The Hidden Calculations

✨One of the other things about custom orders is how much shell size and color play a big role in the design customers request. Every time you create a new piece, it’s always a new calculation. Even if you already have a pattern in place, that doesn’t mean you can just repeat it — because every new set of shells is different in size.

If a customer says they prefer a 7 ¼" bracelet, that means 7 ¼" is what fits them best. But to make the bracelet exactly that size in the pattern they’ve requested is not always simple. You have to carefully calculate the shells to make the design work out perfectly.

Every new piece is always a new creation and a new calculation. You never use the exact same shells, so there are always size differences. That’s what makes creating custom orders both very challenging and stressful during the stringing process — because you don’t truly know if it will all come together until the very end.

The Commitment

Whenever I accept a custom order and receive payment, I put my whole heart into finishing it. I don’t like holding onto people’s money — if I pay for something, I want my product, right? That same respect is what I give to my customers. Your trust means everything to me, and once I begin, I stay fully committed until your piece is complete. Along the way, I share updates and pictures so you can watch your jewelry slowly come to life — one tiny shell at a time ❤️

One thing I’m always honest about ➡️ I don’t do rush work. If there’s a tight deadline and I know I can’t deliver with the quality I stand for, I simply won’t accept the order. My creations carry my name, my heart, and my aloha. Rushing would take away the care and love that goes into each piece, and that’s not how I want to deliver my art.

Like everyone else, my life is full of many roles. ShellsHawaii.com isn’t the only thing I do. Yes, I spend many 12-hour days at my workbench, but I also help my husband with computer work, care for my family as a wife, daughter, sister, and auntie to my little niece and nephew. I also try to carve out a little time for myself — whether it’s the gym, hiking, grocery shopping, or giving my eyes, fingers, and shoulders a much-needed rest (though that part is always on a very small timeline ^-^).

So please know, if I don’t often take on custom orders, it’s never because I don’t want to — it’s because I respect them too much to rush or leave unfinished. I know myself well: once I accept a custom order, I won’t rest until it’s completed. That’s why I sometimes limit how many I take, so I can still create new designs to share with all of you.

The Reward

Do custom orders ever go completely smooth? Let’s be honest — not really ☕ There’s always something that goes a little wrong. But if I can fix the trouble quickly and the piece comes together beautifully, my heart fills with excitement.

The best moment is when I send the final pictures to my customer and they reply, “I absolutely love it.” ❤️ That’s when all the stress, all the broken shells, all the “oh no” moments just disappear.

I’ve told myself many times, “No more custom orders — it’s too stressful and not fun!” But somehow, here and there, I always end up saying yes again. Because as challenging as it is, custom orders bring a feeling of accomplishment that’s hard to describe.

Most of my jewelry and designs, I only make one piece. That means your custom order is even more unique — a one-of-a-kind treasure made just for you ❤️

So yes, custom orders may be stressful, unpredictable, and full of surprises. But they’re also deeply rewarding. And in the end, they remind me why I love what I do: creating ニイハウシェル jewelry with aloha, one shell at a time ✨

To answer your questions:➡️ yes, I do take custom orders — but only occasionally. It always depends on what I have going on at the moment. I pour so much time and care into every piece that I can’t say yes to everything, but when the timing is right, I’m happy to bring your dream design to life. 

Custom Rules 

✨ Do a Little Homework First
Before sending me your request, take a little time to think through your idea — style (pikake, poepoe, kipona, etc.), which shells (Momi, Kahelelani, and colors), the length, and the pattern details (rows, color order). This helps me see your vision clearly from the very beginning, and it makes everything flow more smoothly. 

✨ My Part
Once your idea feels clear, I’ll let you know quickly if it’s possible. Sometimes I may suggest small adjustments, but I always do my best to honor your vision and keep it as close as possible to what you imagine. 

✨ Why This Helps
Custom orders often take a lot of messages back and forth. I don’t mind that — I love connecting with you! But the more prepared you are, the easier and faster we can get to the fun part: creating your jewelry with aloha. I never charge extra for this guidance, but I do juggle many emails, orders, and daily life, so your preparation helps more than you know.

✨ Respecting Other Artists
Photos of inspiration are always welcome, but I don’t copy another artist’s design. Every piece I make is original — honoring your ideas while also respecting the creativity and hard work of fellow artists. 

✨ Quality Over Speed
I pour my heart into every piece I make. If a deadline feels too tight to give your jewelry the care it deserves, I may need to kindly say no. I’d rather deliver something full of love and quality than something rushed. 

❤️Mahalo for trusting me with your dream jewelry — it’s always my honor to create with aloha. ❤️Janjira!

✨ Curious to see what others experience with ShellsHawaii.com?
Shells Hawaii Testimonials ➡️ | Etsy Reviews ➡️