Graduation season is upon us, and finding the perfect gift for your graduating friend or family member can be a delightful challenge. While gift cards and checks are always appreciated, why not elevate your gifting game with something unique and visually impressive? Enter the graduation money lei – a fun, creative, and practical way to give cash that any graduate will love. This DIY project is not only easier than you might think, but it also adds a personal touch that makes your gift stand out from the crowd. Forget the generic presents; a handmade money lei is a memorable keepsake and a fantastic way to celebrate their achievement.
Why Graduation Money Leis are the Perfect Gift
Money leis are more than just a crafty way to give cash; they’re a symbol of celebration and good fortune, especially popular in Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures. For graduates, receiving a money lei signifies financial blessings and support as they embark on their next chapter. Compared to a simple card with cash, a money lei feels more substantial and celebratory. It’s a gift that doubles as a festive accessory for graduation day photos and parties! Plus, making it yourself allows you to customize the lei and control how much cash you include, making it a budget-friendly yet impactful gift option.
What You’ll Need to Make a Graduation Money Lei
Before you dive into crafting, gather these simple supplies. You likely have some of these items at home already, making this project even more appealing:
- 30-35 Crisp $1 Bills: The fresher the bills, the easier they are to fold and the better the lei will look. You can adjust the amount based on your budget.
- Colored Printing Paper: Choose your graduate’s school colors or any festive shade to add a personal touch. White paper also works great for a classic look.
- Elmer’s Glue Spots: These are ideal for adhering the bills and paper pieces without damaging the money, as they are easily removable.
- Hot Glue Gun & Sticks: For faster adhesion of the paper pieces, hot glue works efficiently.
- Ribbon: Select a ribbon that complements your paper color. Satin or grosgrain ribbon works well and adds a polished finish.
Gathering supplies for making money leis, including dollar bills, colored paper, glue spots, hot glue gun, and ribbon.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Money Lei
Making a graduation money lei is a straightforward process, even if you’re not a seasoned crafter. Follow these simple steps to create a stunning and personalized gift:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dollar Bills
Begin by neatly folding each dollar bill into an accordion. Start by making a zig-zag fold, ensuring each fold is roughly the same width for a uniform look. A helpful tip is to fold halfway between the number “1” and President’s face on the bill’s top left corner to ensure even folds. Once accordion folded, fold the bill in half to create a center crease.
Close-up showing the accordion folding process of a dollar bill for a money lei.
Step 2: Secure the Accordion Folds
To keep the accordion fold in place, use Elmer’s Glue Spots. Open the folded bill, apply two glue spots to the inside folds near the center crease, but not directly on it as this is where the ribbon will go through. Press the sides down to secure the glue. Repeat this for all dollar bills. The glue spots hold well but are designed to be removable, protecting the bills.
Image demonstrating how to secure the accordion fold of a dollar bill using glue spots for a money lei.
Step 3: Create Paper Accordion Pieces
Cut your colored printing paper into dollar bill-sized rectangles. You’ll need about 30-35 paper pieces, similar to the number of dollar bills. Accordion fold these paper pieces just like you did with the dollar bills. Instead of glue spots, use a hot glue gun to quickly secure these paper accordions. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the inside folds, being careful not to glue too close to the center crease where the ribbon will pass through.
Image showcasing accordion folded colored paper pieces, used as spacers in a money lei, being prepared with hot glue.
Step 4: String the Lei Together
Now for the fun part – stringing your money lei! Cut a length of ribbon long enough to comfortably fit around the graduate’s neck, plus extra for tying. Begin stringing the lei by alternating between an accordion-folded dollar bill and a paper accordion piece. Thread the ribbon through the center crease of each folded piece. Continue this pattern until you’ve used all your bills and paper pieces. Once strung, tie the ends of the ribbon securely together.
Image illustrating the process of stringing together accordion folded dollar bills and paper pieces with ribbon to assemble a money lei.
Completed graduation money lei, showcasing alternating dollar bills and colored paper pieces strung together with ribbon.
Tips for Personalizing Your Graduation Money Lei
Want to make your money lei even more special? Consider these personalization ideas:
- Use Higher Denominations: Mix in a few $5 or $10 bills to increase the cash value.
- Incorporate School Colors: Use paper and ribbon in the graduate’s school colors for a personalized touch.
- Add Candy or Small Gifts: String in small candies, lightweight graduation-themed trinkets, or even inspirational quotes between the money and paper pieces for added fun.
Celebrate with a Creative Cash Gift
Congratulations, you’ve created a fantastic graduation money lei! This unique and thoughtful gift is sure to impress any graduate. It’s a fun, memorable, and practical way to give cash, perfect for celebrating their achievement and wishing them well on their future endeavors. Enjoy gifting your handmade money lei and watching their face light up!
