News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

Posts tagged ‘Ocean’

Wear a Piece of Maui with MauiOceanJewelry

If you read the recent post, you know that there are a lot of clothing and fashion designers on Maui.  Well, there are even more jewelry designers. I’ve spent a bit of time perusing the shops, the websites, and of course Etsy, and I’ve seen a lot of jewelry.  But one name kept popping up with cute pieces that I would ‘favorite’ or add to the Pinterest Jewelry board: MauiOceanJewelry.  When I decided it was time for profile on Shuana, the designer, I started checking out her Etsy shop and collecting my favorite pieces (pieces that were a bit different, and that I thought you readers – since you LOVE your jewelry- would love too!).  There were a lot…

Maui Gold Necklace by MauiOceanJewelry
Floating Star Bangle by MauiOceanJewelry
Gold Star Necklace with pearl, puka shell by MauiOceanJewelry
Gold-Filled Wave Hoop Earrings Made Hawaii

 

One of my favorite pieces is this one, the Heartbeat Bangle, that would be such a great gift for a nurse or doctor (pin this one!!). 

nurse gift heartbeat jewelry for nurses

Heartbeat Bangle by MauiOceanJewelry

 

Shuana Johnson answered some of our questions about what sets her jewelry apart…

“My jewelry is inspired by Maui’s beautiful beaches, and I try to have a piece of Maui in each of my designs.  I love Maui, and want to share the beauty of the island with those both near and far!! I handpick all of the shells and seaglass from Maui beaches, along with my family. Also, when I am making my Maui bangles and necklaces, my husband would constantly critique the shape to the point that I feel I have gotten it down quite well.  I also welcome custom orders, and all orders ship in 1-3 days!”

Maui Made: How did you get to Maui? 

SJ: I was born in South Africa, but grew up on Oahu. I met my husband here on Maui and we lived on the mainland for a bit, but I was pretty sure we would end up back on Maui because he was born and raised here.

sterling silver starfish bangle made on maui hawaii pearl sea glass puka shell jewelry

Sterling Silver Starfish Bangle by MauiOceanJewelry

MM: How did the jewelry making start? 

SJ: I started making jewelry a few years ago when a girlfriend with an art degree from UH Manoa came to me and suggested we do this as a hobby. She spoke to some acquaintances and had our line in a store in Paia. This lasted for about 3 months, then when she got too busy, I started on my own.  A few shops took my things on consignment, and for the first year sales were really slow, and my husband asked me if I was sure I should continue with this hobby. After about a year, I was fired from my job because my boss came back from a 3 week vacation and said he couldn’t afford to pay me. I decided to put all my energy into the jewelry thing, and took my things from Wailuku as they weren’t doing well, and went into new stores in Makawao, Paia and Wailea.  Then, the accessories buyer from Maui Clothing Company contact me after she saw my pieces on etsy. I’m now in two of their stores.

silver maui heart bracelet in the sand handmade

Maui Heart Bracelet Silver, Made by MauiOceanJewelry

Maui Ocean Jewelry can be found in 6 boutiques across the island of Maui:

Paia 

  • Love the Beach

Makawao 

  • Hurricane
  • Crush on Maui

Wailea

  • Maui Memories (Wailea Gateway Center)
  • Maui Clothing Company (The Shops at Wailea);

Kaanapali

  • Cruise Boutique (Whalers Village)

Want More? Check out MauiOceanJewelry’s Etsy Shop and follow on Facebook

Mahalo To Shuana for sharing her story!!!

