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Amani Details :
Small Doll, Redress, No Pattern or Sloper Used.

Artist Notes:
Amani's name means "peace" in Swahili. Born in South Africa she has traveled the world with her mother, a lady of mystery and intrigue. As they settled on Maui, Amani felt as if she had come home. She played in the sand at the beach, took up surfing, and discovered her favorite waterfall. The next time her mother had to follow her career elsewhere, Amani stayed in her Island paradise.

Amani's fiance descends from Prince Leleiohoku true Hawaiian Royalty. Much of her gown and trousseau were special requests from the large contingent of Royals. For example, he did not want his new bride to wear a veil. She chose a double lei made from polished shells and flowers and opted to let her long red hair remain loose.

Her gown is soft ecru European lace. The fitted top is cut along the lines of the lace and each side of her strapless top is slightly different. It is beaded with cream and shades of pink seed beads; the delightful butterfly that dips onto her skirt is a one of the details she demanded for she is as free spirited as a butterfly. It is hard to see, because it overlays the right side of her skirt. But since it is a two piece outfit, she plans to wear it with cream colored pants on their honeymoon.

The skirt is completely lined with soft crepe, and there are no raw edges. Following the lines of the lace, the over skirt is covered in iridescent pink, cream, and rich pearl seed beads; the skirt swishes as she moves and light seems to dance across the beads.

The single snap closures on the skirt and the top are hidden beneath the lace and beads.
There are literally hundreds of beads on the ensemble.

Her bouquet is shaped like a valentine with a few dark pink and white roses in a simple bouquet with ecru lace crocheted around the edge. Streamers of pale pink and cream ribbon and pearls from Maui's waters hang gracefully from the flowers. The bouquet was created in a Paris boutique and brought to the wedding by Amani's mother.

This was my first experience beading, and I was shocked at the number of beads it took to follow the lines in the lace. It was frustrating as time after time I had the needle on the wrong side of the gown when I put beads on it, which meant I had to unthread the needle over and over -- and for eyes that grow tired that is a big job! The end result was worth the stiff fingers, the twisted thread (I didn't know about bee's wax at the start), the constant search for the right bead.

It is a gown that my family feels is a masterpiece, something I should save for generations... Maybe I'll just have to figure out how to create one when another member of the family gets married.