How to Make Graduation Leis: A Step-by-Step Guide and Inspirational Ideas

Introduction

Graduation leis are a traditional symbol of honor, respect, and accomplishment for graduates. In different cultures, leis are made from flowers, leaves, or shells and signify different things. For instance, in Hawaii, people exchange flower leis as a sign of affection and respect. The practice of giving leis at graduations originated in Hawaii during the early 1900s, and it has become increasingly popular in the US and other countries. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make your own graduation lei to save money and create a personal touch for your graduate’s special day.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

The process of making a graduation lei is easy, quick, and affordable. Here are the materials that you need:

• Strand of ribbon or twine (6 feet long)
• Flowers (real or fake)
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Tape

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Choose your flowers: The type of flowers that you choose will determine the overall look of the lei. You can use fresh flowers or artificial ones; it’s a matter of preference.
2. Measure and cut the ribbon: Cut a 6-foot long strand of ribbon or twine. You can choose a color that matches the graduate’s school or favorite color.
3. Tape one end of the ribbon: Tape one end of the ribbon to a flat surface such as a table, door, or wall.
4. Thread the needle: Thread the needle with a long strand of thread. Double it for extra security.
5. Prepare the flowers: Remove the stems of the flowers, and cut them into 1 1/2 inch lengths.
6. Sew the flowers onto the ribbon: Tie a knot at one end of the thread, leaving a tail of about one inch. Take a flower and place the needle through the center of the flower. Pull the thread all the way through, leaving the flower on the ribbon. Repeat the process with all the flowers until your lei is complete. You can mix up different types of flowers or use all of the same type depending on what you want.
7. Tie off the ribbon: Once you have finished sewing the flowers, tie a knot at the end of the ribbon, leaving a tail of about one inch so that the lei can be easily tied around the neck of the graduate. Turn the lei over and repeat the process, so that the flowers are sewn on both sides of the ribbon.

For a more detailed tutorial, check out this video:

Listicle of Variations

It’s possible to make different types of leis depending on the material and size of the flowers that you use. Here are some popular variations and instructions:

• Candy Leis: Using candy instead of flowers. It’s a perfect option for a graduate with a sweet tooth. Candy leis are easy to make by threading wrapped candy such as Hershey’s Kisses or Lifesavers onto a strand of ribbon or twine.
• Money Leis: Fitting for a graduate who values practicality and the value of money. Simply use folded dollar bills, or attach the bills to the ribbon with paperclips or staples.
• Photo Leis: Photo leis are an excellent way to immortalize graduation memories. To make a photo lei, simply print out photos of the graduate, and use tape to attach them to the ribbon.

Personalized Options for Leis

Personalizing graduation leis adds a special touch and shows that you took extra care in selecting the right lei. Here are some ideas for customizing graduation leis:

• Include the graduate’s favorite candies or snacks in the candy lei for a sweet surprise.
• Use ribbons in the graduate’s school colors or their favorite colors for an extra special touch.
• Add a graduation cap or charm to the lei to symbolize their academic achievement.

The History of Leis

Leis have been used as ornaments in many cultures across the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In Hawaii, leis were used as a way of welcoming visitors to the islands, and they were exchanged as gifts to show affection during special occasions. Graduation leis became popular in Hawaii in the early 1900s when students started to give them as gifts to teachers and graduates. The tradition quickly caught on in the US and beyond, and now graduates all over the world wear leis to celebrate their achievement.

Troubleshooting Tips

Some common problems that you may encounter while making graduation leis include broken flower strands, tangled ribbon, or flowers falling out of the ribbon. Here are some quick solutions:

• If a flower strand breaks, simply tuck the broken stem through another flower and continue sewing.
• If the ribbon gets tangled, stop sewing and untangle the ribbon before continuing.
• To prevent flowers from falling out of the ribbon, make sure to sew each flower securely onto the ribbon by passing the needle through the middle of each flower before tying the thread.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making graduation leis:

• What type of flowers should I use to make a graduation lei?

You can use any flower that you prefer. Don’t be afraid to mix up different colors and sizes to create a unique look.

• Is it better to use fresh or artificial flowers?

Either option would work, depending on your preference. Fresh flowers may give off a more authentic look and scent, but artificial flowers are easier to work with and last longer.

• How long does it take to make a lei?

It usually takes about 20-30 minutes to make a lei depending on how intricate the design is.

Conclusion

Making a graduation lei is a fun and creative way to celebrate a graduate’s achievement. With these step-by-step instructions and tips, anyone can create a beautiful and personalized lei that the graduate will cherish for years to come.

Take some time to think about how your lei could be personalized to match the graduate’s personality or academic achievements. Get creative, experiment with different flowers, and have fun with it.