The Maui Ulua Bangle
A selection of jewelry by MauiOceanJewelry heading to the shops…
Maui Ring in Sterling Silver by MauiOceanJewelry
Maui Love Bangle by MauiOceanJewelry
Custom Tahitian Pearl Bangle by MauiOceanJewelry
Floating Star Bangle by MauiOceanJewelry
Gold-Filled Wave Hoop Earrings Made Hawaii
Gold Star Necklace with pearl, puka shell by MauiOceanJewelry
Heartbeat Bangle by MauiOceanJewelry

Category:

jewelry

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Kira Ferrer- Jewelry Inspired by Nature

When I started this journey of finding unique, quality made on Maui products and companies, Etsy was one of the first places that I would visit.  Each time I would type in ‘Made on Maui’ to search the site, this little guy would pop up:

(click on the jewelry pics to go to the Etsy listing)

kira.ferrer.bee

I had a feeling someday I would be writing about him (or her).  This sweet little bee is made by Kira Ferrer, who has a truly impressive selection of jewelry available in her Etsy shop.  Kira uses a variety of gemstones, Hawaiian sea glass and shells as well as environmentally-friendly recycled sterling silver, and most of her pieces are available for customization and made to order.

Maui Made: How did you get started with jewelry making? 

Kira Ferrer: I have always had a love for the arts, and have worked in variety of artistic mediums over the years. After working for many years as a painter and textile designer in the Bay Area, I fell in love and moved to Maui.  Working with metal and creating jewelry was a natural progression for me. The environment here is exquisite and I find endless inspiration for my craft. I’m especially inspired by the great blue expanse of the ocean, the gentle rustle of palm trees and the saturated colors of the tropics.

(MM Note: Check out the pics below from Kira’s Instagram feed – worth a follow, just for the beautiful pics alone!)

From Kira’s workbench, Baby Bangles with shells and sea glass charms
Soldering Jewelry in the workshop

MM: What kinds of materials do you work with, and how would you describe your style? 

KF: At this time I work mostly in sterling silver with some 14 karat gold accents.  I especially enjoy creating rings and use a variety of precious and semiprecious gemstones as well as Hawaiian sea glass and shells.  I use recycled sterling and gold whenever possible in an effort to minimize the effects of mining on our planet.  Recycled silver and gold are virtually identical to newly refined metals, and I feel good about being able to offer environmentally-friendly, handcrafted, heirloom quality jewelry.

MM: Are you doing this full time? 

KF: Making handcrafted jewelry is my full time job.  Everything is hand crafted by me in my Maui studio and then packaged and shipped world wide.

MM: What’s your most popular item? 

KF: My stacking rings are quite popular at this time, especially my “Ocean Blue” set, inspired by the beautiful ocean surrounding Maui:

topaz aquamarine silver ring stacking custom

Ocean Blue Sterling Silver Stacking Rings with Topaz and Aquamarine Gemstones

MM: Any Etsy tips for people just starting out?  How long have you been selling on Etsy? 

KF: I’ve been selling on Etsy for almost 5 years.  To those just getting started at Etsy, I would say refine and hone your overall vision, and emphasize a clear design style that will be recognizable to your customers.  Customer service is key in running a small business. Do your best to answer inquiries and orders promptly and always go the extra mile to communicate with customers and show that you care in your interactions.  Also, when I first opened my shop on Etsy I spent a lot of time perusing the Etsy forums.  The forums provide a wealth of information and I always found other Etsy sellers generous and helpful with information and advice.

MM: Are you in any shops in Hawaii? 

KF: Etsy is my main platform for showcasing and selling my jewelry.  You can also find my work at: The Hui No’eau on Maui and, on Oahu: Cottage by the Sea:

Personalized Bangle with
Sea Urchin Pendant in Sterling Silver

MM: What do you like to do for fun? 

When I’m not in my studio making jewelry I’m out hiking and taking long walks by the ocean (collecting shells for my one of a kind pieces) soaking up the beauty of this island.  I also love reading, gardening, cooking wholesome, delicious meals for my loved ones, traveling, visiting museums, adventures with friends and spending time in nature.

I’m continuously expanding my craft with new techniques and designs. As of late, I am really excited about the new wax cast pieces that I’m working on. I’m continuously adding new pieces to the collection so stop by Etsy to see what i am up to in the studio.

Labradorite Silver Stacking Rings
Maui Sunset Stacking Rings with Garnet, Citrine and Carnelian

MM: Where can people see more?

