Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May Day is Lei Day

 
In Hawaii, May Day is a little from the states.  It's celebrated with flowers, but in a different way.  We string them up in a lei and wear them around our necks.  You can also give them to someone as a gift.  Here's more info on how it's celebrated in Hawaii  
This was my entry for this weeks Tuesday Alchemy challenge!  I've been making this for 15 plus years now, for all different occasions.  Even 400 for a party once.  I make it for graduations, and am starting to make some for a family reunion coming up.  Each family will be sorted by color, so that is the color lei they will receive.  This is very easy to make and very economically friendly on your wallet as well! :)  It's made with craft foam, beads and ribbons.  It takes about 40 or so flowers to make a decent length lei.  If you want to get creative and put more than 1 flower you can do that as well.  I've done some with 1 big in the middle and 2 smalls on the outside.  It looks awesome, but does take a lot more time and materials.  String everything  to your liking and tie it up.  Add a tag with a special sentiment and you're done!  It's fun and the brightness makes you feel happy!  I'm glad that I was able to use this for this weeks challenge!
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10 comments:

  1. Oh, how lovely are these?! I really could have done with your help a couple of weeks ago.....my eldest grandchild turned 18 and had a Hawaiian themed party, and we needed 120 leis!
    Yours are so pretty, and what a great idea to use foam!

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    1. thanks!! that's so cute that you had a hawaiian party. foam is awesome! i love using it for things!

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  2. That looks like a lot of work, but pretty! 40+ flowers for each lei and you made 400 at one point?! You're one patient women! lol

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    1. thanks, it's actually not that much work. it's pretty relaxing and great to do while i'm watching T.V. or it might be an excuse to watch T.V.?haha!

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  3. cute...I bet cutting those flowers are the biggest challenge?? Ever since mini learned how to make yarn lei, it's been yarn lei for every occasion!

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    1. i think it's drawing the flowers that is the hardest part, because i try to utilize every spot on the foam. haha! i love yarn lei. when i was younger, i used to make them for everything too.

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  4. These are lovely hunny, wow you made 400 for one party, that must have taken you ages
    hugs Mandy xx

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    1. thanks! for that party, it was a group effort. haha! i had some people helping out in different areas.

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  5. This is really gorgeous all those flowers strung together look amazing, wow, so much beauty and a lot of talent, wonderful project.
    Hugs
    Lorraine x

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  6. Thanks Lorraine! You should see when there are more colors, it looks so cool!

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