New “Wahine” Blockprint!

Dark green blockprint on pale green pillow fabric with contrasting trim

I have just completed a new blockprint titled ‘Wahine” just in time for the upcoming Merrie Monarch Hula Festival! I will have pale greenish tan pillow covers with the blockprint hand printed in a dark green. The contrasting trim around the blockprint draws the eye to the artwork.

Hope you like it!

Palapala

 

Palapala Designs in Nordstroms!

nordstrom pic

The new Nordstroms at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu will open March 11, 2016. This store will feature a large Made in Hawaiʻi department. I was honored to have my tea towels and drink mats included in the selection process and then chosen to be one of the vendors for this beautiful store.

The drink mat sets match the tea towels so it is easy to either assemble gift sets or buy as separate items. It is hoped that kamaʻaina (locals) and na malihini (visitors) alike will enjoy and purchase my blockprint art which celebrates the Hawaiian culture.

 

Na Hulu Aliʻi Blockprint at the de Young Museum!

I created a custom blockprint for the de Young museum in San Francisco for their upcoming exhibit: Na Hulu Aliʻi (Royal Hawaiian Featherwork). It will open at the end of this month, August 29, 2015 and run until February 28, 2016. This was not only a honor but a kuleana nui to properly represent the subject matter – the ancient featherwork of Hawaiian kings and royalty.

na hulu carve

na hulu frame

You will find a selection of my blockprint products as well as custom Hele bags, drink mat sets and tea towels with the Na Hulu Aliʻi design available at the de Young Museum store. The museum is putting this design on their totes and apparel, too!

na hulu na hulu repeat

 

2014 Mayorʻs Small Business Award Nomination

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Palapala
Mayor Alan Arakawa and Palapala

Palapala Designs was nominated for the Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award (10 or fewer employees) for 2014. Although not a winner, it was a great honor to be among all the outstanding businesses at the February 26 banquet and award ceremony held here on Maui.

sm bus cett