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DIY graduation money lei on a white background with dollar bills and green and black rosettes
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DIY Graduation Money Lei

Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 1 Lei

Ingredients

  • 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.
    Collage of how to fold a dollar bill into a rosette for a money lei - 4 steps
  • 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.
    Collage of how to string a graduation money lei - four steps
  • 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.