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I taught haku lei making at a Lavender festival recently. We braided stems together, starting several inches down on lavender ribbon. We used lots of lavender, blooming oregano, soft short fronds of cedar, ferns, and other miscellaneous materials. The ribbon allowed the lei to be tied around the head, neck, or hat whether or not it was "pau", or finished. They dry and smell good, of course! My lavender is in full bloom now, a couple weeks later! I grew up in Hawaii and now live in the "forgotten" corner of Washington state.
Oh, I'd love to learn to do that! My niece did braid some stems together (they looked really cute in a little vase), but I'd have no idea how to make a continuous braid like that... I'll bet they were lovely!
To make a continuous lei of braided stems, add a new flower/fern frond to the center strand regularly, almost at every turn of the braid. Bringing the right or the left side over the center will secure it. Keep track of each the strands with your fingers. If you lose track, unbraid a little bit and check which strand is higher, the right or the left. The highest one is the one that braids over the center next. If you have trouble starting the lei, just go ahead and tie the stems together inconspicuously. Raffia, ribbon, thread, or? The ends can be informally wrapped around each other and put on a hat or a head. Enjoy!
Thanks! I've got another round of "Camp Aunt Jill" coming up. With a little practice on my part ahead of time, this is something we might have to try... I've got black-eyed susans and other lovelies blooming now! I'm thinking including a few ribbons might help me secure everything, especially if the stems aren't being real cooperative, LOL.
