Graduation season is upon us, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate your graduate’s achievements can be a delightful challenge. While gift cards and checks are always appreciated, why not elevate your gifting game with a memorable and visually stunning present? Enter the Money Lei For Graduation – a creative and fun way to give cash that any graduate will love. Forget boring envelopes; a money lei is a statement, a wearable piece of art, and a practical gift all rolled into one. This guide will walk you through creating your own impressive money lei, making it a graduation gift that truly stands out.
Supplies You’ll Need to Craft Your Money Lei
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the materials you’ll need. This DIY project is surprisingly simple and requires just a few readily available items:
- 30-35 Crisp $1 Bills: The fresher and crisper the bills, the better your lei will look. You can use higher denominations for a more substantial gift, but $1 bills work perfectly for a visually impactful and budget-friendly lei.
- Colored Paper (Optional): To add volume and reduce the number of dollar bills needed, you can use paper in colors that match school colors or graduation themes. White or gold paper are excellent choices.
- Elmer’s Glue Spots or Double-Sided Tape: These are ideal for securing the folds without damaging the money, making the bills reusable.
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks (Optional): If you’re using paper inserts, hot glue can be a quicker option for assembling the paper accordions.
- Ribbon: Choose a ribbon that complements your paper and money. Satin or curling ribbon in school colors or classic graduation colors like gold, silver, or black work wonderfully.
Money lei graduation gift idea – handmade DIY money lei for graduation
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Money Lei
Now, let’s get to the fun part – creating your money lei! Follow these easy steps to assemble a gift that’s both beautiful and practical.
Step 1: Prepare Your Dollar Bills
- Gather Your Bills: Count out 30-35 crisp dollar bills. Ensure they are as flat as possible for easier folding.
Gathering dollar bills for money lei – step one of DIY graduation gift tutorial
- Accordion Fold: This is the key to creating the lei’s distinctive look. Start accordion folding each dollar bill. Begin by folding the bill in a zig-zag pattern, like you would fold paper for a fan. Aim for consistent folds about half an inch wide. A helpful tip is to fold halfway between the number 1 and President Washington’s image in the top left corner as a starting point for even folds.
Accordion folding dollar bill for money lei – image showing zig-zag fold for graduation money gift
- Secure the Fold: Once the bill is fully accordion-folded, fold it in half to create a center crease. Apply glue spots or a small piece of double-sided tape to the inside of the fold on each side of the center crease. Press the sides together to secure the accordion in a fan shape. Make sure not to place glue too close to the center crease, as this is where the ribbon will pass through.
Securing accordion fold of dollar bill with glue spot – step in making money lei for graduation present
Step 2: Prepare Paper Inserts (Optional)
- Cut Paper Strips: If you’re using paper inserts, cut paper into strips the same size as a dollar bill. You’ll need approximately 30-35 paper strips.
- Accordion Fold Paper: Accordion fold the paper strips just like you did with the dollar bills, following the same folding technique.
- Secure Paper Folds: You can use hot glue for the paper inserts as it’s quicker and paper won’t be damaged. Be careful not to glue too close to the center crease to allow ribbon to pass through.
Step 3: Stringing Your Money Lei
- Prepare Ribbon: Cut a length of ribbon long enough to comfortably fit around the graduate’s neck, leaving extra for tying.
- String Accordions: Begin stringing your folded dollar bills and paper accordions (if using) onto the ribbon. Alternate between a dollar bill and a paper accordion for a balanced look and to conserve cash. Thread the ribbon through the center crease of each folded piece.
Stringing dollar bills and paper accordions onto ribbon for money lei – assembling graduation gift step
- Tie it Off: Once you’ve strung all your folded bills and papers, tie the ends of the ribbon together securely. You can tie a bow or simply knot the ends, depending on your preference.
Finished money lei for graduation – completed DIY cash gift ready for graduation celebration
Tips for Personalizing Your Money Lei
- Incorporate School Colors: Use ribbon and colored paper that match the graduate’s school colors to make the lei even more personalized and spirited.
- Add Small Trinkets: Get creative and string in small, lightweight graduation-themed trinkets between the money and paper folds. Mini graduation caps, tassels, or small candies can add a fun touch.
- Vary Denominations: Mix in a few $5 or $10 bills among the $1 bills to increase the cash value and visual interest.
- Scented Paper: For a unique sensory element, use lightly scented paper for the paper inserts to add a pleasant fragrance to the lei.
Graduation Gift Success!
Congratulations! You’ve now created a fantastic money lei for graduation, a gift that’s both fun to receive and impressive to give. This DIY project transforms a simple cash gift into a thoughtful and memorable keepsake. Your graduate will not only appreciate the financial gift but also the time and effort you put into crafting this unique graduation lei. It’s a perfect symbol of celebration and a fun way to wish them well on their next adventure!
