Fake maile lei how to
The classic Hawaiian tradition of making a fake mail lei! While it's always best to make a real lei with fresh flowers, I can provide you with a simple guide on how to create a fake mail lei using materials you can easily find.
Materials:
- Artificial flowers (you can use silk, plastic, or paper flowers)
- Wire (copper or aluminum)
- Floral tape (green or brown)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (optional)
- Decorative items (optional, e.g., beads, sequins, or ribbons)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the artificial flowers: Choose the flowers you want to use and trim the stems to about 1-2 inches long. You can also shape the petals to create a more natural look.
- Create the base wire: Cut a piece of wire about 12-18 inches long. This will be the base wire for your lei.
- Attach the flowers: Begin attaching the artificial flowers to the base wire by wrapping the stem of each flower around the wire. Make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of stem exposed at the top.
- Secure with floral tape: Wrap floral tape around the wire and the stem of each flower to secure them in place. Make sure the tape is not too tight, as you want to be able to adjust the flowers later.
- Add more flowers: Continue adding flowers to the base wire, spacing them out evenly. You can adjust the flowers as you go to create a natural, flowing look.
- Finish the lei: Once you've added all the flowers, trim the excess wire and floral tape. You can also add decorative items like beads or sequins to give your lei some extra flair.
- Adjust and shape: Adjust the flowers and shape the lei to your liking. You can also use hot glue to attach any loose flowers or adjust the shape of the lei.
Tips and Variations:
- Use a variety of flower colors and shapes to create a unique and colorful lei.
- Experiment with different wire colors or add some decorative wire wraps to give your lei some extra flair.
- Add some greenery like ferns or leaves to create a more natural look.
- Use hot glue to attach the flowers to a headband or a hair tie for a more secure fit.
- Create a themed lei by using flowers in specific colors or shapes, such as a tropical lei with bright colors or a traditional Hawaiian lei with orchids and maile.
Remember, while a fake mail lei may not be as beautiful as a real one, it's still a fun and creative way to celebrate Hawaiian culture and traditions.