Arts & Entertainment
Craft of the Week: The Graduation Lei
Leis have become a beautiful tradition at graduations and ceremonies. Learn to make a paper lei to match your grad's school colors.
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.
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Use the following steps to make your own paper lei this graduation season.
What You Need
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- 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.