Learn how to make a Money Lei for graduation! These DIY graduation money leis are so fun to make, and they’re a great way to gift some cash money to your graduate!
Skill Level: Beginner – This easy DIY graduation money lei is simple to make, but it does take a little bit of time (approximately 2 hours depending on your folding speed).
Graduation season is here, and this year, we have TWO high school seniors graduating! It certainly feels like those years have flown by in a whirlwind, but I’m so excited to see what the future holds for both of them (and to host a big graduation party!)!
I wanted to do something fun for their special day, so I made each of them a money lei for graduation. It’s a great way to incorporate the tradition of giving leis at graduation coupled with a fun way to gift your graduate some money for their future plans.
Follow my easy money lei tutorial below to create a personalized graduation gift for your graduate on this special occasion!
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This easy money lei tutorial only requires a few basic supplies and some cash!
Money Lei Supplies
* I recommend using clear tape and/or washi tape that matches the colors of your cardstock.
PRO TIP:
New, stiff dollar bills work best, but don’t worry if all you have are wrinkled bills! Wrinkled money will still work as-is, but if you want to press it to make it flatter, simply spritz it lightly with water and iron on low with a household iron. Easy peasy!
How to Fold Dollar Bills for a Money Lei
This money lei is comprised of a string of folded paper rosettes that are made from colored paper and dollar bills. These rosettes can be made in four simple steps:
- Step 1: Start by folding the dollar bill in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again. Unfold to reveal the creased lines. Accordion fold the dollar bill along these creases until the entire bill is folded into even segments.
- Step 2: Take your accordion-folded bill and fold it in half widthwise to bring the two ends together.
- Step 3: Use a small piece of tape to join the two inner edges into a fold.
- Step 4: Bring the two outer edges of the accordion-folded bill towards each other, and secure these edges together with another piece of tape to complete the rosette shape.
Cut the colored cardstock into rectangles the same size as the dollar bills. Repeat the folding and taping process to create rosettes from the colored paper.
Once you have an ample amount of folded paper and dollar bill rosettes, you can begin to string your money lei.
How to Make a Money Lei for Graduation
To string the money lei:
- Step 1: Cut a 48″ length of embroidery floss, and thread it through the yarn needle. Add a small piece of tape at one end of the string to keep the rosettes from sliding off.
- Step 2: Feed the needle through the opening in the rosette to begin stringing the lei. Note that you are NOT piercing the dollar bill!
- Step 3: Thread three dollar bills onto the string, followed by three paper rosettes in your school colors. Repeat the pattern until the desired length is achieved.
- Step 4: Tie the ends together with a secure knot, and your money lei is ready for graduation! Print out a free printable graduation card to go along with it!
For size reference, I am 5’2″ and the lei shown here was made using 30 dollar bills and 30 paper rosettes.
Try These Fun Alternatives!
- Experiment with different patterns! The lei above is strung using a 3 dollars/3 papers repeating pattern, but you can use any combination that you desire! You can include more or less money on your lei by increasing or subtracting from the amount of colored paper rosettes used.
- Add extra embellishments to your lei such as die-cut paper numbers in the student’s graduation year, or folded origami money flowers and butterflies!
This length also worked well for my son who is 5’8″ and I imagine that it would still be appropriate for heights up to 5’10”. For taller graduates, you may wish to include additional dollar bill or paper rosettes.
These money leis are so much fun to make, and I’m sure they’re going to be a HUGE hit at graduation!
What You’ll Need:
- 30-50 Dollar Bills (denomination of choice)
- 6-8 Sheets Colored Cardstock in School Colors
- 48 inches Embroidery Floss
- Tape, clear or matching washi
Instructions:
- Start by folding the dollar bill in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again. Unfold to reveal the creased lines. Accordion fold the dollar bill along these creases until the entire bill is folded into even segments.
- Take your accordion-folded bill and fold it in half widthwise to bring the two ends together. Use a small piece of tape to join the two inner edges into a fold.
- Bring the two outer edges of the accordion-folded bill towards each other, and secure these edges together with another piece of tape to complete the rosette shape.
- Cut the colored cardstock into rectangles the same size as the dollar bills. Repeat the folding and taping process to create rosettes from the colored paper.
- Cut a 48″ length of embroidery floss, and thread it through the yarn needle. Add a small piece of tape at one end of the string to keep the rosettes from sliding off.
- Feed the needle through the opening in the rosette to begin stringing the lei. Note that you are NOT piercing the dollar bill!
- Thread three dollar bills onto the string, followed by three paper rosettes in your school colors. Repeat the pattern until the desired length is achieved.
- Tie the ends of the string into a secure knot to complete the money lei.
More Fun Graduation Ideas
- Graduation Party Games – 20+ super fun games for the best grad party ever!
- Graduation Party Ideas – everything you need – invitations, decorations, games, favors, and more!
- “One Degree Hotter” SVG – Make a cute shirt or graduation party decorations with this fun SVG file!
Check Out These Other Craft Ideas
Heidi Kundin has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With over 15 years of experience, Happiness is Homemade has become a must-visit destination for those seeking quick and easy creative ideas and last-minute solutions. Heidi’s warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s fun, rewarding, and achievable. Heidi is also the author of Homemade Bath Bombs & More and DIY Tie-Dye.