Hawaiian Luau Crafts

Simple crafts enhance any Hawaiian luau party.

Escape to a Hawaiian paradise with creative craft projects. Suitable for an adult fashion statement and modifiable for a child's birthday party, Hawaiian luau crafts are easy to complete and can result in lasting creations that'll be used over and over again. While real flowers may wilt over time, artificial leis can be used at Hawaiian parties for years to come. Jewelry and artificial flowers can last a lifetime with proper care.

Leis

Make professional-looking leis by using a large sewing needle to thread flowers onto dental floss. While real Hawaiian flowers are preferable, any real or imitation flower can be used. Thread the flowers by carefully pushing the needle through the center of each flower. Leis made from real flowers should be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until they will be used, to preserve freshness and quality.

Children and budget-conscious crafters can create leis from plastic flowers and beads. Alternately thread beads and flowers onto a string for a simple lei project.

Silk Flowers

Create an elegant silk flower to use as a brooch, hair accessory or table decoration. Realistic flowers require lightweight materials to be used, as the edges of lightweight materials will singe better than heavier fabrics. To reduce the cost of the project, cut the material from shirts, blankets, or other existing items that are no longer usable, or are slightly damaged.

Simply cut the fabric into three five-petal flower shapes, five separate medium-size petals, and three separate small petals. Curl the edges of the fabric by singeing it over a candle flame. This makes the flower look more realistic when complete. Stack the full flower pieces and then the petals to create an elegant flower shape. Secure the pieces together with glue or by sewing, and glue a bead to the center.

Create multiple flowers in different colors and set the projects over a table for decoration, or glue a pin or barrette to the end to create a brooch or hair accessory.

Jewelry

Elegant hand and foot jewelry is a simple craft suitable for children and adults. It is best to use 30 inches of elastic to start. Although there will likely be elastic left over, there will not be any risk of running out of the material before the craft is complete.

Start by bending the elastic in half and wrap the loop around the wearer's middle finger or second-largest toe. String enough beads to wrap around the finger or toe and push the beads into the middle bend of the elastic. Push both ends of the elastic through a single bead to finish the ring. Create loops by repeating the process, stringing about 1 inch of beads onto each protruding elastic segment and then pushing both segments through a solitary bead to complete the loop. Repeat this process until the elastic reaches the wrist or ankle, and create a bracelet or anklet to finish the assembly. String beads on both segments until it reaches the back of the wrist or ankle, and finish the project by tying with a secure double knot. Trim off the excess elastic.

Tags: both segments, brooch hair, brooch hair accessory, flowers onto, hair accessory, lightweight materials, real flowers