Hawaiian leis are used to welcome guests and celebrate special occasions.
The chain money lei combines customs from two different cultures: Hawaii and Japan. In Hawaii, floral leis are given at times of celebration. Weddings, birthdays, graduations, parties and arriving at someone's home are all occasions for giving and receiving Hawaiian leis. In Japan, the intricate art of origami is used to decorate for special occasions or to create handmade gifts. A lei made from banknotes bestows both good wishes and a monetary gift to the receiver.
Instructions
1. Use alternate sides of the bill for the outside of the chain links for variation in color.
Fold a paper money bill into thirds lengthwise. Crease the folds with your thumbnail. Unfold.
2. Lay the bill on a flat surface and fold back approximately 1/4 to 1/3 inch of the narrow edge of the bill. Turn the bill over and fold back the narrow edge of the bill on that side.
3. Pick up the bill and curl it around so the narrow ends overlap. Make certain the lengthwise creases are on the outside of the circle.
4. Interlock the two folded edges, creating a locked circle.
5. Turn under the right side of the bill, folding at the crease and pressing the right outside edge of the bill inside. Turn the left side of the bill inside in the same manner. This step locks the chain link and prevents it from coming apart.
6. Make another paper money chain link in the same manner, except, before interlocking the narrow edges together, slide the bill through the first ring and complete the steps to make a paper money chain link.
7. Continue adding links until the chain money lei is the desired length. Link the last chain link to the first chain link.
Tags: chain link, edge bill, paper money, bill inside, chain money, fold back