Illinois was settled in 1720 and became a state on December 3, 1818. The violet is the state’s designated flower. Designed by John Serrao. 45″ x 45″
The Apple Blossoms. A favorite flower worldwide especially in Aomori where it produces over 50% of the apple market in Japan. Designed by John Serrao 45″ x 45″
Alabama was settled in 1702 and officially became a state on Dec. 14, 1819.The Camellia is the state’s designated flower.
Hawaiian Women Wearing Lei Niho Palaoa
Whales in Motion – John’s newest Sea life design for our amazing ocean friends. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao
The Hawaiian word for whale is “Palaoa” It is also the name of the Hawaiian neck ornament used by the Hawaiian chiefs. The ivory hook on the lei/necklace is called the “Niho Palaoa” because it is made out of the tooth of the whale suspended by braided strands of human hair. Worn by the chiefs to ward of any evil intentions of visitors and families.
45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao
This past Friday was an amazing day for our family. We went to the Hukilau Market Place in Laie to see the unveiling of our great-uncle Tutu Hamana’s statue at the entrance of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Tutu Hamana was known in his hometown for not only his active role in the first Hukilau but the true originator of Hawaii’s famous “Shaka, Hang Loose, Right On” Sign. In honor of this event John created this design for his and our Tutu Hamana. Can You find the Shaka Sign On the quilt?
Tutu Hamana
Some of the family. John is under Tutu’s shaka Sign. The rest of the family are taking photo’s of the family.
The hibiscus and ti leaf two of Hawaii’s most recognized native plants. The Ti Leaf for good luck in the shape of the Kahili and the Hibiscus it’s crowning glory. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao
The Hawaiians would cut the stalk of the Ti Leaf and curl back the leaves so it would look like the Kahili . It was beautiful but not as precious as the feathered standards of the Alii. 
Photo by Dennis Fujimoto/Garden Island
Sunflower pattern designed using the 1/4 fold instead of the 1/8 fold. This type of fold is used more often when creating patterns for the 45″ x 60″ wall hanging and the 60″ x 90″ twin size bed.
Sunflower 45″ x 45″ Wall hanging
The Flaming Lily, Zimbabwe’s National Flower, a vine that loves to crawl and hang. Unfortunatley it’s becoming extinct due to it’s recent popularity. 45″ x 45″ Design and Copyright John Serrao
Every winter the whales come home to Hawaii. This quilt depicts their long journey home to warmer waters. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao Personal Design
Famous is Molokai and the pua kukui, the flowers of the kukui nut tree which symbolizes light and truth. This design is for that island where Hawaiian traditions remained undisturbed for many generations. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao
This island holds a very special place in my heart. My great-grandfather Elias Poaha was born on Molokai and his family left an amazing legacy on the island. While our connection to the island is few after four generations the stories my mom spoke about is very dear to my heart.
Happy Halloween – No Ghost or Goblins, just witches on brooms hoping to have a little pumpkin for dinner but alas the scarecrow’s taking a stance, ” Away you witches, fly away and be gone”. 45″ x 45″, Designed by John Serrao
Canoe Paddling is one of very few Hawaiian Sports that is competitively practiced today. Competing in different divisions from Keiki, to High School , as well as adult and Senior canoe clubs it is an amazing sport that is seeped in old Hawaiian traditions. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao
Yes, John’s design does have sails on his canoe because the canoes were also used for fishing as well as travel.
Click on the link for an amazing look into Hawaiian Canoe Paddling. http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2012/09/outrigger-canoe-paddling/
The Kahili Ginger is grown through out the Hawaiian Islands but unfortunately it is highly invasive and is slowly taking over Hawaii’s native plants. It was named the Kahili Ginger because it looked very similar to Hawaii’s Royal Standard. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js649-bk7
John created this design not only to look like the beautiful Kahili Blossoms but also Hawaii’s Royal Feather Standards.
Kahili Bearers Queen Liliuokalani’s Funeral Procession
My mom Poakalani was a great story teller. She loved to talk about “HER” good old days; especially growing up with her sister Danette and cousin Francene and of course her home on School Street. She would reminisce about how they would dare each other to walk through Oahu cemetery at night and pick the Make Man flowers that grew there. Of course my mom would always win because she was never afraid of that cemetery believing her family who were buried there would keep her safe. And the Make Man(Dead Man) flower… was the plumeria blossoms given that nick name only because it grew in many of the island cemeteries. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/ js636-bk6
Did you know that orchids is one of John’s favorite flowers. If he could he would grow orchids as a hobby. Unfortunately his daughter’s cat also loves to eat the orchids. So the only orchids he grows are the ones on his quilt designs. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js656-bk7
