With a length of 32” the 20-cords and 50+ handblown glass beads help to create this beautiful and unique Oimatsu Kumihimo braid. The hand-blown octopus is nestled in as the focal section We finish it with Sterling Silver Sea Urchin magnetic end caps designed by Adrienne Gaskell (Jewelry of the Year in 2019 by Bead and Button.
Our Kumihimo designs are one-of-a-kind in the world of Braiding. We invented this particular technique of blending braiding patterns and lamp work glass beads. The beautiful Green He'd (Octopus) is from our Etsy friends at "Glassnfire: out of Colorado and the lamp work accessory beads used in the focal area are from Unicorne beads. We attach a 4 cord mint green silk braid onto the octopus. Then we attach this to our Marudai stand to weave 16 strands of black silk fiber and slide down randomly the Unicorne beads. Every few moves we drop the green cord down and wrap it around the black silk cord to give it a genuine octopus arm/tentacle look, then return it back up inside the main braid. All of this is so unique and requires both imagination and patience. We are thrilled this specific design was accepted into a Juried Gallery Exhibition on Oahu in 2023 entitled "Surrounded by Water."
between 160 eggs sapphrite mushroom button beads (BonBeads) as are two apricot agate gemstones act as “guardian’s of the mothers nest.
Another Maui design original that incorporate's a few Kumihimo designs techniques into an extra-long necklace. The numerous textures in the necklace blend blush colors are soft and delightful to wear with all white or linen clothes. We merged all this into an amazing design and used a multi-color He'e (Hawaiian for Octopus) as the focal bead.
Unique in the world of Kumihimo the use of two beaded structures adds a wonderful look to this amazing necklace lei. Recently exhibited in the Hawaiian Handweaver's Hui "Surrounded by Water" collection of beaded with fiber collection. We are now able to offer this to the public. This magnificent art necklace is finished with a dark silver toned acrylic magnet with an extra strong hold (see photo).
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.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Aku.
