How to Make a Graduation Money Lei: A Detailed Guide
Graduation is a significant milestone in one’s life, and it’s common to celebrate this occasion with a thoughtful gift. One unique and culturally rich gift that you can consider is a graduation money lei. This traditional Hawaiian lei, often made with money, is a symbol of prosperity and good wishes for the graduate. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making a graduation money lei, from gathering materials to completing the final touches.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green leaves (lemon grass, ti leaves, or hala leaves) | Enough to wrap around the money |
| Money (usually dollar bills or coins) | According to your budget and preference |
| Thread or string | Long enough to tie the lei together |
| Scissors | For trimming the leaves and thread |
| Optional: Decorative items (ribbons, beads, etc.) | For added flair |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the materials, let’s dive into the process of making a graduation money lei:
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Start by selecting the leaves you want to use for your lei. Lemon grass, ti leaves, and hala leaves are popular choices. Make sure the leaves are clean and free of any dirt or pests.
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Take a leaf and fold it in half lengthwise. Place the money inside the fold, ensuring it’s centered and doesn’t overlap the edges.
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Wrap the folded leaf around the money, tucking the edges inside to secure the money in place. You can use a small piece of thread or string to tie the leaf together if needed.
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Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each leaf and piece of money. You can choose to alternate between leaves and money or have all leaves or all money.
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Once you have wrapped all the leaves and money, take a piece of thread or string and tie the ends together to form a loop. This will be the top of your lei.
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Continue adding leaves and money to the loop, wrapping them around the thread or string. Make sure to keep the lei tight and even.
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When you reach the desired length, tie the ends of the thread or string together to form another loop. This will be the bottom of your lei.
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Trim any excess thread or string from the ends of the lei.
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Optional: Add decorative items to your lei. You can weave ribbons, beads, or other items into the lei for a personalized touch.
Customizing Your Graduation Money Lei
Personalize your graduation money lei by incorporating elements that represent the graduate’s interests, hobbies, or achievements. Here are a few ideas:
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Use leaves from the graduate’s favorite plant or tree.
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Include a special message or quote wrapped around the lei.
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Use a specific color scheme that matches the graduate’s favorite colors.
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Include a small, symbolic item, such as a miniature cap or diploma, attached to the lei.
Care and Maintenance
After you’ve completed your graduation money lei, it’s important to take care of it properly. Here are a few tips:
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Keep the lei away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent the leaves from drying out.
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Store the lei in a cool, dry place when not in use.
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Use a soft cloth