We reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei using Glass Beads as we blend Japanese and Hawaiian art to make our Forever Lei. Our Hawaiian Glass Beaded Lei are unique handcrafted designs made by weaving 8 strands using Kumihimo, an ancient technique of braiding on a Marudai braiding stand. Inspiration for our designs come from traditional Hawaiian Lei, Forbidden Island Shell necklaces and of course Mother Nature.
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.
Each of the designs in this collection incorporate the use of contrast to give the desired effect in a beautiful spiral Kumihimo pattern. Blending and weaving of glass beads is an art form the Hawaiian jewelry world has just begun to explore. Additionally, the form of braiding in Japan of Kumihimo has recently evolved that ancient braiding technique to incorporate all styles of beads, gemstones, and pearls.
Akalei Designs, based on Maui, has helped to expand these two jewelry worlds resulting in vibrant jewelry designs filled with colors that inspire artists by blending Glass Beads and Hawaiian Lei Designs.