Making Hawaiian Fresh Flower Leis
First off there are many different kinds of leis. There are money leis, penny leis, candy leis, double leis, haku leis, but today I'm going to teach you how to do a simple Hawaiian fresh flower lei.
To start off, I like using, and the first material you will need is string. I like using a standard twine kind of string, but you could also use dental floss or fishing wire if you want. Of course, we need a pair of scissors to cut the string with and a needle on it. I use the longest needle that I can find. This makes it much easier to string the flowers onto. And then or course we have our flowers. Today, I'm using fresh Hawaiian Orchids, but you can use pretty much any kind of a Hawaiian flower to make a Hawaiian fresh flower lei. We open our package of Hawaiian Orchids, and take them out gently. On this particular flower, the Hawaiian Orchid, you're going to remove the stem. Just gently snap off the stem, and then you cut your string. In making a flower lei I measure out the string from the end of my arm all the way across my chest to my other shoulder.
You are going to want to thread the needle, so you can start stringing on your Hawaiian fresh flowers onto the string. The proper technique is you put the needle through the bottom of the flower, then up through the top. On an Hawaiian orchid, it's important to come through the little bud of the orchid so the flower stays sturdy on your string.
Pull the flower all the way through to the end. You get your next flower, take off the stem again, thread it through the bottom, through the bud on top, string it to the end. Now, when you get to the first flower you want to place this flower right into the first flower snuggly, but very gently because the flowers can break easily. If you are looking for a lei to wear longer term, of course you may consider Hawaiian Silk flowers.
Take your time, you will want to line them up nicely so that they're all in the same direction so it makes a much prettier flower lei. After you've strung all the flowers together, you'll eventually have this beautiful Hawaiian fresh flower lei. So that's all there is to it. That's how you make a flower lei.
List of Other Hawaiian flowers to make Hawaiian Fresh Flower Leis
Orchid-- Hawaiian Orchids are available in a dazzling spectrum of colors but can mostly be found in the popular purple and white. These royal flowers are sturdy enough to withstand being strung together all while maintaining their stunning composure. The best-known species of orchid in Hawaii are the Dendrobium and the Epidendrum.
Hawaiian hibiscus flower-- The official state flower of Hawaii, Hibiscus can be seen growing just about everywhere from on the side of the road to tucked away in most backyards. At one point they were considered endangered, however today there are over thirty new species that have been introduced into the island's fertile growing environment.
Plumeria-- One of the most delightfully scented flowers on Kauai, the Plumeria can be found in white, pink, yellow and red. Commercially grown in Hawaii for lei production, these flowers are the perfect accessories for a decorative welcome home lei or simply worn behind your ear.
Pikake flower-- The Hawaiian name for Jasmine. Pikake translates to "peacock", one of Princess Kaiulani's favorite types of bird. The light and bight scent of Pikake is considered one of Hawaii's signature and relaxing scents.
Ginger flowers -- Hawaii's ginger can be found in red, pink, blue, yellow or white. Native to Malaysia, this plant is not only beautiful but also functional. Many people consume ginger root to soothe upset stomachs or even squeeze Awapuhi-- the "shampoo ginger" into their hair. Contrary to belief, the actual "flower" part of the ginger is the small white buds that sprout up from the colorful hive shaped stems.
Heliconia flowers-- A close relative to the banana, Heliconia can grow up to 20 feet tall and are known for resembling the shape of vibrant red lobster claws. A great place to check out these tropical plants is in one of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai such as Allerton and McBryde Gardens in Poipu.
Tuberose-- Also known for its lovely scent. Tuberose's signature long stalks and cream-colored blossoms are found in many Hawaiian Flower leis or sold simply as fresh cut flowers.
Bird of Paradise-- A close relative of the banana and the Heliconia, the Bird of Paradise is native to South Africa. A featherlike splay of gorgeous colors, this flower is one of the most appropriately named plants on Hawaii.
Anthurium flowers-- These flowers are nicknamed the "Flamingo Lily", this brightly colored flower features an almost wax-like petal. Growing best in humid conditions, Anthurium was originally brought to Hawaii in 1889 from England.
Mokihana-- Kauai's official designated "flower" and "official lei material" is that of the Mokihana. Mokihana is a green berry grown only on the second wettest place on earth, Mount Waialeale. Traditionally woven into Maile leaf, these berries are strung like beads and smell similar to fennel.
Blue Jade Vine-- This other worldly vine looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The Blue Jade Vine seems to almost glow with its surreal beauty, showcasing several different shades of electric blue. An unique and beautiful addition to any flower lei or decoration!
