A fun up-cycle!

We all are looking for ways to shrink our carbon footprint, and up-cycling is a fun way to do it!

I thought I would post an easy bit of up-cycled metalwork. All you need is an aluminum tray the right size, the old switch plate, a cold chisel or big old flathead screwdriver (that you don’t mind kind of messing up), a hammer, drill and bit, sandpaper or a file.

Use the old switch plate as a template to mark where you want to cut the holes. Set the tray on an old piece of plywood or a stack of cardboard. While wearing safety glasses, place the business edge of the chisel on the lines and gently tap in grooves on the lines. Double check with your template. Then just keep going over the lines again and again, deepening them each time until you cut all the way through. File the cut edges smooth. Drill holes as per the template. Give it a final polish and install your new switchplate!

I inherited my Nana’s collection of aluminum trays – probably 15 or 20. Some I use regularly, others I enjoy looking at, but how many aluminum trays can you hang on your walls? So, since we were remodeling the kitchen anyway, and I needed new switchplates, 💁‍♀️

Oh! The wall paneling is deconstructed pallets, stained. The shelves are original wood from the house (1932 Craftsman).

Custom Sconces

Whether you are interested in our classic designs, or something new and unique, we can make it for you! Contact us at Info@LeiManu.com

A shipment of Lauaʻe Malama Stainless Steel sconces ready to pack!
A shipment of Lauaʻe Malama Stainless Steel sconces ready to pack!
Bird of Paradise stainless steel sconce
Bird of Paradise Malama stainless steel sconce
Pua Stainless Steel Sconce
Pua Malama Stainless Steel Sconce
Bird of Paradise Malama Sconce in copper.
Bird of Paradise Malama Sconce in copper.
Pua Malama Sconce in copper.
Pua Malama Sconce in copper.

Lighting Trends for 2017 – Florals!

LeiManu Designs
 

Pua Malama Torch (TM)
The original Malama Torch design (TM)

At LeiManu Designs, we’re all about staying power, not trends. We’ve been making lighting since 1967 – that’s long enough for the great grandson of the founder to be making college plans.

But if you are around long enough, and if what you are doing is quality, eventually, the tends will catch up to YOU!

What we are hearing is that lighting trends for 2017 involve flowers, artisanal—wait, I think of that word as relating to cheeses and beers—let’s say “fine handcrafted metalwork,” interesting shapes, organics paired with metals, mixed metal textures and shades—with a lot of gold, and bold pops of color.

Cheesecake Factory
The modified Pua Malama Torch (TM) welcomes diners to the Cheesecake Factory in Waikīkī.

Back to the future! The original Malama Torch (TM) designed in 1967 by Don Yuen is the Pua, still a strong seller, and still proudly lighting the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. (If you are going to go retro, rock an original!)

Mahalo, Maria Killiam. Yes, we at LeiManu Designs certainly approve of flowers in lighting decor! Many of our fixtures are inspired by the flowers of Hawaiʻi nei. The basic Pua design can be modified in a number of ways, from a shorter form with the flowers extending above the rim to electric pendant lights, to table-top and torchiere floor lamps. And, of course, we are always happy to work with clients to create unique custom designs.

Malama Torch (TM) - Lauaʻe
The lauaʻe, maile-scented fern, is featured on this Malama Torch (TM).

Style Spotter Marie Flanigan agrees that organic colors and mixed metals are strong, predicting that brass and gold will remain, and that polished nickle and silver are coming back.

That means the stainless steel Malama Torch (TM) designs are right there with temper colors of silver, bronze, and gold.

According to MamaMia, bright but warm metals paired with organics like terra cotta and natural woods, with swaths of matte white are on-trend, and those earlier-mentioned pops of color are showing up in jewel-toned green couches. But, soft greens and yellows paired with deep earth tones are also on the 2017 palette And, as far as furniture goes, retro styling is in. I guess my 1950s big green sofa is right on point!

The Big Green Sofa
My Nana’s mid-century Big Green Sofa (came back into fashion a few years ago), and her terracotta floor are on point for 2017!

He Ua lā, He Ua! – Tips for helping your electricals through the rainy season

Winter is wet here in the islands. Our home in Hilo can get over 200 inches in the rainy season. This is a real challenge for anything electrical. Connectors corrode, insulation mildews, and stuff stops working.

So, between the rains and the winds, our local electrical systems take a real beating. Mildew grows in the seals and contacts, water seeps in, condensation can occur inside components. Outdoor fixtures can fill with water and short.

Take some time to go check all your outdoor fixtures. Clean and repair any damaged seals and gaskets. Refrigerators and freezers also have a hard time in this humidity. The seals can get mildewed and start leaking air. Clean them thoroughly.

Utilities have a hard time, with the constant humidity affecting connectors. Even without wind, you may experience flickering power.

If this happens, turn off all unnecessary electricals to reduce draw on the grid. You may also want to turn off the freezer and refrigerator until the power stabilizes. Low and fluctuating power can damage motors, and power surges can damage microprocessors—which most appliances from washing machines to microwave ovens seem to have these days.

Once the power is stable, turn things back on one at a time.

He Ua Lā, He Ua

He ua lā, he ua
He ua pi‘i mai;
Noenoe hālau,
Hālau loa o Lono.
Ō lono ‘oe
Pā ‘ā‘ā nā pali
I ka hana a ‘Ikuā
Pohā kō‘ele‘ele.
A Welehu ka malama,
Noho i Makali‘i
Li‘ili‘i ka hana.

LeiManu Designs Lights up Margaritaville, St. Thomas!

Margaritaville
Jimmy Buffett likes our lighting. You should, too. 🙂

Pretty thrilled to get a photo of one of our fixtures lighting the night at Margaritaville in St. Thomas. Wow! If you are headed that way, send us a photo of yourself with one of our lights and win one of our candleholders! Two prizes! The first photo received, and our favorite of those submitted.

It is so amazing to live in a world where a small business in Hawaiʻi is selling products globally! Mahalo to Beachside Lighting and Design for doing such an awesome job of marketing our lighting!

Find our full page on the Margaritaville project HERE.