How to Make Fake Flower Leis

Leis are known as a Hawaiian celebratory accessory to be worn at special events such as weddings, luaus and picnics. Usually, leis are made with real flowers and are sewn together. When making fake flower leis, another way to bind them together is by attaching them to a narrow ribbon using hot glue. Making silk flower leis can be turned into a social gathering when preparing decorations for a party. They will last indefinitely and can be worn again for another occasion.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Medium-sized silk flower blossoms (2- to 3-inch diameter)
• White grosgrain ribbon, 1/2-inch wide
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors

1. Lay a 36-inch long piece of grosgrain ribbon flat on a work table. Lay the fake flowers to be used on the ribbon in a random fashion. Ensure same color flowers are not side by side, but separated with a contrasting color flower. For example, alternate light flowers with dark flowers so that the colors of each blossom stand out. Lay flowers side by side, but not too close together. Continue doing this from one end of the ribbon to the other, leaving a 1/2-inch space at each end.

2. Start at one end of the ribbon. Pick up a flower and, with a hot glue gun, put a dab of hot glue on the inside center of each blossom (wrong side) and press it down onto the grosgrain ribbon where it had been positioned.

3. Glue the next flower. Continue until all the flowers are secured to the grosgrain ribbon. Let the lei cool.

4. Add a dab of hot glue to one of the ribbon ends and lay the other end of the ribbon on top of it to secure closure. Press together and let cool.

5. Make as many leis as may be needed for the event where they will be used. Hand out to guests to wear as they arrive, to create a festive atmosphere. If there are many leis, more than one lei can be given to each guest to wear.

Tips & Warnings

• Fake flowers for the lei can be an assortment of different kinds and colors; however, if celebrating a wedding, all white may be more appropriate. They can also be the same color if desired. Spray leis with a fragrance if desired. Purchase fake flowers at craft shops in stems. Sometimes, bags of loose flowers can be purchased (these have been collected when they fell off bunches or stems).