How to Make a Money Lei with Flowers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a money lei with flowers is a beautiful and traditional way to celebrate Hawaiian culture, especially during special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or luaus. It’s a symbol of prosperity and friendship, and it’s quite simple to make. Follow these detailed steps to create your own stunning money lei.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Assorted colors and types, enough to cover the length of the lei |
| Lei string | Long enough to wrap around the neck and tie in a knot |
| Money | Small bills or coins, depending on your preference |
| Scissors | For trimming the flowers and lei string |
| Plastic bags | Optional, for keeping the flowers fresh |
Step 1: Prepare the Flowers
Start by selecting the flowers you want to use for your lei. Popular choices include plumeria, orchids, hibiscus, and ti leaves. If you’re using fresh flowers, it’s important to keep them hydrated. You can do this by placing them in plastic bags with a little water and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
Step 2: Arrange the Flowers
Take your lei string and fold it in half to create a loop. This will serve as the center of your lei. Begin attaching the flowers to the string by inserting the stems through the loop. You can alternate between different types of flowers to create a visually appealing pattern. Make sure to space the flowers evenly along the string.
Step 3: Add the Money
Once you’ve arranged the flowers, it’s time to add the money. You can either weave the bills or coins into the flowers or attach them to the string using a small piece of tape. Be sure to keep the money secure so it doesn’t fall out during the celebration.
Step 4: Secure the Lei
After you’ve added all the flowers and money, tie the ends of the lei string together to form a loop. This will create the necklace shape. You can also add a decorative knot or tassel to the ends for a more elegant look.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before presenting your money lei, take a moment to inspect it. Make sure the flowers are evenly spaced and the money is securely attached. If needed, trim any loose ends or adjust the arrangement to your liking.
Step 6: Wear and Enjoy
Your money lei is now complete! Wear it proudly during your celebration, and enjoy the beautiful combination of flowers and prosperity it represents. Remember to take care of your lei by keeping it away from direct sunlight and moisture to ensure it stays fresh and vibrant.
Creating a money lei with flowers is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Not only will you have a beautiful piece of Hawaiian culture to cherish, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of making it yourself. Happy lei-making!