Paying homage to an age-old Hawaiian craft

I recently spent a week in Kaua’i visiting my sister, Emily. Never have I visited such holy grounds! The earth is so alive there; you can hear the island’s potent wisdom (even through the cacophony of chickens, pigs, and birds). The rich history of Kaua’i is apparent in customs and traditions that date back to early Polynesian arrival. We took a lei making class together and learned the hilo and wili techniques.

Upon my return home, I arrived to an incredile gift from my sister, Tina: a handmade vase from local ceramicsit Becki Chernoff (bX Cermaics)…as if the trip wasn’t enough of a gift! Oozing with inspiration from both sides of the Pacific, I was eager to design. I used what was readily available to me: sage from our front yard, the top of a pineapple, dried poppy pods, and some foraged Job’s tears to create a lei-inspired arrangement in the gorgeous light pink vase.