Traditional Hawaiian wardrobes always include leis.
Hawaii is famous for its magnificent scenery, tropical climate, and beautiful fresh flowers. The Hawaiian lei is a product of the stunning flowers. A Haku lei is the braided style of lei that is worn around the head or around the wrist. It is more densely filled with flowers and other greenery, as opposed to the lei that one would see worn around the neck. A haku lei is often given as a gift for any special occasion or celebration.
Instructions
1. Tear the ti leaves lengthwise into three strips. Make sure the strips are as even as possible. Tie the three ends of the stems together, leaving the ends of the stems long.
2. Plumerias make beautiful Hawaiian leis.
Cut flowers so that about two inches of stem is left still attached to the bloom. Have plenty on hand so that you can make a lush, full lei.
3. Start braiding the ti leaf strips. After the first braid twist, place the stem of a flower in the middle of the twist, then proceed to tightly braid over it. Keep adding flowers to the left, the right and the middle of the braids, continuing the braid over each one. The more flowers you add, the more full and beautiful the lei will be.
4. When you get to the end of the ti leaf strip, tie the ends together to finish. Take either end and tie them together to make a ring. If the lei is not long enough, tie another tie leaf strip to the end of the first one and continue the braiding process. Cut off any bits of stems that stick out.
5. If you are making a bracelet Haku lei, tie a piece of string to the ends of the ti leaf ends. This will allow the wearer to take the lei on and off.
Tags: braid over, ends stems, leaf strip, worn around