How do I make a lei?

[Rosebud06]

I hope I did this right.
I have to make a Lei tomorrow. I am using orchids.
Has anyone ever made one?
If you have how did you make it :help::help::help:
thanks bunches, Donna

 

[Lally's Bouquet]

Leis

I've made a few of them and one thing I learned is to pack the orchids as tightly as you can. The first time I made one, I didn't do so and as the day went on, the orchids packed themselves and the string started showing at the back.

I hope this helps!

All the best..
Julie

 

[esm]

A more cost effective way to make leis is to add two or three clear 8 mm faceted beads (from a craft store) in between each orchid to keep them more separated--this uses less orchids, looks great, and no bunching together! We've even made mini carnation leis with this method for a less expensive version and the customers loved them.

"try it, you'll like it!"

Elaine

 

[Kobe0007]

The rare occasion that we need leis, we find it easier to just buy from Hawaii. They are packed nice and look great. We used to have a customer that bought them every year for his anniversary, but he since has moved away...at least I think he moved.

 

[Jeff Fillion]

The rare occasion that we need leis, we find it easier to just buy from Hawaii. They are packed nice and look great. We used to have a customer that bought them every year for his anniversary, but he since has moved away...at least I think he moved.

When we featured leis in our Prom & Homecoming Flowers book, J Schwanke decided it would be much easier to purchase them directly from Hawaii also.

He found a terrific resource in the Hawaiian Lei Company (www.hawaiianleicompany.com). They have a wide variety of leis, offer great service, and the quality of the product was fantastic.

Jeff Fillion
Creative Director
The John Henry Company

 

[Rosebud06]

Thank you guys for your help but do you just use string and a needle and thread them through???????????
and where at do you poke through on the orchids so they will not break?
thanks bunches, Donna

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

You can use a larger needle, or bend a fine wire into a hairpin, and use that as your "needle". Like a corsage that is wired and taped, you would insert the needle through the front of the orchid, down the throat and out the backside. I made one, a very long time ago, using dental floss. I found THIS - might help you.

good luck!
tracy

 

[Rosebud06]

Thank you Tracy!!!! I didn't get message til after I made it but that is how I did it. And thanks for the website..........that was great too.
The customer loved it and was amazed. I must say I felt like I was in Hawaii again. That has got to be the most beautiful place I have ever been.

 

[NavyBrat]

I lived in Hawaii in the early 60's when Dad's was stationed at Pearl Harbor during his 20 year Naval career. I was 7 years old when we moved there for three years. My sister and I used to make leis every day. We would sit on the steps and string the plumerias using fishing line. We could pick as many plumerias as we wanted...they grew all over our property! Ah...those were the days...life was sweet and simple! We had all the time in the world to stop and smell the flowers! I lived on Oahu when the only hotel there was the Royal Hawaiian, went to school with all Hawaiian and Japenese children. I was the minority in my school and stuck out like a sore thumb with my curly strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles! Hawaii was truly paradise in the 60's!!!

I also order leis direct from Hawaii when requested. I couldn't make them for the price I can buy them direct.

 

[Seasonals]

Mechanics.....Dental Floss, Fishing Line and Condoms! Then we question people who think we're not professional...How dare them LOL

 

[Connie]

Yes, but....

Mechanics.....Dental Floss, Fishing Line and Condoms! Then we question people who think we're not professional...How dare them LOL

...professionals use the best tools that they can find for the job. *wink*