Maui Mana Creations by Lisa Pestana
It was my son Paul who led me to Axis Deer. I had been a vegetarian for 22 years when in his teens, Paul became a hunter. He and my younger son, Adam, were also fishermen. That’s when I decided to start eating the meat and fish they harvested. I was proving a point and wanted them to understand that when you kill, you don’t waste. You utilize the entire animal whenever possible.
Over time Paul would hunt and clean the Axis Deer or Pig. We’d then eat the meat, save the scraps for the dogs, skin the animal for the hide, and the antlers were used either for dog chews or a trophy for the remembrance of the hunt. Paul used to laugh. “Mom, I got you to start eating meat again!”
I love sewing for my family. I mostly make quilts and PJs. One day Paul asked me to make him some deer hide pillows. I told him that my sewing machine wouldn’t get through the hide. He said, “Mom, if you make me the pillows, I’ll buy you the machine.” That was a deal I wasn’t going to pass up. I made him the pillows for his couch. Then, for his 28th birthday he asked me to make him a gun sling. I told him I wouldn’t even know where to start.
“I know you can do it, Mom. I’ll send you pictures and the hardware that’s used.” He sent what I needed, and I made it for him. He said it was exactly what he dreamed of. He just beamed with joy and satisfaction so happy that again I was doing something he got me started on.
The family celebrated Paul’s 28th birthday on June 18, 2021. We talked about the new venture often! The morning of July 19, 2021 I called Paul with some ideas. We shared and collaborated our thoughts and visions. We were both excited and on the same page, dreaming of where this could all go. Later that same day I got the call that all parent’s dread.
Paul had a fatal accident at work. He was only 28 years old. To say the least, our family was devastated. What has gotten us through the hard times are our sweet memories of him.
Working with the hides has become a labor of love. I have so much respect for the craft. It is a humbling experience to work with the deer and leather. As I create each new piece, I can see Paul smiling! So, I just keep creating and chasing his smile in my mind.
