Introduction
Graduations are important milestones in one’s life. It marks an important transition into adulthood and signifies the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another. And, what better way to show your love and support for the graduate than with a money lei? Money leis have become increasingly popular over the years as they not only provide much-needed financial support for the graduate but also make for a beautiful and personal gift. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect money lei for your loved one’s graduation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before we dive into the steps, let us first discuss the necessary materials. You will need:
– Currency Bills: How many bills and how much depends on your budget and preferences. Generally, people use $1 bills but you can use any denomination or mix and match them for added flair.
– Ribbon: You can use any color or thickness of ribbon that you like. Choose one that matches the theme or color scheme of the graduation, such as the school or favorite colors of the graduate.
– Straws or Plastic Tubes: These are used to thread the currency bills onto the ribbon. Straws are easier to come by, whereas plastic tubes can be purchased at most craft stores. Cut these into small pieces, about 1 inch each.
– Scissors: You will need scissors to cut the ribbon to the appropriate length.
– Adhesive Tape: This is optional but can be used to hold the bills in place.
Now that we have the necessary materials, let’s dive into the steps:
1. Begin by folding the first bill in half lengthwise.
2. Thread the folded bill onto a piece of straw or plastic tube. Do this through the center of the bill’s folded edge, while making sure the tube is touching one end of the bill’s edge.
3. Cut the straw/tube to fit the bill on both sides and push onto the folded bill. Make sure that the straw/tube is not in the middle of the bill.
4. Repeat until you have enough folded, threaded bills to create a full lei.
5. Cut a ribbon to a length of 60 inches (or your desired length). You can make the lei longer or shorter depending on your preference.
6. After cutting the ribbon, thread the straws/tubes with the folded bills onto the ribbon. You can thread them in any order or pattern you like.
7. Once all the bills are threaded onto the ribbon, you can adjust their spacing as needed.
8. Tie the two ends of the ribbon to each other using a double knot.
9. Now it’s time to add a finishing touch to the ends of the ribbon. You can cut them in a V-shape, or you can leave them as they are. You can also curl the ends with scissors for added flair.
Interactivity
Pictures and written instructions can be helpful, but sometimes it is even better to see someone else do it first-hand. Thus, we have picked out a few videos on YouTube that can help you along the way:
1. How to Make a Basic Money Lei for Graduation – Beginner’s Tutorial from LiveArt by Julie
2. How to Make 3 Money Leis for Graduation from Crafty Lumberjacks
3. Easy Ribbon Money Lei Tutorial from DIY with Ollie
Personalization
While the basic steps of creating a money lei remain the same, you can always personalize it by adding your own flair. Here are a few ideas:
– Include origami folded bills or cut-out shapes of currency bills to add variety and visual interest to your lei,
– Incorporate charms or beads that represent the graduate’s interests and hobbies.
– Use a mix of different currency bills, such as different values of US dollars, or bills from different countriesy.
– Use letters or shaped paper to create a message with the currency bills, such as spelling out the graduate’s name or graduation year.
Cultural Interpretation
Money leis are more than just beautiful adornments. They have cultural significance in many different parts of the world. In Hawaii, for example, leis are a symbol of affection and are often given as an act of love, respect, and honor. In China, the color of red on currency bills represents good fortune and is used to bring good luck to the recipient of the lei. In Malaysia and Singapore, money leis are given during weddings and represent the best wishes and blessings for the happy couple.
Customization Features
Here are a few additional money lei ideas you can try out:
1. Money Rosettes – This is a beautiful, intricate looking rose made entirely out of dollar bills!
2. Hawaiian Money Lei – A traditional flower-like lei made out of money.
3. Graduation Cap Money Lei – This lei is shaped like a graduation cap with a tassel on top.
4. Tassel Money Lei – This lei is made with one-dollar bills, a tassel, and various embellishments.
Conclusion
Making a money lei can be a fun and rewarding experience, particularly for the graduate who will receive it. Whether you’re creating it as a gift for a friend or loved one or for personal use, following these steps will ensure that your lei is a gift to remember. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize your lei in unique and meaningful ways. By doing so, you will make your gift all the more special and memorable.
So, go ahead, gather your materials, and get crafting! We can’t wait to see your unique and beautiful money leis.
