Among the many talented women showcasing their crafts at this year’s Women’s Expo, two entrepreneurs stood out for their unique and inspiring creations.Laniana and Livia, from Vanua Levu and Kadavu respectively, turned simple, overlooked natural materials into stunning works of art.This isn’t just about ingenuity but is also a powerful reminder of the potential that lies in the resources around us.
Crafting beauty from dilo seedsLaniana, a resident of Tavualevu in the Ba Province has always had a deep connection to nature.Her journey as an artisan began with mat weaving, a skill she mastered over the years. However, two years ago, she decided to explore a new creative avenue using the seeds of the dilo tree, a common sight along Fiji’s shorelines.
Known locally as mapolo (meaning marbles), these seeds are often seen as playthings for children.But for Laniana, they became the foundation of a thriving craft.“I decided to create something special out of these dilo seeds,” she shared.
“It came to my mind to make bead necklaces because they are lighter than clay beads and have a natural beauty.”The process of transforming dilo seeds into jewellery is both meticulous and meaningful.Laniana collects the seeds from the beach, soaks them in water, and allows them to dry.
Once dried, the seeds are dyed in vibrant colours, dried again, and then varnished to give them a polished finish.Finally, they are strung together to create stunning necklaces.What makes this process eve.
