Gourd with Lei Rim
Beginner
Required Skills:
None
Class Length:
Full Day
Class Times:
Saturday, 8 am to 12 pm
Saturday, 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Students will learn to make a traditional Hawaiian lei. We will start with paper rush and learn the technique to create the lei. Once learned, we will make a lei for our gourd rim. The lei will be made from palm inflorescence sheaths and sea grass. The sheaths are supple and leathery when wet and dry nicely and don't crumble. We will embellish the gourd with naturals from Hawaii. Students can choose from maka hipa seeds, jacaranda seeds, and kukui nuts. Students can also choose to add dye to the bottom of the gourd for a sunset hombre look.
Registration Fees:
For FTWG Members: $170
For all others: $200
Materials Fee:
$75
Materials Fee Includes:
Gourd: cut, cleaned, and colored Sample lei material Gourd lei material Linen Embellishments
Registration Fees are paid when you register to attend the FTWG Conference. Materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at the beginning of class. You should plan to pay the materials fee in cash.
- Scissors
- Optional: Towel
Jelena Clay is the daughter of Serbian immigrants and was raised in Saratoga, California. At 20 years old, she relocated to the islands and has called Hilo home since then. Since moving to the islands, she has had a fascination with fiber work and gourds, and the complicated techniques that Hawaiians use. She has taught in the islands and across the US for 30 almost years. She owns Banyan Gallery at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo town.