Plumeria blossoms come in many different colors
All visitors to Hawaii are welcomed with a Hawaiian lei and can see puka shells all around the beaches. Crafts are a ritual and a way of living, Hawaiians take great pride in their crafts; it is a way of honoring their Gods, guests, family and friends.
Hawaiian Lei
Leis are the most popular craft in Hawaii, they are easy and fun to make. Hawaiian Leis are a flower chain necklace with great meanings; they represent affection, appreciation and are a gesture of grace. Hawaiians use native plumeria flower blossoms to make leis. Plumerias come in a variety of colors and have strong, beautiful scents. Making a lei requires flowers, a thread, a needle and thin, short straws. String the flowers into the thread and slide them to the bottom. Separate every two flowers with a straw and repeat till you have the size lei you desire. Make sure you leave about 6 inches of thread at the end to tie the opposite end.
Puka Shells
Puka shells are found in Hawaii and at specialty craft stores. Using puka shells and sea shells is an easy way to give a picture frame a Hawaiian look. Hawaiians have done this for decades, just glue the the shells in a random pattern on the borders of a picture frame. The people of Hawaii treasure this craft as a sign of appreciation to the Tiki gods.
Tags: Hawaiian Leis, picture frame, puka shells