Graduation is a special occasion in one’s life that deserves to be celebrated. One popular way to show appreciation and congratulations to graduates is by giving them a money lei. Money leis are not only visually appealing but also practical, as they provide graduates with some much-needed financial support. If you are interested in making a money lei for graduation, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to do so.

Materials Needed

Before starting the process of making a money lei, gather the following materials:

1. Crisp dollar bills
2. Ribbon or string
3. Scissors
4. Clear tape
5. Adhesive dots or glue
6. Decorative beads or flowers (optional)

Step 1: Folding the Dollar Bills

The first step in making a money lei is folding the dollar bills. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Lay a dollar bill flat on a clean surface.
2. Fold the dollar bill in half lengthwise, making sure the edges match up.
3. Fold the dollar bill in half widthwise, creating a smaller rectangle.
4. Fold both corners of the rectangle towards the center, creating a triangle shape.
5. Repeat the process with all the dollar bills until you have enough folded bills for your lei.

Step 2: Stringing the Dollar Bills

After folding the dollar bills, you can proceed to string them together. Follow these steps:

1. Cut a piece of ribbon or string to your desired length for the lei.
2. Attach one end of the string to an adhesive dot or glue, creating a small loop that will prevent the bills from sliding off.
3. Thread the folded bills onto the string, one by one, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4. Once all the bills are strung, secure the other end of the string with an adhesive dot or glue to prevent them from falling off.

Step 3: Adding Decorative Touches

While a money lei can be beautiful on its own, you can add decorative elements to enhance its overall appearance. Here’s how:

1. Thread colorful beads or flowers onto the string between the folded bills.
2. Use clear tape to attach small bows or ribbons to the folded bills.
3. Get creative and personalize the lei by adding small charms or trinkets that represent the graduate’s interests or achievements.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

After adding the decorative touches, you can now focus on making the lei presentable. Follow these final steps:

1. Trim the excess string or ribbon, ensuring a clean and neat appearance.
2. Carefully fluff and adjust the bills to give the lei a full and visually appealing look.
3. Check for any loose or unsecured elements and secure them with clear tape or adhesive dots.
4. Place the money lei in a gift box or wrap it with tissue paper for a more formal presentation.

Tips and Precautions

When making a money lei for graduation, keep the following tips and precautions in mind:

1. Use new and crisp dollar bills to give the lei a fresh and polished look.
2. Handle the bills with clean hands to avoid getting them dirty or stained.
3. Take your time and be patient to ensure that every fold and stringing is accurate.
4. If you’re new to lei-making, practice with scrap paper before using actual dollar bills.
5. Avoid using excessive adhesive or glue, as it can damage the bills and make them difficult to unfold.

By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you can create a stunning money lei for graduation. Not only will it be a thoughtful gift, but it will also make the graduate feel appreciated and supported as they embark on their next journey.

References:

1. “How to Make a Money Lei for Graduation” – The Spruce Crafts
2. “Money Lei DIY Tutorial” – Ohana Avenue
3. “How to Make a Dollar Bill Lei” – WikiHow

Author’s Bio:

John Doe is a craft enthusiast and blogger who loves sharing creative DIY ideas. He enjoys exploring different ways to celebrate special occasions like graduations and has a passion for creating unique handmade gifts. The author’s original picture of a money lei accompanies this article.