Photo by Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
Isle photographer Susan Aimee Weinik's "Hula-Grams" feature
hula maidens photographs that are cut out for unusual greeting cards.

Local photographer Susan Aimee Weinik's "Hula-Gram" cards debuted in Hawaii stores last week, and feature flowered maidens that fold open.

Again, literally. The photographic greeting cards are intricately die-cut using a laser process in Hong Kong.

They come with an envelope for mailing, and a clear plastic sleeve for viewing, and they're $2, available in a growing number of local venues that include, Art Board, Art Avenue, Borders Books & Music, Paper Roses, Fox Photo, Waimea Falls Park, Flower Shack, Unity Church, American Cruise Lines, Kahala Frame Shack and - in Japan - Pau Hana stores.

Weinik, who said she worked at People magazine in New York for 15 years, does the photography and flower styling herself.

"The hula girl is the universal symbol of Hawaii," Weinik said. "What better image to use as a greeting card? There should be one on every pillow in a hotel! And now you can take home your very own hula girl."

The cards can be stood up like paper dolls.

Because the girls are svelte, however, any message written on their insides needs to be brief. Maybe Weinik will do a big tutu for longer letters.

Weinik has had no trouble placing these items with local retailers.

"Some of them are using the cards for their personal Christmas cards," said Weinik.

For more information, call 732-4326.