Where Life's a Beach Every Day!
Mai Aloha
Design Studio
The concept of Mai Aloha was brought to me in a dream. I woke up in the middle of the night with some exciting ideas, and with the help of a flickering candle I started sketching out the images I drempt of and then could hardly wait to get started. I was further inspired to design an online hub where we could fully express all that we are and share our wonderful Aloha -filled life with you.
I am inspired by nature and my muse is that perfect aqua color blue-green color you see in the clear ocean's reef. To me, it's so indicitive of the Hawaiian panorama, it's forever set in my mind. It is my happy place, and I go there often, physically and mentally. Just the thought of it revitalizes my spirit.
The tropical climate allows us to grow our own vegetables. It's not a big garden, but its just the right size for us and it's fun to decorate it with whimsical upcycled items that are practical and useful.
Our favorite trails, and where I take tons of photos and gather creative inspiration from, are on the edges of our island's cliffs.
There is so much to see and take in.
There's an abundance of whales, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, and colorful birds. We even ran along the edge one day to keep up with a Hawaiian Gray Shark that happened to be cruising by.
My Studio, where all the magic happens, is a hop, skip and a jump away... right around the corner form my garden
I just Love to upcycle and use unusual items to help me in my garden, like the baby crib sides I used for the climbing squash plants, mini peppers and fushias.
Everything we grow is Organic, non- GMO. We Love to use Kale for our smoothies, and the orange mini bell peppers & a variety of herbs for our favorite Local, Thai, Mexican, and Italian dinners.
I also make fresh Pesto from the Italian & Lemon Basil plants, and Tropical Cole Slaw & Salsa using our White Hawaiian Pineapples.
I collect vintage plates, pottery, tiles, mirrors, sea shells, sand, found beach glass, and baubles to make one-of-a-kind mosaic pieces; stepping stones, mirrors, tissue holders, unique orbs, and home decor items.
It can get messy, but that's when the real fun happens, with no worries about cleaning up... just create with wild abandon!
Stepping Stones are super fun to make and the round ones can be sent to the mainland in a flat rate box.
I love any type of Vintage Glass and enjoy creating Totems, Towers and Bird Baths.
I entered the 25th Annual Trash Show this year and won an Honorable Mention for my "Pohoiki Pals" made out of cut Albezia tree trunks, from the last hurricane! Here I am with Ira Ono the founder of the Trash Show. And the finished pieces in my garden.
