Give the graduate a homemade lei in her school colors.
Leis are necklaces of strung flowers and garland that are traditionally given as a welcome gift to visitors to the Polynesian Islands. However, the tropical accessory has also become a celebratory present for people around the world during special occasions, including graduations. You can create a variety of leis at home to give the graduate a one-of-a-kind present on his big day. Does this Spark an idea?
Flowers
For a traditional lei gift, make your graduate a flower lei. Buy about 50 flower blossoms, such as orchids, to create this gift. Cut a 90-inch-long piece of string. Tie a knot on one end and thread a large needle on the other. After removing the stems of the flowers, stick the needle through the center of a blossom. Repeat this process with each flower, stringing all the flowers on the line in the same direction. Tie the string together to complete the lei.
Money
Give the graduate an accessory she can take to the bank by creating a money lei. Cut a piece of ribbon in the size you want the lei to be. Take a dollar bill (or larger, if you prefer) and pinch it in the middle. Use a smaller piece of ribbon to tie the bill to the lei with a knot and bow. Continue tying bills around the lei to create the plush money neck piece. Be generous when making this craft -- the more money on the lei, the better it looks.
Candy
Say congratulations to the graduate with a sweet tooth by presenting him with a candy lei. Buy a bag full of wrapped candies that the graduate likes or a sweet that comes in his school colors. Lay a piece of cellophane wrap on a flat surface. Place the candies on the cellophane wrap, leaving about 1 or 2 inches between each one. Wrap the adhesive plastic over the candies to create a long tube. Tie a ribbon between each of the candies, and use a ribbon to connect the rolled cellophane wrap together and complete the lei.
Paper
A paper lei is a keepsake the graduate can keep for years to come. Select a few paper colors to make the accessory, such as construction paper in the graduate's school colors or scrapbook paper in a design she'll enjoy. Cut out a flower pattern on a piece of sturdy paper, and use this as a pattern to trace the design on the decorative papers. Cut out these pieces and make a hole punch in the center of each paper flower. String them on a ribbon and tie the ribbon in a knot to complete the lei.
Tags: cellophane wrap, school colors, between each, piece ribbon, together complete