How to Make a Money Flower Lei: A Detailed Guide
Creating a money flower lei is a beautiful and meaningful tradition, often used in Hawaiian celebrations and ceremonies. This guide will walk you through the process of making your own money flower lei, from gathering materials to the final touch.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials:
- Green leaves (lemon balm, eucalyptus, or hibiscus leaves work well)
- Flowers (tropical flowers like plumeria, orchids, or hibiscus are popular)
- Money (typically $1 bills, but any currency can be used)
- Lei string or floral wire
- Scissors
- Optional: ribbon or decorative items
Preparation
Start by preparing your materials. If you’re using fresh flowers, make sure they are fully hydrated by placing them in water for a few hours. If you’re using dried flowers, ensure they are clean and dry.
Creating the Base
Begin by creating the base of your lei. Take a piece of lei string or floral wire and wrap it around your hand or wrist to form a loop. This will serve as the base for your money flower lei.
Attaching the Leaves
Take a green leaf and fold it in half, creating a leaf petal. Wrap the folded leaf around the base of the lei, securing it with the string or wire. Repeat this process with additional leaves, spacing them evenly along the base.
Adding Flowers
Now it’s time to add the flowers. Take a flower and insert its stem into the base of the lei, where the leaves are attached. Make sure the flower is securely in place. Repeat this process with additional flowers, filling in any gaps in the lei.
Inserting Money
Take a $1 bill and fold it in half, creating a small loop. Insert the loop into the base of the lei, where the flowers are attached. Make sure the bill is securely in place. Repeat this process with additional bills, spacing them evenly along the lei.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve added all the flowers and money, it’s time to add any finishing touches. You can wrap a ribbon around the base of the lei for a more polished look, or add decorative items like beads or feathers.
Care and Maintenance
After you’ve completed your money flower lei, it’s important to take care of it properly. Store the lei in a cool, dry place when not in use. If the lei starts to wilt, you can refresh it by placing it in water for a few hours.
Table: Common Flowers Used in Money Flower Lei
| Flower | Description |
|---|---|
| Plumeria | Also known as frangipani, this flower has a sweet scent and vibrant colors. |
| Orchid | Orchids come in a variety of colors and are known for their delicate beauty. |
| Hibiscus | Hibiscus flowers have large, showy petals and are often used in Hawaiian leis. |
Conclusion
Creating a money flower lei is a rewarding and enjoyable process. With this detailed guide, you can make your own beautiful lei to celebrate special occasions or simply to add a touch of Hawaiian flair to your home.