How To Make Graduation Leis: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Crafts
• Nature Crafts
• Leaf and Flower Crafts

How to Make Graduation Leis Download Article Co-authored by Claire Donovan-Blackwood

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

Download Article

• Making Money Leis
|
• Making Candy Leis
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Claire Donovan-Blackwood. Claire Donovan-Blackwood is an Arts & Crafts Specialist and CEO of Heart Handmade UK, a site dedicated to helping people live a happy, creative life. With over 13 years of experience, Claire uses art as a form of therapy and focuses on mindfulness in the making of art. She makes crafting easy and accessible for those she works with. Claire received her B.A. in Photography & Visual Imagery from The University of Huddersfield. This article has been viewed 45,964 times.

One of the most popular traditions for graduation is presenting the graduate with a lei. Real leis can be expensive, nor do they last very long. Luckily, homemade leis cost much less to make. Best of all, you can make them more special by using the school's colors. This wikiHow will teach you how to make the two most common leis: money and candy.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Making Money Leis

Download Article

1. 1 Fold a dollar bill into a fan. Starting from one of the narrow ends, fold your bill like a fan or accordion using ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) folds. Do this for all of the bills that you have.[1] You will need about 30 to 35 bills.[2]
2. 2 Make some more fans using colored paper, if desired. Cut some colored paper down to the same size as your bills, about 2½ by 6 inches (6.35 by 15.24 centimeters) first.[3] Then, fold them into fans starting from the narrow edge. You will need about 30 to 35 pieces as well.[4]
   • Add school spirit by using one or both of your school's colors.
   • Cardstock or colored printer paper will give you a nicer look, but you can use construction paper if you have nothing else.
   Expert Answer Q

   When asked, “How can you make graduation leis?”

   

   Claire Donovan-Blackwood

   Arts & Crafts Specialist Claire Donovan-Blackwood is an Arts & Crafts Specialist and CEO of Heart Handmade UK, a site dedicated to helping people live a happy, creative life. With over 13 years of experience, Claire uses art as a form of therapy and focuses on mindfulness in the making of art. She makes crafting easy and accessible for those she works with. Claire received her B.A. in Photography & Visual Imagery from The University of Huddersfield. EXPERT ADVICE Answer from Claire Donovan-Blackwood:

   Claire Donovan-Blackwood, the owner of Heart Handmade UK, responded: “It depends on the materials you want to use and how fancy you want it to look. You can use string, yarn, or ribbon as a base. Then add whatever you want, like the heads of artificial flowers, beads, or candy.”

   Advertisement
3. 3 Tape the edges of your fan together. Fold your fan in half, widthwise. Tape the two side edges together. When you are done, you should have a half-circle, fan shape.[5]
   • Do this for all of the folded bills and colored pieces of paper. Set them aside when you are done.
4. 4 Cut a 4-foot (1.2-meter) long piece of ribbon. This will make the base of the lei.[6] The ribbon can be any color you want, but something that matches one of the school's colors would be ideal.
   • Seal the ends of the ribbon with a flame. This will keep it from fraying.[7]
5. 5 Start taping the folded fans to the ribbon. Place the flat side of your first fan against the ribbon. Fold the two ends together over the ribbon, sandwiching it in between. You should now have something that looks like a disk. Tape the two ends of the paper together to secure the disk.[8]
   • Start from the center of the ribbon and work your way outward.
6. 6 Continue taping the folded fans to the ribbon. Alternate between money and paper. You can do money-paper-money, or money-money-paper. Stop when you have about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) of ribbon left on each side.
7. 7 Tie the ends of the ribbon together. If you have enough ribbon left over, you can tie the ends into a bow. This is not completely necessary, but it will give the lei a nicer touch.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Making Candy Leis

Download Article

1. 1 Cut some cellophane about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) wide. You can use any color you want, even clear. You could also use one of the school's colors to get into the school spirit.
2. 2 Place a small candy bar on top of the cellophane. Set the cellophane down on a flat surface. Place a small candy bar on top of it, about 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) from one of the narrow ends. Make sure that both are oriented horizontally.
   • It's best if you use wrapped candies so that they don't melt.
   • If the candies are very small, you could fit 3 to 4.
3. 3 Wrap the cellophane around the candy bar. Starting from the long, top edge, roll the cellophane around the candy, forming a tube. If you need to, secure the cellophane with a piece of tape first.[9]
4. 4 Tie a piece of curling ribbon to either side of the candy. Cut two 6 to 8-inch (15.24 to 20.32-centimeter) long pieces of curling ribbon in one of the school's colors. Tie each ribbon to either side of the candy bar. You can tie the ribbon into a bow or a simple double-knot. If you use a double-knot, consider curing the ribbon with scissors.[10]
   • Use one of the school's colors for the ribbon, if possible.
5. 5 Tuck another candy bar into the tube. You will need to tuck, wrap, and adjust the cellophane around the candy bar. Tie another piece of ribbon right above the candy bar.
6. 6 Continue adding candies until you are close to the end of the cellophane. Tie a piece of curling ribbon around the cellophane around each candy that you add.
   • Consider alternating the ribbon colors for a more interesting lei. Be sure to match them to the school's colors!
7. 7 Make the lei longer, if necessary. The standard 3-foot (0.91-yard) long piece of cellophane may not be long enough to make a lei. If yours is too short, cut another strip of cellophane, and tape it to the end of your lei. Continue adding candies and ribbons until the cellophane is filled.[11]
   • Something around 4 feet (1.2 meters) would be ideal, so trim off any excess.
8. 8 Tie the ends together. When you are close to the end of the lei, tie a piece of ribbon around the cellophane, just above the last candy bar. Bring both ends of the lei together, and tie them into a secure, double-knot.[12]
   • For an added touch, tie a piece of ribbon around the knot in a bow.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

