Making uli uli

I bought the supplies online to make it, since I wanted to make my own verses buying them already made. You can buy the kits to make it, just shoot me a message if you want the website. I made a pair. You will need 2 la'amia (gourd), ali'ipoe (canna seeds), 2 wooden dowels (1 inch diameter), ratan, raffia, 2 round flat disks for the top, stung feathers and tapa cloth for the top, and cream material to cover the top of uli uli (if you want it to be detachable tops, you will need another material)
First, I got the la'amia (gourd base) and sanded it. I used a medium grade sandpaper to get out most of the bumps, then switched to a fine grade sandpaper to really smooth it out. I found sanding it by hand pretty easy. I washed it with water make sure it is smooth and clear of any remains of the sanding. I let it dry.
Second, I screwed the dowel in the middle of the disk.
Third, I put the ali'ipoe seeds in the la'amia (which had the holes already drilled in it). Then put the other end of the dowel through the hole. There should be little holes around the big hole in the la'amia. I thread the raffia in and out. I did this 4 separate times and wrapped this around the dowel. The raffia will help attach the dowel and the la'amia and the ratan will hold this all together.
Forth, I soaked the ratan first for at least 30 minutes. I wrapped the cream colored material around the top, covering the disk and part of the top of the dowel. I started from the top of the dowel. I tucked the tip of the ratan under and started wrapping the ratan over the tip, starting from the top. The ratan needs to cover the material. Then I continued to wrap the ratan around the dowel all the way to the bottom of the dowel. I covered the raffia with the ratan. Then when I got to the bottom of the dowel, there is the raffia attached to the la'amia. I weaved the ratan around the raffia, which also tightens the la'amia to the dowel. And then tucked the end of the ratan around the raffia. The ratan has to be wrapped tight.
Fifth, make the detachable top. The cream top is round. I sewed the casing on the edge of the cream material (this is where I will put the string so it can wrap around the uli uli base). I marked where the tapa cloth will be centered on the cream material with a pencil. Then I sewed the feathers around the edge, and then I sewed the tapa cloth in the center of the material. Finally, I thread the sting in the casing and the top is ready.
Finally, finish the la'amia. I used a glossy polyurethane. But there is also kukui nut oil or any other finishes. Let dry for at least a day. Then I put the top on and tightened and tied it to the base. It is ready to use!
It seems hard to do, but it really was easy and fun to do!