In Hawaii the lei is often given out as gifts during celebrations, birthdays, and for those arriving and leaving the island. Though the more common form is a garland of flowers, they’re also created out of money, candy, and paper.
Be aware while creating the origami lei is simple, it does take some time.
Supplies:
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-2-_Materials-Needed_-400x300.jpg)
Step one: Cut out 4x4in squares of paper. You will need to cut at least 200 pieces. (You can buy pre-cut paper online but this is the cheaper method)
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-3-_Step-One_-400x533.jpg)
Step two: With the colored side facing you, fold in half.
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-4-1_2-_Step-two_-400x533.jpg)
![Origami Lei Blog #4 (2_2) _Step Two_](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-4-2_2-_Step-Two_-400x533.jpg)
Step three: Fold in half again, turning it into a small square
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-5-_Step-three_-400x533.jpg)
Step four: Take one flap and fold it down
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-6-_Step-Four_-400x533.jpg)
Step five: Fold down the other three flaps on the other side
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-7-_Step-five_-400x533.jpg)
Step six: Push in your finger into the slot and pop it open. You should get a little pyramid shape.
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-8-1_2-_Step-six_-400x533.jpg)
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-8-2_2-_Step-Six_-400x533.jpg)
Step seven: Repeat 200x
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-9-_Step-Seven_-400x533.jpg)
Step eight: Once done, string your needle with the floss. Push the needle through the center of your folded paper.
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-10-1_2-_Step-Eight_-400x533.jpg)
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-10-2_2-_Step-Eight_-400x533.jpg)
Step nine: Repeat for all the paper.
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-11-_Step-Nine_-400x533.jpg)
Step ten: Once done, pull the floss taunt and tie off. Cut off excess pieces.
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-12-_Step-Ten_-400x533.jpg)
Step eleven: Twist the paper into alternating directions. This will give the lei a “flow” look.
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-13-1_2-_Step-Eleven_-400x533.jpg)
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-13-2_2-_Step-Eleven_-400x533.jpg)
Step twelve: Voila! You’re done! Aloha!
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-14-_Voila_-400x533.jpg)
![](http://ccplonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Origami-Lei-Blog-1-_Social-media-image_-400x533.jpg)