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How to make an Orchid Lei
A flower lei is known worldwide as a symbol of the aloha spirit! Whether for love, friendship, or good luck, these colorful flowers are used for graduations, weddings, birthdays, and many other celebrations. There are a variety of Orchids grown in the islands that are different shapes, sizes and colors. The most popular Orchid used for this lei is the purple and white Dendrobium Orchid. Learn how to make this lei in just a few easy steps.

SUPPLIES
1.# 10 crochet thread (doubled), waxed dental floss, or 10 pound test fishing line 2.Lei needle, or long needle with medium-sized eye 3.80 dendrobium orchid blossoms 4.Water mister 5.Tape measure 6.felt-tip pen

SETTING UP
Cut a length of thread (doubled) or dental floss (not doubled) 50 inches long. Mark each end 5 inches from the end with the felt-tip pen. It's helpful to place a clip of some sort (I use clothesline pins) at one end.
Thread your needle and pluck the stem from each blossom, one at a time or pluck them all before you start. If you're making a lot of leis, have one person string and one pluck.
HOW TO MAKE A LEI

Sliding the needle on the 'lip' of the flower, pierce the flower about a 3/8-inch below the stub of the stem.

Continue adding flowers on the needle, gently nesting the end of each flower into the 'mouth' of the next. The line of pierced blossoms should look like a stack of nested hats.
Grasp every 4-5 blossoms gently in the palm of your hand and move down to the end of the thread.

String 80 blossoms for a 40" lei. Finish the lei by nesting the first and last flowers and tying a square knot. Leave a 'tail' to carry the lei with until you are ready to present it.

Lightly mist each lei as you complete it and store in the vegetable bin (lined with newspaper) of your refrigerator in loose plastic bags. Turn down the refrigerator if you can.

Orchids are a lot like lettuce, they don't like to be too cold and they will turn clear if they directly touch the sides of a cold refrigerator.

The leis will last up to five days in the refrigerator, misting as needed - however, they are still best used no later than the next day.