Craft of the Week: The Graduation Lei

Crafts are a great way to exercise your artistic side but they are also very useful at bringing people together. 

Each week, we will post a simple and easy project for your enjoyment. This is a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your friends and family while enjoying a weekly craft night. 

Graduation Leis
Graduations are a time of grand celebration and pride, and leis are a great way to adorn your graduate, especially if you can match it with their school colors. Flower leis are indeed quite beautiful, but they can be costly and wilt in a few days. So paper leis are a fun alternative to the flower leis because they are inexpensive, customizable, and can last a lifetime. 

Use the following steps to make your own paper lei this graduation season.

What You Need

• Construction Paper (approximately 25 letter-sized sheets)
• Ribbon or Balloon String (2 strings approximately 100 inches)
• Rules
• Scissors
• Clear Tape

Step 1
Measure and cut out 6.1 inch x 2.6 inch rectangles from your construction paper. You should be able to cut out 4 rectangles from reach sheet of paper. You will need approximately 100 rectangles. 

Step 2
Fold each rectangle in half as shown. 

Step 3
Accordion (aka zig zag) fold the rectangle lengthwise as shown. 

Step 4
Tie a double  knot two pieces of string together.

Step 5
Place  one of the folded rectangles between the two strings and tie double knot around the center. 

Step 6
Open up the folded rectangle to form a fan shape. Use the clear tape to adhere the  two side together and hold the fan shape open. Repeat to other side so that  the folded rectangle forms a circle. 

Step 7
Repeat steps 5 and 6 to create a full lei.

Step 8
Give your lei to your favorite graduate and enjoy!

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Fun Tip: If you are feeling extra generous, you can use the same instructions to make a money lei. 

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Do you know someone graduating this year? Check out . While you're there, post a picture and shout out to your favorite grad of past or present.