How-to Tuesday: Candy Lei

Last week was teacher appreciate week, as anyone who blogs can't help but know that since every craft and pseudo-craft and wannabe craft blog was filled to overflowing with teacher appreciation gift ideas.  I saw some really clever things, things I would like to try someday, someday when I am not in the middle of grad school finals.  And, because of those finals, I was tempted just to skip teacher appreciation this year altogether.  

But, really? 

Caleb's teachers (there are 2 teachers and 2 aides) are wonderful.  

He loves them, we love them and we are grateful for them.  They work hard, really hard, in a difficult school district with limited parental support.  So, we carved out some time between our regular routine and my pages and pages of writing and exams to study for to make them something that shows them just how much we appreciate what they do.

I wanted something fast and relatively simple, so I thought back to my roots.  I grew up in Hawaii.  Every event of any significance in the islands is celebrated with a lei, especially the big ones, arrivals, farewells, graduation, weddings, births, etc.  I love leis.  I love breathing in the heavenly scent of plumeria and rosebud and ginger.  I miss celebrating milestones with leis.  But, even when pikake and maile and tuberose are impossible to come by, one can always get creative.  

Thus, How-to Tuesday: Candy Lei was born.

This is a simple project and Caleb was able to help with most of the steps. 
Now, just fair warning, these are not the fanciest non-floral leis I've ever made,
but they were quick and easy and inexpensive and very much appreciated by their recipients.

1) Gather your materials.  You will need about 3 feet of lei, so if you decide to go the strictly candy route, plan accordingly.  

We opted for a mix of candy and other teacher-y items (lotion, mints, pencils, drink mix, etc.).

2) Cut a piece of plastic wrap about 3.5 feet long 

and place it on a flat surface.

3) Line up your items leaving an inch or so between each thing.

4) Roll up the plastic wrap into a tube and use your hands to cinch it together between each item.

5) Cut lengths of ribbon into 12 to 18 inch pieces 

and tie one at each interval.

6) Wrap the ends together and tie another piece of ribbon around the ends making sure they are securely connected.

7) Curl the ends of the ribbon and add a bow or some embellishment to cover where the ends come together.

8) Present to your favorite teacher, graduate, citizen of the month, bride/groom, prom date, competition participant etc.

For other much more fabulous How-to ideas click here: