How To Make Maile Style Ti Leaf Lei?
Making a maile-style ti leaf lei is a time-honored tradition in Hawaii. It is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the person you are presenting the lei to. Maile leis are used for occasions such as graduations, birthdays, and anniversaries. Making a maile-style ti leaf lei is a bit more complicated than other leis, as it involves weaving the ti leaves together. However, if you follow these steps, you will be able to create a beautiful and unique lei.
Step 1: Get the Materials. You will need ti leaves, ti stems, and a needle and thread. You can find ti leaves at local Hawaiian markets or online. The stems should be long enough to be able to weave in and out of the ti leaves. The needle and thread should be a heavy-duty type that will not break easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Ti Leaves. Before you can begin weaving the ti leaves, you need to prepare them. This involves cleaning the leaves to remove any dirt and debris, and then removing the central spine from each leaf. You can do this by running a knife along the spine and then carefully pulling it out. Once this is done, the leaves should be flexible enough to be able to weave them together.
Step 3: Begin Weaving. Begin by taking a ti leaf and weaving the stem in and out of the edges of the leaf. This will create a basket-weave pattern. Continue weaving the ti leaves together in this pattern until you have created the desired length of lei. Make sure to secure the ends of the leaves by using the needle and thread.
Step 4: Secure the Lei. Once the lei is complete, secure the ends with the needle and thread. This will help to keep the lei together and prevent it from unraveling. You can also use a hot glue gun to secure the ends if desired.
Step 5: Finishing Touches. After the lei is secure, you can add any finishing touches you desire. This could include tying a ribbon or adding charms. You can also spray the lei with a sealant to help preserve it.
Making a maile-style ti leaf lei is a beautiful way to honor someone and show your appreciation. By following these steps, you can create a unique and personalized lei that will be treasured for years to come.
Making a Ti Maile Lei
Summer, one of the Lei Away Leidies, shows you how to make a Ti Maile lei.
Ti leaf fashioned in the style of a Maile lei. Fresh & locally grown on the Big Island A nice alternative to Maile Lasts several weeks You might also be interested in: Care for your lei:.