Not just your average money lei
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When you promote yourself as an Origami Designer, you really do feel compelled to make something better than what's already been done. So when a patron asks you to make a money lei, you start with an Internet search to see what's out there. Then you think on how you can outdo it.
In this case, I decided that a cool money lei had to start with cool money flowers. So I played with some flower designs. I decided this one seemed attractive with it's slightly curved and rounded petals. It's also sturdy enough to hold it's shape. .
If this were a plumeria being made into a lei, we'd just string them up right through the middle. So that's what I did.
Sometimes things look better in my head than when I actually make them, so I needed to make a sample. I was visiting family at the time, so emptying everyone's wallet of $1 bills, I was able to make four flowers to string together. Enough to send this picture to my patron.
Then I did the math. 3 bills per flower. 3 flowers per inch. Average lei is 40 inches long. That would be 360 bills!
I am so grateful to have patrons willing to support my art projects. Bills were delivered and I got to finish the money lei.
If I were making this lei on a smaller budget, I would use (strong) colored paper rather than bills for some of the petals or flowers. The time commitment to make this lei will still make it a significant gift.