Lei Day

This lei was created using construction paper and watercolor paper. The flowers were cut from squares of construction paper and from a watercolor picture using crayon resist and paint blowing techniques. The lei is created by punching holes into the paper flowers and stringing them on to a length of yarn alternating between a flower and a 1 inch length of straw. Once the lei is fully strung, the artist ties off the yarn and can then wear the lei. The inspiration for the project was to learn about the significance of Lei Day celebrated in Hawaii on May 1st of each year. People make and give away their leis to important people in their life.
An extension activity for this project could be to have the students learn how to perform a traditional Hawaiian hula dance and then perform it for the faculty and the younger students in the school.