Watching a flower come to life

Here's the part I still can't quite get over.

We happened to be in the shop while the artist — Caleb Evans — was there, and instead of just selling us a finished flower, he offered to make one for me, right then and there.

Two colors of Japanese clay. No mold. Just his hands, pinching and shaping and coaxing a plumeria into being while we watched. Petal by petal, it came together in front of us — the blush of color, the curl of each petal, even the veining on the leaves. Twenty-four hours later, the clay hardens, and what you're left with is a flower that will never wilt. Ever.

I've bought a lot of things on a lot of trips. I've never watched one being made for me before. That flower is going to outlast every other souvenir I've ever carried home — and every time I look at it, I'll remember standing in that shop watching it take shape.

More than a shop: weddings, custom orders & classes

Nana's Clay Flowers isn't just a place to buy — it's a working studio that does quite a lot:

Custom orders — a specific flower, color, or arrangement made to request

Wedding work — bouquets and florals that will still be perfect on your fiftieth anniversary

Classes — where you can learn to shape the clay yourself

The main shop we visited is in Kailua-Kona, and there's a second location up in the Waikoloa area as well — handy if you're staying on the Kohala Coast.

How to care for a clay flower

The best part? They're nearly maintenance-free. A few things worth knowing so yours lasts a lifetime:

Dusting is all it needs — a soft makeup brush or a little air duster does it. For a deeper clean, a damp cloth gently over the petals and leaves.

Keep it out of direct sunlight — like anything, strong sun can fade the colors over time.

Moisture- and temperature-resistant — they hold up in warm or cool rooms, and can even handle a steamy bathroom. Made for indoor display.

That's it. No water, no wilting, no fuss — just a little dusting now and then.

Why we love supporting island makers

There's something about meeting the person who made the thing. On an island where so much of what's sold to visitors is shipped in from somewhere else, finding a true local artist — someone whose whole heart is in the work — feels rare and worth celebrating.

So if you're on the Big Island and you spot Nana's Clay Flowers, go in. Look around. Say hello. You might walk out with a flower that lasts forever — and the story of watching it made.

You can find Nana's Clay Flowers on Instagram at @nanaclayflowerskona, and see the artist's work at @calebevanscreationz.