Money lei necklaces are a unique and thoughtful gift that can be given for various occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, a birthday, or a wedding, a money lei necklace is not only a beautiful accessory but also a practical way to give cash as a present. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making a money lei necklace, step by step. So, let’s get started!

Materials Needed:

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the necessary materials for making a money lei necklace:

1. Dollar bills (in the desired denomination)
2. Ribbon or twine (preferably in a color that complements the currency)
3. Beads or flowers (optional)
4. Scissors
5. Tape or glue
6. Clear plastic tubing (optional)
7. Small envelopes (optional)

Step 1: Folding the Dollars

Start by neatly folding each dollar bill accordion-style. To do this, fold the dollar bill in half lengthwise, then fold it into thirds. Continue folding until the entire dollar bill is folded into a compact rectangular shape.

Tip: To add variety to your money lei necklace, you can fold the dollar bills in different ways, such as origami shapes or fan folds.

Step 2: Creating the Ribbon Base

Take your ribbon or twine and cut it to your desired length for the necklace. A typical length is around 36 inches, but you can adjust it based on personal preference. Make sure to leave some extra length on both ends for tying the necklace together later.

Depending on the thickness of your ribbon or twine, you may need to double or triple it up for added stability.

Step 3: Attaching the Folded Dollars

Now, it’s time to attach the folded dollar bills to the ribbon. Using a small piece of tape or glue, secure each folded dollar to the ribbon, evenly spacing them out along its length. Make sure that the folded side of the dollars is facing outwards.

Alternatively, you can also thread the ribbon through the center of each folded dollar bill for a more secure attachment. Simply fold the dollar bill in half and slide the ribbon through the crease.

Step 4: Adding Beads or Flowers

If you want to add a decorative touch to your money lei necklace, you can incorporate beads or flowers between the folded dollar bills. String the beads onto the ribbon or attach small flowers using tape or glue. This step is entirely optional but can enhance the visual appeal of the necklace.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once all the folded dollars and decorations are attached to the ribbon, it’s time for the finishing touches. Trim any excess ribbon and secure the ends by tying them together using a double knot. You can also use a small piece of tape to keep the knot in place.

If desired, you can slide a clear plastic tubing over the ribbon necklace to give it a more polished look. This step is optional but can help protect the folded dollars from wear and tear.

Step 6: Presentation (Optional)

If you want to present the money lei necklace in a more organized manner, you can place each folded dollar bill in a small envelope before attaching them to the ribbon. This adds an element of surprise and makes it easier for the recipient to remove the dollars individually.

Tip: You can decorate each envelope with the recipient’s name, a personal message, or decorative stamps for an extra touch.

Step 7: Giving the Money Lei Necklace

Now that your money lei necklace is complete, it’s time to present it to the lucky recipient. Consider placing it in a small gift box or wrapping it in colorful tissue paper to make the gift even more special.

Remember, a money lei necklace can be a symbolic gesture of good luck and prosperity. Whether it’s for a graduation, wedding, or any other occasion, this handmade gift is sure to leave a lasting impression.

That concludes our step-by-step guide on how to make a money lei necklace. We hope you found this tutorial helpful and enjoy the process of creating your personalized money lei necklaces!

References:

1. “How to Make a Money Lei” by Leila Ryan, Craftsy.com
2. “Money Lei Tutorial” by Jennifer Priest, JenniferMaker.com

Author’s Note:

Caroline Smith is a passionate artist and craft enthusiast. She loves creating unique and personalized gifts for her dear ones. Apart from her creative pursuits, Caroline enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures, which often inspire her artwork. The accompanying image is an original photograph taken by the author, showcasing a beautifully crafted money lei necklace.