Kahu Design

Kahu Design is a New Zealand based studio creating unique hand-made pieces intimately connected with nature and NZ heritage. In a world of mass produced generic, price-based production, our work is inspired by a philosophy of life whereby we strive to create meaningful connections. Based on symbolism and stories that offer an expression of the human need to connect to each other and our environment.
We have a passion for the sensual nature of materials, this combined with our core values of quality, excellence and technical mastery is what we love about what we do.

What is the process of making one of our feathers?
Our Hurururu feather range are handmade using fused glass techniques. Each feather is lovingly made through a technical four-stage process. Each stage can take 12-14 hours to ensure the perfect size, colour, texture and shape:
1. Pre-fuse – The first stage of the process is to cut the raw glass sheet colours into shape to go in for their first kiln firing.
2. Fuse – After the first fuse they are coldworked by grinding and shaping the edges of the glass, another layer of detail is then fused in the kiln.
3. Fire Polish – To soften the edges of the glass the pieces are returned to the kiln again. Add the fine feather surface detail pattern for sandblasting. The feather is then ready to be sandblasted to bring out the finer details after the firing.
4. Slump – The final firing in the kiln to give the feathers unique curve.
Each feather takes a week to make and the end product is a true survivor through the sensitivities of the glass fusing process!