I can be found on etsy, Facebook, Instagram, flickr: and pinterest:

Mahalo to Kira for sharing her story with us!  

Category:

Etsy Tips, jewelry

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A Maui Made Wedding- Nautical Theme, Part 1

Maui Wedding Nautical Ocean Beach Theme Wedding Ideas

A classic theme for any coastal wedding is nautical, or beachy, and Maui is of course a perfect location to carry out this theme.  A search of ‘Maui Wedding’ on Pinterest will lead to numerous jaw-dropping photos, but due to the perils of Pinterest, it may be difficult to contact the actual vendors for these beautiful weddings.  Here are some actual photographs of nautical and ocean inspired weddings and event decor options, with links to the proper purveyors.

For just about anything involving the written word, check in with Barbara Vanderpool from Miss B Calligraphy.  With a formal background in illustration and design, Barbara has a great appreciation for hand-drawn, whimsical art and the lost craft of letter writing. She specializes in custom-made large scale chalkboards, wooden signs, menu design, illustrations, place cards and envelope addressing.   Each piece is a one-of-a-kind, created out of a collaboration with the bride and groom, resulting in elegant and personal designs.

It doesn’t get much beachier than palm trees and surfboards
These surfboard table assignments will set the tone for a memorable beachside event
Help your guests find their seats with this surfboard table assignment sign.

Surfboard Sign photos by Wendy Laurel 

And for anything involving flowers, Bella Grace Flowers can add the perfect touches to suggest a coastal theme in a natural, organic way.  For a recent wedding, owner and head floral stylist Mandy Grace combined driftwood and mercury glass with white, orange and pink bouquets set in vases with seashells in complimenting colors to create this elegant, yet relaxed table setting.  Mandy has been designing floral arrangements since 1999.  Her work has been featured on StyleMePretty.com, The Knot and Destination Inspiration.

Floral Centerpiece photos by Kim Aihara of Aihara Visuals Photography

Maui Sweet Cakes is a special events bakery that offers beautiful and delicious wedding and special event cakes on Maui.  In addition to wedding cakes, they offer dessert bars, candy bars and cupcakes.   Each dessert is made with fresh, all-natural ingredients, with delivery available island-wide.  Maui Sweet Cakes does a limited number of events per day to ensure that the cakes are fresh & moist, and their clients have their full attention.

Sweet Shells by Sweet Cakes
Suggest Beachy without going Overboard with a blue cake

 

Looking for a few perfect finishing touches for your wedding?   Opihi Love provides brides, event planners, and photographers with one-of-a-kind props and furniture rentals. With the popularity of vintage items with nautical themes, owner and designer Melissa Padilla has been collecting a wide assortment of items, including ship wheels, anchors and sea fans.  Melissa also recently announced that she will be partnering with Dish Wish Hawaii, which offers beautiful fine vintage china, teacups and silverware for events.  She is also partnering with Blue Jane Maui to offer custom painted pillows for your wedding decor, which they’ll even ship home for you after the event!

Create a dreamy wedding with these nautical props
Driftwood place cards wont blow away with Maui’s tradewinds
Sailboat Calendars used as place mats set a nautical scene

Credits:

And of course, once you have designed the wedding of your dreams, you’ll need the perfect photographer to preserve the event forever. Anna Kim Photography’s first priority is to provide their clients with beautiful images that they will cherish.  Anna also specializes in making sure her clients have a good time and feel comfortable being photographed.  Anna’s photographs feature different angles and creative composition, which capture moments filled with honest emotion and beauty.

Anna Kim Photography Maui Wedding

Anna Kim captures a magical Maui moment

With all these dreamy options, any couple can have their own magical Maui wedding, complete with honeymoon of sailing off into the sunset… (stay tuned for Part 2)

If you have a product that you think should be featured on Nautical Wedding Part 2, or have any feature blog written about of your Maui Made company, please email me at lizsmithonmaui (at) yahoo (dot) com . 

Category:

Food and Beverage, Wedding

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