This is the longest glass beaded necklace we have ever created. But it we needed to blend the whale with the lampwork beads that seem to be from the ocean. As a one-of-a-kind design this will be the jewelry design people will stop and ask to see. The design is based on a Japanese Braiding Technique using 16 cords that are woven into a unique pattern and each movement is a literal stitch (of glass beads). With 3 unique colors and finishes to the glass beads the Kumihimo weaving of the 16 cords creates a spectrum of color hues.
A couple of years ago we ordered one from our Swedish Lamp-work bead designer. This is one of the 3 she made (none are at all the same). The Humpback Whale is filled with hues of green and blue so that is how we arranged our glass beads. We surrounded the whale with six other lamp work beads created by Unicorne Beads from California (these are Coin Bead up at the top, Coconut Beads on either side of the Whale and two Cactus Beads on the end of those beautiful Focal Beads..
The braiding pattern involved here is called Continuous Beaded Braid (CBB) and we use the Kumihimo style of Oimatsu. We have the instructions for making similar designs for those Kumihimo braiders interested in learning this unique braiding technique. See link in this STORE under Kumihimo Instructional Patterns
There will never be more than one of each design as you will determine length, bead colors, magnetic end cap, and accent beads. About 12,000 -15,000 seed beads are loaded onto 16 cords that are then woven into this magnificent art necklace. This statement necklace is finished with a strong magnet end cap that has an extra strong hold to keep it safely snug around your neck.
Our necklaces feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care. Simply use a slightly moistened towel with a dap of dish soap added to it as you clean it 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 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.
