How to Make Ribbon Leis

Rat tail ribbon is the best for creating ribbon lei's

Floral leis have been a Hawaiian tradition for ages and are still created, collected and admired by people today. Sadly, their beauty is limited to the lifespan of the flowers themselves. A more permanent lei can be created using ribbon and artificial flowers, allowing the lei to have a lasting appeal. Silk flowers have become so well crafted that sometimes the artificial aspect can go undetected. For this reason, you can make beautiful leis with artificial flowers that will not take away from their appearance. Allergy sufferers will also find these ribbon leis delightful!

Things You'll Need

• Silk flowers
• Rat tail ribbon
• Metal embroidery needle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose a ribbon color and the silk flowers that you would like to use to make your lei. You can use an assortment of different types of flowers, or for the more traditional lei, all of the same.

2. Remove the stem of the silk flowers by gently separating them from the center of the flower. For most silk flowers, this will simply entail a slight pulling motion. Once the stems are removed, lay them out carefully on your workspace.

3. Cut the ribbon to the desired length of your lei. You will want to be sure to cut it long enough to form a circle of flowers that someone can wear around their neck without obstruction.

4. Thread an embroidery needle with the rat tail ribbon. You will want to use the stronger metal needle, as opposed to the plastic type. Also, a thinner gauge ribbon, such as the rat tail is best to thread through the flower centers.

5. Slide the threaded needle through the center of your first flower and tie a knot at the bottom to secure it.

6. Continue to add flowers to your ribbon lei, by sliding the needle through the flower centers.

7. Tie a final knot when you have added the last flower. You should add enough flowers for a full lei, leaving about 3 inches of ribbon at the end, to form a circle and knot with the original end.

Tips & Warnings

• All of the products necessary to make the lei's can be purchased at your local craft store. Rat tail ribbon is the best kind to use because of it's thinness. But even though it is thin, it is still very strong.

• Be sure to make your lei's long enough