Quick and Easy Paper Lei

 This project was a part of the Crafts with Katie series hosted by The Keyport Public Library For the original video, scroll to the bottom or click here for the YouTube link. 

DIY Paper Lei 

Aloha crafters! If you're looking for some tropical fun, then get into the luau vibe with your own homemade lei. 

Materials & Supplies 

• Colorful Paper
• Scissors
• Hole Punch
• String
• Paper Straw 
• Flower and Leaf Template

Music for Crafting

Here is a quick how-to video (with the perfect companion song). Scroll to the bottom for the full video with complete instructions. 

Song: The Hukilau Song

Artist: Alfred Apaka 

Step 1 Cut It Out 

Print and cut out the flower and leaf template. Then use the template pieces to trace and cut from colorful paper. 

I used two different shades of pink cardstock for the flowers (one sheet of light pink and two dark pink), and two different shades of green for the leaves. I tried to fit as many flowers/leaves onto each sheet of paper. 

Step 2 Punch and Curl 

Once you have all your pieces cut, punch a hole into the center of each flower and a hole at the bottom of each leaf. 

Then curl the flower petals to towards the center, and curl the leaves towards the bottom.

Step 3 String it Together 

Cut up your paper straws into 2 inch pieces. I believe I used three straws for my lei. Then start adding straws, flowers and leaves to your string. Follow a pattern and repeat (straw, leaf, flower, flower, leaf, straw, repeat). Until your sting is full. The length of your string depends on where you would like your lei to sit around your neck. 

Follow a pattern and repeat (straw, leaf, flower, flower, leaf, straw, repeat). The length of your string depends on where you would like your lei to sit around your neck. Once your string is full, tie the two end pieces together in a knot. 

Aloha! Your done.

Full Tutorial Video with Instructions

Crafts with Katie 

Crafts with Katie is a weekly family crafting series hosted by The Keyport Public Library, with special thanks to the Friends of Keyport Public Library. Every Wednesday at noon stop by the Keyport Library FaceBook page for a new family friendly DIY video. 

The Friends of the Keyport Library is a nonprofit organization  formed to support, promote and advocate for our local library in Keyport, NJ.

For more totally family friendly crafts, check out our previous Crafts with Katie posts.