How to Make Hawaiian Leis for Kids
Leis are the traditional way of saying "Hello" or "Welcome" in Hawaii. They are simple for children to make; they can create one using paper and straws, or they can use real or artificial flowers. Make leis to prepare for a trip to Hawaii, or in preparation for a Hawaiian-themed party. Children can also create leis during a party as a favor to take home with them. Leis require everyday craft items that can be found at home.
Things You'll Need
- Construction paper
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Single-hole punch
- String
- Plastic drinking straws
- Measuring tape
- Orchids
- Lei needle or sewing needle
Instructions
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Paper Flower Lei
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1
Trace 20 to 30 flower shapes onto construction paper. Use many different colors of paper, and make several different shapes and types of flowers. Make sure each flower has a match, so they can be glued together.
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2
Trace matching leaves on green construction paper. Again, make sure you have an even number, and each leaf has a match.
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3
Cut out the flowers. Cut out the green leaf shapes as well.
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4
Lay the matching flowers and leaves on top of each other. Punch a hole in the middle of the flowers and leaves with a single-hole punch.
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5
Cut plastic straws into 2-inch pieces.
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6
Cut a piece of string long enough to fit in a loop around the child's necklace, allowing it to hang to the middle of the chest.
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7
String a double flower onto the string, followed by a leaf. Add a piece of straw. Repeat with another flower and leaf, followed by another straw.
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8
Repeat the pattern, finishing when you have about 2 inches left on either end of the string.
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9
Tie the two ends together in a double knot.
Real Flower Lei
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10
Gather roughly 50 loose orchid flowers. If the flowers still have the stems, cut them off carefully.
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11
Cut a piece of string roughly 90 inches long.
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12
Thread a lei needle with the string. Pull the string until the needle is in the center of the piece of string. If you do not have a long lei needle, you can use a shorter sewing needle.
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13
Push the needle through the bottom of a flower up through the center and out the top of the flower. Slide the flower down the needle and onto the string.
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14
Continue adding flowers onto the string until it is full, except for roughly 2 inches of loose string on either end. Tie the two ends of string together in a double knot.
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1
References
- Photo Credit pineapple and lei image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
