How to Make a Graduation Lei with Money
Graduation season is a time of celebration, and one of the most cherished traditions is the lei. A graduation lei is a symbol of honor and respect, often given to graduates by their families, friends, or faculty. If you’re looking to create a graduation lei with a personal touch and a bit of flair, incorporating money into the design can be both creative and meaningful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a graduation lei with money that’s sure to impress.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Lei leaves (you can use green, white, or any other color you prefer)
- Money (typically dollar bills, but you can use any currency)
- Thread or string (preferably in a color that complements the lei leaves)
- Scissors
- Optional: Decorative items like flowers, beads, or ribbons
Step 1: Prepare the Lei Leaves
Start by preparing the lei leaves. If you’re using fresh leaves, rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. If you’re using dried leaves, ensure they are clean and dry. You can also trim the leaves to your desired length if needed.
Step 2: Create the Lei Base
Take a piece of thread or string and tie it securely around the stem of the first leaf. This will serve as the base for your lei. Continue adding leaves to the thread, spacing them evenly, and tying them in place with the thread. Make sure the leaves are tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that they damage the leaves.
Step 3: Incorporate the Money
Now it’s time to add the money to your lei. You can do this in a few different ways:
- Layered Approach: Place a few leaves between each dollar bill, then tie the leaves and bills together with the thread.
- Interwoven Approach: Weave the bills between the leaves, securing them with the thread as you go.
- Individual Bills: Place each dollar bill between two leaves and tie them together with the thread.
Choose the method that you think will look the best and be the most comfortable for the graduate to wear.
Step 4: Add Decorative Elements
Once you’ve added the money, you can enhance your lei with decorative items. This can include flowers, beads, ribbons, or any other items that you think would complement the design. Simply tie them onto the lei using the thread or string.
Step 5: Secure the Lei
After you’ve added all the desired elements, it’s time to secure the lei. Take the end of the thread or string and tie it tightly around the last leaf, creating a loop. This loop will be used to hang the lei around the graduate’s neck or head.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before presenting your graduation lei, take a moment to inspect it. Make sure all the leaves are securely tied, the money is evenly distributed, and the decorative elements are in place. Trim any loose threads or leaves, and give the lei a final fluff to ensure it looks its best.
Table: Common Lei Leaf Varieties
Leaf Variety | Description |
---|---|
Maile | Native to Hawaii, maile leaves are known for their strong scent and are often used in Hawaiian ceremonies. |
Wiliwili | These leaves have a sweet scent and are commonly used in Hawaiian leis. |
Lei O Lili | Lei O Lili leaves are known for their bright green color and are often used in Hawaiian leis. |
By following these steps, you can create a graduation lei with money that’s both beautiful and meaningful. Remember, the most important thing is to put your heart into the process and make it a