How to Make Graduation Leis with Money
Graduation season is a time of celebration, and one of the most iconic symbols of this occasion is the lei. A lei is a traditional Hawaiian garland made from flowers, leaves, or other natural materials. While store-bought leis can be quite expensive, making your own can be a cost-effective and personalized way to honor graduates. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to create graduation leis on a budget.
Materials Needed
Before you start making your graduation leis, gather the following materials:
- Flowers: Choose flowers that are in season and affordable. Popular options include plumeria, orchids, and roses.
- Leaves: Use leaves that complement the flowers, such as palm leaves or ferns.
- Wire: Use floral wire to secure the flowers and leaves together.
- Scissors: Use sharp scissors to cut the flowers and leaves.
- Plastic bags: Use plastic bags to protect your hands while handling flowers and leaves.
- Water: Keep a bowl of water nearby to keep the flowers hydrated.
Creating a Simple Flower Lei
One of the most straightforward ways to make a graduation lei is by using flowers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a simple flower lei:
- Start by selecting a length of wire that is long enough to wrap around the graduate’s neck. Cut the wire to the desired length.
- Choose a flower and strip the petals off the stem. Repeat this process for the desired number of flowers.
- Take the first flower and wrap the wire around the stem, securing it in place. Repeat this process for the remaining flowers, spacing them evenly along the wire.
- Once all the flowers are in place, wrap the wire around the base of the last flower to secure it.
- Trim any excess wire and enjoy your beautiful flower lei!
Creating a Leaf Lei
Leaves can add a unique touch to your graduation lei. Here’s how to create a leaf lei:
- Start by selecting a length of wire that is long enough to wrap around the graduate’s neck. Cut the wire to the desired length.
- Choose a leaf and strip the stem off. Repeat this process for the desired number of leaves.
- Take the first leaf and wrap the wire around the stem, securing it in place. Repeat this process for the remaining leaves, spacing them evenly along the wire.
- Once all the leaves are in place, wrap the wire around the base of the last leaf to secure it.
- Trim any excess wire and enjoy your beautiful leaf lei!
Mixing Flowers and Leaves
For a more intricate lei, consider mixing flowers and leaves. Here’s how to create a mixed lei:
- Start by selecting a length of wire that is long enough to wrap around the graduate’s neck. Cut the wire to the desired length.
- Choose a flower and strip the petals off the stem. Repeat this process for the desired number of flowers.
- Choose a leaf and strip the stem off. Repeat this process for the desired number of leaves.
- Take the first flower and wrap the wire around the stem, securing it in place. Add a leaf next to the flower, and repeat this process for the remaining flowers and leaves, spacing them evenly along the wire.
- Once all the flowers and leaves are in place, wrap the wire around the base of the last flower and leaf to secure it.
- Trim any excess wire and enjoy your beautiful mixed lei!
Customizing Your Lei
Personalize your graduation lei by adding special touches, such as:
- Adding a ribbon or tassel to the end of the lei.
- Writing a message on the lei using a permanent marker.
- Using a unique color scheme to match the graduate’s attire or school colors.
Conclusion
Creating graduation leis on a budget is not only cost-effective but also allows you to express your creativity and thoughtfulness. By following these simple steps and using the materials listed above, you can make a beautiful and meaningful