• Instead of taping the money directly to the ribbon, you can tie it to a beaded necklace using short pieces of thin ribbon instead.[13] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Make two leis in one. Start with a basic candy lei, then tape folded money to it using the money method. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Write some congratulatory or inspirational messages on the colored pieces of paper before adding them to the money lei. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Avoid using chocolate candy if the graduation ceremony will be taking place outside, especially on a hot day. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• If you are making candy leis for someone else, take any food allergies into consideration. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Making Money Leis

• 30 to 35 dollar bills
• Colored paper
• Ribbon
• Tape
• Scissors

Making Candy Leis

• Cellophane
• Mini candy
• Ribbon
• Tape
• Scissors

You Might Also Like

How toMake a Candy Lei How toMake Money Leis How toMake a Lei How toMake Ribbon Leis How to Make a Money Flower Bouquet as a Gift for Loved Ones How to Fold Money into an Origami Flower: Visual Tutorial How toMake a Dollar Bill Rose 19 Creative Ways to Give Money as a Gift How toFold Money for a Money Tree How toMake a Paper Chain 3 Gorgeous Paper Rings You Can Easily Make at Home How toMake a Paper Money Pouch How toMake a Paper Garland 3 Ways to Make a Homemade Flag Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jztXwKt13uk
2. ↑ https://lilluna.com/how-to-make-money-leis/
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUBI7bNgsc
4. ↑ https://lilluna.com/how-to-make-money-leis/
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUBI7bNgsc
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUBI7bNgsc
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUBI7bNgsc
8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imUBI7bNgsc
9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWHct0wl9qY

More References (4)

10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWHct0wl9qY
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWHct0wl9qY
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWHct0wl9qY
13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jztXwKt13uk

About This Article

Co-authored by: Claire Donovan-Blackwood Arts & Crafts Specialist This article was co-authored by Claire Donovan-Blackwood. Claire Donovan-Blackwood is an Arts & Crafts Specialist and CEO of Heart Handmade UK, a site dedicated to helping people live a happy, creative life. With over 13 years of experience, Claire uses art as a form of therapy and focuses on mindfulness in the making of art. She makes crafting easy and accessible for those she works with. Claire received her B.A. in Photography & Visual Imagery from The University of Huddersfield. This article has been viewed 45,964 times. 13 votes - 86% Co-authors: 6 Updated: October 20, 2025 Views: 45,964 Categories: Leaf and Flower Crafts | Graduation Article SummaryX

To make a graduation leis out of candy, start by cutting a 4-foot long piece of cellophane that’s about 6 inches wide. Place a small candy bar length-wise on top of the cellophane. Take the long, top edge of the cellophane and roll it around the candy, forming a tube. Then, secure the ends of the candy bar with a piece of tape or ribbon. If you like, you can tie ribbons right above the end of the candy bar, making sure they match your school’s colors. Tuck another candy bar into the tube, wrap it, and tie it. Repeat this process until you are close to the end of your cellophane. Trim any excess cellophane, then tie the ends together in a double-knot. To learn how to make a graduation leis out of money, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,964 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Claire Donovan-Blackwood Arts & Crafts Specialist Co-authors: 6 Updated: October 20, 2025 Views: 45,964 86% of readers found this article helpful. 13 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

Impossible English TestTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake QuizEmoji TestTake QuizWhat Animal Would Go On My House Crest QuizTake QuizGuess the Food QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toMake a Candy LeiHow toMake Money LeisHow toMake a LeiHow toMake Ribbon Leis

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

How to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in MinutesHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?How to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

How toGrow Out Your BangsHow toDress PunkHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toDo E Girl EyelinerHow toRespond to the Fire EmojiHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Introvert or Extrovert QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizWhat Is My Animagus Form?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Music Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizWhat Symbol Best Represents Me QuizTake QuizHalloween Costume Idea Generator: Find the Perfect Trendy or Classic CostumeGenerateWhat Squishmallow Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Crafts
• Nature Crafts
• Leaf and Flower Crafts

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --722