Graduation Lei

Creating a beautiful graduation lei for someone special is such a heartwarming experience, and a money lei adds that extra practical touch that every graduate appreciates! I recently made a stunning burgundy one for a friend, and let me tell you, the process was so much fun and easier than I thought. If you're looking to give a unique, personalized gift that really stands out, a DIY flat money lei is definitely the way to go. It’s not just a gift; it’s a keepsake of their hard-earned achievement. First things first, gather your supplies! You’ll need crisp dollar bills (any denomination works, but fresh bills fold best!), ribbon (I used a lovely burgundy satin ribbon, but you can pick school colors or their favorite hue!), small rubber bands or floral wire, scissors, and a hot glue gun with glue sticks (use sparingly and carefully!). For an extra sparkle, you can even incorporate small LED fairy lights, like I did for that special 'light up' effect. Trust me, it makes all the difference! Now, let's get to the fun part: folding the money. The most popular method for a 'flat' look is the accordion or fan fold. Lay a bill flat, then fold it in small, even pleats, back and forth, from one end to the other. Once folded, pinch it tightly in the middle. You'll then gently fan out both sides to create a butterfly or bow tie shape. Repeat this for all your bills. The number of bills depends on how long and full you want your lei to be. For a standard 40-inch lei, about 50-60 bills usually works well, but you can adjust! Once your money pieces are folded, it's time to assemble. Cut your main ribbon to the desired length – typically 40-50 inches, plus extra for tying. I like to double my ribbon for a fuller look and extra sturdiness. Start by taking two folded money pieces and crossing them at their pinched centers, forming an 'X' or a little rosette. Secure them together with a small rubber band or a piece of floral wire (be careful not to tear the money!). You can also add a tiny dot of hot glue to the very center where they overlap for extra security, but use minimal glue to avoid damaging the bills. Next, you'll attach these money 'flower' clusters to your main ribbon. You can either gently thread the ribbon through the center of the rubber band/wire, or, if you're using a hot glue gun, carefully glue the back of the money cluster directly onto the ribbon, spacing them evenly. This is where the 'flat' design really comes through – make sure they lay nicely against each other. If you're adding lights, weave them subtly through the lei as you go, securing the battery pack discreetly at one end. Continue this process until your lei is the desired length. Once all the money clusters are attached, tie off the ends of your ribbon neatly. You can add decorative bows or even small charms to personalize it further. The beauty of a DIY lei is that it truly reflects the effort and love you put into it. Seeing the graduate's face light up when they receive such a thoughtful, handmade gift is simply priceless. It’s a wonderful way to honor their achievement and give them a memorable token they'll cherish for years to come. Happy crafting!