How to Make a Hawaiian Lei for Children
In Hawaii, a lei is a traditional gift of welcome. It is typically made of real flowers, but if you are introducing your child to the history and culture of Hawaii, show him how to make a paper lei instead. A paper lei is a project the child can create at home, and after it is made, the child can wear the paper lei or hang it up in his room.
Things You'll Need
- Color card stock
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Awl or large sewing needle
- Plastic straws
- Ruler
- Yarn
- Yarn needle
- Paint or glitter (optional)
Instructions
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1
Draw five-petaled flowers on color card stock, making sure that each flower is between 2 and 3 inches wide.
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2
Cut out each flower with scissors.
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3
Punch a hole in the center of each flower with an awl or a large sewing needle.
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4
Cut plastic straws into 1½-inch segments. There should be at least one segment for each flower.
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5
Cut a length of yarn 6 feet long.
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6
Thread the yarn onto a yarn needle and knot the ends together.
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7
Show the child how to thread their lei, through the hole punched in each flower. Add a flower and then add a segment of straw. Continue until all the flowers and all the straws are threaded.
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8
Tie the two ends of the yarn together. The paper lei is ready to be worn.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Have the child decorate the flowers with paint or glitter before they are strung.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
