here, which allows us to reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei using Glass Beads. By blending Japanese and Hawaiian art we make our Hawaiian Forever Lei. These Beaded Lei are unique handcrafted designs made exclusively by weaving strands of fiber (with beads) using an ancient Japanese braiding technique of Kumihimo. We use several looms - a Marudai, Kakudai and Takadai help us explore a wide variety of braiding styles. Mana is our Inspiration which comes from 'Āina, Wai and Eaea of these beautiful islands.
Our Hawaiian Glass Beaded Lei are unique woven handcrafted designs made by weaving Kumihimo - a Japanese braiding technique with inspiration from the Mother Nature. We reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei using a blend of fibers, shells, glass beads and anything beautiful to create our Forever Lei.
These Hawaiian Lei incorporate tiny rice shaped, mini-dagger or long drop glass beads into a design similar to the tiny seeds inside a Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) - imagine threading over a thousand grains of rice and that is what is similar when weaving the variety of glass beads into our unique designs. Akalei Designs blends Japanese Kumihimo braiding techniques with tropical Hawaiian flower lei to reimagine the world of jewelry at an affordable price. Many of these can be made at a length you desire.
Inspiration for our lei come through flowers, coral, reef fish, ocean life and luscious landscapes of the Hawaiian islands. Lei can be made for any occasion, including Weddings, Graduations, Baby Showers, Birthdays, & Anniversaries. Matching earrings can be custom order on many of the Hawaiian Island items. Please send an inquiry to info@akaleidesigns.com.