DIY Graduation Leis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dec 5, 2025 by Tom Lembong 42 views

Graduation season is a time of celebration, achievement, and new beginnings. And what better way to honor your graduate than with a beautiful, handmade lei? Forget those expensive, fleeting real leis – with a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can craft a personalized lei that's both meaningful and budget-friendly. This guide will walk you through the process of creating stunning graduation leis that will make your grad feel extra special. So, gather your supplies, put on some celebratory music, and let's get crafting!

Why Make Your Own Graduation Lei?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why making your own graduation lei is such a fantastic idea. First and foremost, it's personal. You're not just buying something off the shelf; you're putting your heart and soul into a gift that reflects your graduate's unique personality and accomplishments. You can choose colors that represent their school, incorporate elements related to their interests, or even add small mementos that hold special meaning.

Secondly, it's cost-effective. Real flower leis, while beautiful, can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you're buying them for multiple graduates. Making your own lei allows you to control the cost and create something equally stunning for a fraction of the price. You can use affordable materials like ribbon, yarn, candy, or even recycled materials to create a unique and eye-catching lei.

Finally, it's a fun and rewarding experience. Crafting a graduation lei is a great way to bond with family and friends, unleash your creativity, and create a lasting keepsake that your graduate will treasure for years to come. It's a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on creating something beautiful and meaningful.

Materials You'll Need

Okay, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! The materials you'll need will depend on the type of lei you want to make. Here are a few popular options and the materials you'll need for each:

Ribbon Lei

Ribbon: Choose colors that represent your graduate's school or their favorite colors. Grosgrain ribbon is a popular choice, but you can also use satin or other types of ribbon.
Scissors: For cutting the ribbon.
Ruler or measuring tape: To ensure your ribbon strips are the same length.
Yarn or string: To string the ribbon pieces together.
Large-eyed needle (optional): To help thread the yarn or string through the ribbon.

Candy Lei

Candy: Individually wrapped candies are a must! Choose your graduate's favorites.
Plastic wrap or cellophane: To wrap the candy.
Ribbon or curling ribbon: To tie between the candies and add a festive touch.
Scissors: To cut the ribbon.
Tape: To secure the plastic wrap around the candies.

Flower Lei (Using Artificial Flowers)

Artificial flowers: Choose a variety of colors and styles. You can find these at most craft stores.
Scissors or wire cutters: To trim the flower stems.
Yarn or string: To string the flowers together.
Large-eyed needle (optional): To help thread the yarn or string through the flowers.

Money Lei

Dollar bills (or any denomination): The amount is up to you!
Clear cellophane wrappers: To protect the money.
Ribbon or curling ribbon: To tie between the money packets and add a festive touch.
Scissors: To cut the ribbon.
Tape: To secure the cellophane wrappers around the money.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, now for the fun part – actually making the leis! Here are detailed instructions for each type of lei:

Ribbon Lei Instructions

Cut the Ribbon: Cut the ribbon into strips of equal length. A good starting point is around 4-6 inches, but you can adjust this depending on the desired length of your lei.
Fold the Ribbon: Fold each ribbon strip in half, creating a loop.
String the Ribbon: Thread the yarn or string through the loop of each ribbon piece. Use a large-eyed needle to make this easier. Keep the folded edge of the ribbon at the top.
Repeat: Continue stringing the ribbon pieces together, overlapping them slightly to create a full and fluffy effect.
Tie it Off: Once you've reached the desired length, tie the ends of the yarn or string together securely. Trim any excess yarn or string.
Fluff and Adjust: Fluff the ribbon pieces to create a full and even lei. Adjust the spacing as needed.

Candy Lei Instructions

Wrap the Candy: Wrap each piece of candy individually in plastic wrap or cellophane. This will protect the candy and keep it clean.
Tie the Ribbon: Cut several pieces of ribbon or curling ribbon, about 4-6 inches long. Tie a piece of ribbon between each candy, securing it tightly.
String the Candy: Lay out the wrapped candies in a row. Use a long piece of ribbon to connect all of the wrapped candies together.
Tie it Off: Once you've reached the desired length, tie the ends of the ribbon together securely. Trim any excess ribbon.
Add Extra Flair: Add extra curling ribbon or other embellishments to make the lei more festive.

Flower Lei (Using Artificial Flowers) Instructions

Trim the Stems: Use scissors or wire cutters to trim the stems of the artificial flowers, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem.
String the Flowers: Thread the yarn or string through the base of each flower, near the stem. Use a large-eyed needle to make this easier.
Repeat: Continue stringing the flowers together, alternating colors and styles to create a visually appealing lei.
Tie it Off: Once you've reached the desired length, tie the ends of the yarn or string together securely. Trim any excess yarn or string.
Adjust and Arrange: Adjust the flowers to create a full and even lei. Arrange the flowers to your liking.

Money Lei Instructions

Fold the Money: Fold each dollar bill in a decorative way. There are many tutorials online for different money folding techniques.
Wrap the Money: Wrap each folded dollar bill in a clear cellophane wrapper. Secure the wrapper with tape.
Tie the Ribbon: Cut several pieces of ribbon or curling ribbon, about 4-6 inches long. Tie a piece of ribbon between each money packet, securing it tightly.
String the Money: Lay out the wrapped money packets in a row. Use a long piece of ribbon to connect all of the wrapped money packets together.
Tie it Off: Once you've reached the desired length, tie the ends of the ribbon together securely. Trim any excess ribbon.
Add Extra Flair: Add extra curling ribbon or other embellishments to make the lei more festive.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Lei

Get Creative with Colors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations. Consider using your graduate's school colors or their favorite colors.
Add Personal Touches: Incorporate elements that reflect your graduate's interests or hobbies. For example, you could add small charms, beads, or even miniature sports equipment.
Use High-Quality Materials: Investing in high-quality materials will make your lei look more professional and last longer.
Take Your Time: Don't rush the process. Enjoy the experience of creating something special for your graduate.
Practice Makes Perfect: If you're new to lei making, practice a few times before you make the final lei.

Make It a Group Activity!

Making graduation leis can be a fun and memorable group activity. Gather your family and friends, put on some music, and make it a lei-making party! This is a great way to bond with loved ones and create lasting memories while creating beautiful gifts for your graduate.

Final Thoughts

Creating a DIY graduation lei is a thoughtful and personalized way to celebrate your graduate's achievements. It's a gift that comes from the heart and will be treasured for years to come. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and get crafting! Congratulations to the graduate!

By following these steps and adding your own personal touches, you can create a stunning and unique graduation lei that will make your grad feel extra special. Good luck, and happy crafting, folks!