How to Make Graduation Leis with Money and Candy: A Detailed Guide
Graduation season is a time of celebration, and one of the most iconic symbols of this occasion is the lei. A lei is a traditional Hawaiian garland made from flowers, leaves, or other natural materials. While store-bought leis can be beautiful, they can also be quite expensive. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make graduation leis with money and candy, creating a unique and personalized gift for the graduate in your life.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
- Flavored candy (e.g., gummy bears, licorice, jelly beans)
- Wire or floral wire
- Scissors
- Plastic bags or cellophane
- String or ribbon
- Optional: Decorative tassels or beads
Step 1: Prepare the Candy
Start by selecting your favorite flavored candy. You can choose any type of candy, but for a graduation lei, it’s best to go with something that symbolizes sweetness and success, like gummy bears or licorice. If you have a specific color theme in mind, select candies that match.
Next, remove any wrappers from the candy. This will make it easier to attach the candy to the wire. If you want to add a little extra flair, you can also paint the candy with non-toxic paint or sprinkle it with glitter.
Step 2: Create the Base
Take a piece of wire or floral wire and bend it into a loop. This will be the base of your lei. If you want to add a decorative tassel or bead, attach it to the loop before proceeding.
Next, cut a piece of string or ribbon that is long enough to wrap around the graduate’s neck. Attach one end of the string to the loop on the wire, and tie a knot to secure it. This will be the necklace that holds the lei in place.
Step 3: Attach the Candy
Now it’s time to attach the candy to the wire. Start by threading a piece of candy onto the wire. You can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to help you grip the candy and wire. Once the candy is in place, twist the wire around it to secure it. Repeat this process with the remaining candy, spacing them evenly along the wire.
For a more intricate design, you can alternate between different types of candy or create patterns. You can also add decorative beads or tassels between the candy pieces for an extra touch.
Step 4: Wrap the Lei
Once you’ve attached all the candy, it’s time to wrap the lei. Cut a piece of plastic bag or cellophane that is long enough to wrap around the lei and tie a knot at the end. Slide the plastic bag or cellophane over the lei, and tie it securely to hold it in place.
For a more elegant look, you can use a ribbon to wrap the lei instead of plastic bag or cellophane. Simply wrap the ribbon around the lei, tie a knot, and add a decorative tassel or bead to the end.
Step 5: Personalize the Lei
Now that your lei is complete, it’s time to personalize it. You can write a heartfelt message on a card or tag and attach it to the lei. You can also include a small gift, like a graduation cap or a piece of jewelry, to make the lei even more special.
Step 6: Present the Lei
Finally, present the lei to the graduate. They will appreciate the thought and effort you put into creating a unique and personalized graduation gift.
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and meaningful graduation lei with money and candy. Not only will it be a cherished keepsake, but it will also serve as a reminder of the love and support you have for the graduate.
