Hard-to-get Island Kili bags

You might remember Jackie Onassis carrying one of these, or maybe a young woman in the Cook Islands walking to church, but once you've seen the Island Kili bags, you won't forget. They are the epitome of island class. Originally made by the islanders from Bikini Atoll, the intricate weaving of young coconut leaf fibers is all done by hand. In Polynesia, the fibers are called niau blanc.

Inside the bag you'll find a layer of classic 1/4 inch wide lauhala strips woven together to insulate. The top of the bag is attached at one end and opens with a flip of the lid. Woven handles complete the look.

Its perfect for any time of year, but even better in the warm summer months. The bag is light so its easy and effortlessly taken from place to place. Store your iPod or iPhone, essential makeup, travel lotion or pareo. It lifts casual island style to new elegance.

Check out the 2 sizes available priced $48 for the small and $72 for the medium. It'll make you feel like booking a flight just to stroll through an island getaway or Hawaii Vacation. If you can afford a little pampering, take the trip. If a trip is a little out of range, save up. It's worth it. In the meantime, this Island Kili bag will keep the islands fresh in your mind every time you pick it up or get compliments and jealous looks.

Tahitian Raufara (Lauhala)

If you've ever been to any of the resorts in Tahiti, chances are you've seen some master crafters' work and traditional thatching (left) made from lauhala. It is the second most important tree in Polynesia after the mighty coconut - the tree of life.

There are many varieties of lauhala in Tahiti. And there are just as many uses for the versatile and useful member of the Pandancaceae family. The tree is also known as a screw pine.

Traditional Tahitian homes anciently were made of family compounds that had thatched roofs woven from either the coconut (niau) fronds or pandanus (raufara/lauhala) leaves. Today, you're likely to see this architecture only at the luxury resorts. The raufara leaves were found to be more resistent to rain and wind and tended to last longer periods of time compared to the coconut fronds.

Low land varieties of raufara include fara iri, which is used for making mats; fara pe'ue, with long flexible leaves and is also used in mat making; and fare paeore, a choice kind with very long thornless leaves which is used for weaving fine mats and delicate work. In the mountains there are even more varieties.

Raufara leaves are very durable and artisans, crafters and thatchers create many useful items including hats, mats, fans, roof thatching and even canoe sails, just like ancient times.

Preparation of raufara is labor intensive, especially because of the time it takes to carefully remove the hard thorn edge often found on most varieties. Removing these edges is done by hand. After collecting the dry raufara leaves, Tahitians place them in bundles and submerge them in sea water for a day to make them resistant to insects. The damp leaves are then softened over a piece of wood and beaten with a mallet to remove the green outer skin. When all the preparations are done, the leaves are then rolled up and tied until needed for weaving. These finished rolls are what we offer at Black Pearl Designs for crafters, dancers and weaving enthusiasts.