Company Profile

DACS Beads  has been in business since July 1991.  We were the first specialty bead shop in Hawaii.  Since then several Bead Shops has opened so we are constantly updating our inventory in order to be unique. 

DACS Beads is located in Honolulu, Hawaii and carries an extensive inventory of beads, findings, tool and books.   A wide range of classes and workshops from bead stringing to Kumi-Himo braiding and lampworking is held at the shop or elsewhere. Check class schedule for complete listing of classes, dates and locations.   

Please visit the rest of this site to see our unique line of lampworked beads and jewelry made by Alethia Donathan and information on any up-coming events.   We will continue to up-date and improve this site. I hope you enjoy it. Any comments please contact us. 

 Reflections of Hawaii

Falling in love with beads at first sight and traveling extensively to purchase inventory for my bead store exposed me to the world of hand made glass beads.  It wasn't long before I was hooked and behind the torch making my own beads.  As a full time lampworker, lampworking has become both work and play, the process and final product, a passion and an obsession.

Many of my beads, in a variety of styles, are inspired by the textures, colors, natural beauty and mystique of the islands, while others such as the Na Ki'i Pohaku Series, preserve Hawaii's history.  By combining my own blends of frits, enamels and metal foils I am able to capture the look of sand or the image of a hot lava flow which is easy to recognize in my "Hawaiian Lava"© Series.

These unique beads will often be incorporated into a necklace that is braided using an ancient Japanese weaving technique known as Kumi-himo.  

 
 

 Member:

  • International Society of Glass Bead Makers

Articles:

  • Honolulu Advertiser (Island Life Section C) Dated. 8/11/98
    Article about her Bead Ho'olaule'a held at the Ward Center in Honolulu.  This was setup to introduce the art of lampworking and jewelry making by various invited artist and groups to share their expertise with the public
  • Lapidary Journal   September 1999  Issue.
    Page 73.  Four-Strand Braided necklace.  A beginner bead stringing project.
  • Lapidary Journal   February 2000 Issue
    Page 57.  Needle-Woven Tassel.  Beginner Bead stringing Project.
  • Bead & Button   October 2000 Issue #39
    Page 44.  Reinventing a Pearl Classic.  To create a lariat look with an art bead centerpiece.

 

Alethia Donathan has designed  her own line of Jewelry since 1991. Her Creations are unique and recognized throughout the Bead and Jewelry community.

She is always contacted by many bead and jewelry publications because of her designs and creativity. 


Archived Postings:

(With permission As posted on Bead Babe web site)
Knotted Kumihimo Braided Necklace
With Pendant - Six HourWorkshops

KUMIHIMO by Alethia Donathan

KumihimoClass03KUMI-HIMO is a braid consisting of 3 or more strands intercrossed obliquely.  The braid is found in every culture but the Japanese developed the highest order of braid technique and complexity.

LoomBobbinsCounterWeight small02Using contemporary materials and concepts the braids can be used for belts, bag handles, decorative wall hangings, bell pulls and jewelry applications or where ever your imagination takes you. 

Kumihimo Braid with a Woven Lampworked Pendant (1 Day, 6 Hour Workshop)

Beginner class in the art of Kumihimo braid weaving.  No prior weaving experience is required.  Using a Kumihimo loom with weighted bobbins, students will make a basic square Japanese braid.  Looms will be provided for use.  Next, using a basic macrame weave, students will create a unique tassel or pendant that combines a lampworked glass bead as the focal point with glass beads and seed beads as a compliment.

 

knotted Kumihimo with Lampwork Bead clean

alethiapic06

International Bead Instructor
from Hawaii
Alethia Donathan

TWO AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS
SPACE LIMITED SIGN UP TODAY!

Dates: March 4th or March 7th, 2005
Time: Noon to 6:00pm
(Six hour workshop)
Workshop Fee: $100.00
(Includes use of a Kumihimo Loom)
Fiber Bundle: $25.00 or bring your own.
Supplies: Bring your own or purchase at class.
Come early to browse.

Click Here To Reserve Your Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Supplies Needed
(Available to purchase at the workshops ... Come early!)