How to Make a Hawaiian Lei

How to Make a Familiar Style Hawaiian Lei

By StephanieGellepes

 Things You’ll Need:

·         Craft thread or cotton string

·         Steal needle 12 to 18 inches long.

·         Scissors

·         Fresh Plumerias, Orchids or favorite flower with a nice center for stringing.

·         Tub of cold water

·         Plastic container or zip lock baggie

Summer is the time of year for BBQ’s, pool parties, and a host of other celebrations.

A luau is derived from the Hawaiian culture to mean feast and can be adopted into birthdays, weddings, or graduation parties.  Though many cultures from around the world have used flower to garland themselves, it is the Hawaiian lei that has become internationally known symbol for romance and celebration.   Nothing says “Hawaii” or “Luau” like a flower lei.  

Lei’s can be made of flowers, leaves, shells, kukui nuts, seeds and native plants.

The most familiar style Hawaiian Lei is made up of single strand of flowers strung through the center.  The simplest type of lei is one that anyone can make with flowers ranging from carnations to orchids or plumerias to roses.

While visiting Kauai or Hawaii, you can find plumeria trees all over.  Pick your own flowers, and make your own lei.

 If you want to make leis for your luau or throw a Hawaiian style party, gather your favorite flowers, leaves, nuts or plants.  Be creative and make it your own.  You can even combine leaves with flowers or use two different types. 

A lei has been used for worship or given as a gift.  It is appropriate to wear or give for any special occasion, symbolizing love, respect, pride, or even sympathy.

                                                                           

Step 1

When making a Lei, you will want to use the freshest flowers. Make sure the flowers have eaither just bloomed or are about to bloom and are still partically closed.

 

Step 2

Fill a sink, tub, or basin with cold water. Througly rince and clean the flowers and sumerge them into a sink or tub filled with cold water until ready for use.

Step 3

 Take the craft needle and double thread approximately 40 to 50 inches (or your choice of length) of craft thread. Tie a knot at the end to stop the flowers from slipping off the string.

Step 4

Choose each flower, and snap it off right at the base leaving the stem. Carefully Polk the needle from the inside of the flower and pull through gently to reach the knot.

Step 5  

Make sure to thread the flowers in the same direction, and move them as close together as possible. In the end it should look something like the photo to the left.

Tips &Warnings: * The lei will last much longer if fresh flowers are used. It is OK to use partially open bloomed flowers. * Check for bugs and rinse thoroughly.     * Avoid using flowers with brown edges.   
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© 2010 Stephanie Gellepes  Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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