Making butterfly money leis for graduation is a fun and creative way to celebrate this milestone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own:
Materials Needed:
1. Dollar bills (or other currency)
2. Ribbon or string (for threading)
3. Scissors
4. Tape or glue (optional)
5. Beads or other decorative items (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dollar Bills:
– Start with clean, crisp dollar bills. If possible, use new ones as they hold their shape better.
– Take each bill and fold it in half lengthwise to create a crease, then unfold it.
2. Create the Butterfly Shape:
– Fold the top corners of the dollar bill down towards the center crease to form a triangle at the top.
– Flip the bill over and fold the bottom up so that the tip of the triangle touches the bottom edge.
– Flip it back over again. You should now have a shape resembling a butterfly.
3. Secure the Butterfly:
– Use a small piece of tape or a dot of glue to secure the folds at the center if needed. This will help maintain the butterfly shape.
4. Thread the Butterflies:
– Cut a length of ribbon or string to your desired lei length. A good starting point is around 40-60 inches.
– Begin threading the butterflies onto the ribbon. You can space them out evenly or cluster them together as desired.
– To attach each butterfly, slide the ribbon through the center of the folded bill. You can also tie a knot after each butterfly to keep them from sliding too much.
5. Add Decorative Elements:
– If you want to personalize your lei further, consider adding beads or other decorative items between the butterflies. This can add color and texture to your creation.
6. Finish the Lei:
– Once you’ve added all the butterflies, tie the ends of the ribbon together securely, creating a loop that can be worn around the neck.
– Trim any excess ribbon if necessary.
7. Presentation:
– Present your butterfly money lei to the graduate during the ceremony or at a celebration. It’s a unique and thoughtful gift that symbolizes their hard work and achievement.
With these steps, you can create beautiful butterfly money leis that make for a memorable graduation gift. Enjoy crafting!
