Celebrate a momentous milestone with a unique and meaningful gift – a money lei. This traditional Hawaiian adornment, crafted from dollar bills, not only symbolizes prosperity and well wishes but also serves as a practical gift that the graduate can cherish long after the celebration. Whether you’re a parent, relative, or friend, creating a money lei is a heartfelt and affordable way to express your pride and support.
The process of making a money lei is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal materials and effort. To begin, gather your supplies: crisp dollar bills (the amount depends on the desired length of the lei), a roll of floral wire, and a pair of scissors. The floral wire provides flexibility and allows you to shape the lei to your liking. Once you have your materials assembled, you’re ready to embark on the creative journey of weaving a money lei.
With each bill, carefully fold it in half lengthwise, then fold it again creating a narrow rectangle. Insert the folded bill into the floral wire, leaving a small loop at the top for threading the next bill. Continue this process, alternating the direction of the folds to give the lei a cohesive and balanced appearance. As you add more bills, the lei will gradually take shape, forming a vibrant garland that represents your love and well wishes for the special graduate.
Attaching the Bills
Once you have your bills and lei, it’s time to attach the bills to the lei.
To do this, you will need the following supplies:
- Bills
- Lei
- Scissors
- Tape
Instructions:
1. Fold the bill in half lengthwise.
2. Cut a small slit in the center of the bill.
3. Slide the bill onto the lei.
4. Tape the bill to the lei, making sure that the tape is not visible.
Tips:
* Use different denominations of bills to create a more visually appealing lei.
* If you are using a large number of bills, you may want to use a stronger tape, such as duct tape.
* Be careful not to tape the bills too tightly, as you don’t want to damage them.
| Bill Denomination | Quantity |
|---|---|
| $1 | 10 |
| $5 | 5 |
| $10 | 2 |
| $20 | 1 |
Customizing Your Lei
To make your lei truly unique, consider customizing it to reflect the graduate’s personality and accomplishments. Here are some creative ways to personalize your money lei:
1. Choose Bills with Special Significance: Use bills that represent milestones, such as the graduate’s birth year, graduation year, or the amount of money they earned while working their way through school.
2. Add Photos or Mementos: Attach small photos of the graduate, graduation announcements, or other meaningful mementos to the lei.
3. Incorporate School Colors: Use bills or beads in the school’s colors to create a festive touch.
4. Add Embellishments: Embellish the lei with ribbons, tassels, or other decorative accents to enhance its appeal.
5. Personalize with Quotations or Messages: Include small cards with inspiring quotations, words of encouragement, or messages of support from loved ones.
6. Create Custom Money Bill Roses: Fold dollar bills into paper roses for a unique and eye-catching addition to your lei.
7. Use a Variety of Bill Denominations: Create a more visually appealing lei by incorporating a range of bill denominations, from small bills to larger ones. Consider using the following combination for a balanced look:
| Bill Denomination | Quantity |
|---|---|
| $1 | 10-15 |
| $5 | 5-10 |
| $10 | 2-5 |
| $20 | 1-2 |
Experiment with different arrangements of bills to create a pattern or design that suits your preferences.
How to Make a Money Lei for Graduation
A money lei is a beautiful and practical gift for a graduate. It’s a great way to give them a little extra cash to help them start their new life. Here’s how to make a money lei:
- Gather your supplies. You will need:
- Money (bills or coins)
- Ribbon or string
- Scissors
- Fold the bills or coins in half lengthwise.
- Thread the ribbon or string through the folded bills or coins.
- Tie the ends of the ribbon or string together to form a loop.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until you have the desired length of lei.
- Fluff the lei and arrange the bills or coins so that they are evenly distributed.
People Also Ask About How To Make A Money Lei For Graduation
How much money should I put in a money lei?
The amount of money you put in a money lei is up to you. However, a good rule of thumb is to give at least $10 per bill or coin.
What kind of ribbon or string should I use?
You can use any type of ribbon or string that you like. However, satin ribbon or nylon string is a good choice because it is strong and durable.
How long should a money lei be?
The length of a money lei is up to you. However, a typical money lei is about 36 inches long.
