My Lei-guru, Kuana Torres Kahele, recommends trying anything and everything for making lei.
I loved his recent facebook post:
MAKE (your own) LEI
It's graduation season which means my inbox and voicemail are flooded with order requests for fresh lei. Although I appreciate you thinking of me, my hope is that you will take the time to make your own lei for this special person.
Take an hour or two. Keep your loved one in mind as you select the right greens and blossoms. Think of the time and effort you've invested in them over 18 years as you prep. Think about what they mean to you and how they fill your heart as you braid and tie the flowers. All of these things need to go into your lei. The emotion, the well-wishes, the heart-felt enthusiasm for the next stage in their lives.... all of it. As you place the lei on their shoulders these hopes, wishes and love will encircle them. The most cherished lei a graduate will ever receive is one made by YOU.
MAKE LEI.
