How to Make Graduation Leis Ribbon with Money
Graduation season is a time of celebration and pride, and one of the most iconic symbols of this occasion is the graduation lei. These colorful, decorative necklaces are a cherished tradition in many cultures, especially in Hawaii. If you’re looking to create your own graduation lei on a budget, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making a graduation lei ribbon with money in mind.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lei flowers | Enough to cover the length of the ribbon |
| Ribbon | 1 yard (or more, depending on the length of the lei) |
| Lei leaves | Enough to cover the length of the ribbon |
| Scissors | 1 pair |
| Thread | 1 spool |
| Needle | 1 |
| Glue | Optional, for securing the flowers |
When selecting your materials, consider the color scheme and type of flowers you want for your lei. You can find lei flowers and leaves at local craft stores, online retailers, or even at your local farmer’s market. Keep in mind that the cost of materials can vary depending on the season and the type of flowers you choose.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your materials, let’s get started on making your graduation lei ribbon:
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Start by cutting your ribbon to the desired length. If you’re making a necklace, the length should be about 18 to 24 inches. If you’re making a lei for a graduate’s head, you may want to make it a bit longer.
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Begin attaching the lei flowers to the ribbon. You can do this by threading the needle with thread and sewing the flowers onto the ribbon. Alternatively, you can use a hot glue gun to secure the flowers in place. If you choose to use glue, make sure to apply it sparingly to avoid making the lei too heavy.
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Continue adding flowers to the ribbon, spacing them evenly. You can add as many flowers as you like, but keep in mind that the lei should be comfortable to wear.
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Once you’ve added all the flowers, it’s time to add the lei leaves. You can do this by threading the needle with thread and sewing the leaves onto the ribbon, just like the flowers. Alternatively, you can use a hot glue gun to secure the leaves in place.
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After adding the leaves, take a moment to arrange the flowers and leaves to ensure they’re evenly spaced and look pleasing to the eye.
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Finally, tie the ends of the ribbon together to create a loop. You can use a knot or a decorative bow to secure the ends.
Customizing Your Lei
Now that you have the basic graduation lei ribbon, you can customize it to make it even more special:
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Personalize the flowers: Choose flowers that have a special meaning to the graduate or that represent their interests and achievements.
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Use a unique color scheme: Instead of the traditional Hawaiian colors, you can choose a color scheme that matches the graduate’s school colors or favorite colors.
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Include a special touch: Add a personalized message or a small, meaningful token to the lei, such as a charm or a small photo.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create a graduation lei that the graduate will cherish for years to come.