Her faux leis have a fresh new look
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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| Ernestine Spence's stunning leis are perfect for plane trips, and people allergic to fresh flower especially love them.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser Lei Day Festival Lei contests, crafts and entertainment 10 a.m.-6 p.m. tomorrow Kapi'olani Park Bandstand Free 92-5118, 692-5751 |
Her latest concoctions are a burst of unusual colors and textures. They look like a rainbow of blooms, but they don't have a scent — a boon for those with allergies.
One looks like green moss entwined with 'ilima, or some other orange blossom; because they're fake, they're forever.
Another looks like pink rosebuds, garnished with fern; which means they can be hand-carried on a plane (fresh roses aren't allowed to fly with you).
Most lei are frilly and fuzzy — the 'ohai ali'i is noted for its hairy, furry "strings" — and the key substance, yarn, is perfect for making this lei, said Spence.
"One lei creates the next," she said. "Sometimes, it's because I can't get what I ordered, or the color is somewhat different from what I had intended."
For instance, her Mainland supplier listed a red shade of yarn called "tomato." When it arrived, it was more rosy pink than the bright red anticipated, forcing Spence to try something different.
"I order the yarn, thinking of the combinations of colors and texture, but often, some of the things are back-ordered and I only get a partial shipment. So I have to rethink what I'll do."
What she makes most is her original 'ohai ali'i lei, in a plethora of school colors: red and gold for Roosevelt, black and gold for McKinley, blue and gold for Punahou, blue and white for Kamehameha and so on.
Her 83-year-old mother pitches in for one process of the lei-making: sales.
"She's very good, too," said the 'Aina Haina home crafter.
With Lei Day and upcoming lei "season," she's been creating like crazy.
Some fresh lei cost as much during prime season as she charges— $25 (smaller lei) to $40 (her latest creations), with the traditional 'ohai ali'i number at a steady $35.
The lei live long after their floral counterparts wither, so they become valued keepsakes.
The lei travel well, too; they can be packed into a suitcase, but Spence advises putting the ribbon portion — some also are festooned with a kukui nut accent — into a crush-proof cup for protection.
It takes about two hours to create one of her original 'ohai ali'i; besides the yarn and ribbons, there are 450 beads per lei.
"I try to make them look as Hawaiian as possible," she said.
Other hybrid creations — one has yarn slithers that resemble orchid, but in uncommon colors — take less time.
"I do it for pleasure, and I enjoy creating," said Spence.
"I do it when I am waiting in my car, while my daughter takes violin, piano and organ lessons."
Spence avoids the customary craft fairs — "people mostly look, don't buy" — and relies on word of mouth from satisfied customers who keep referring friends to their "finds." (You won't find her at tomorrow's Lei Day Fest, either.)
She gets year-'round requests — for birthdays, for retirements — "but graduation is the busiest time."
For information about where to buy Spence's lei, call 373-9427 or e-mail etspence@hawaii.rr.com.
