Leis are a traditional graduation accessory. Right now, Dollar Tree is stocked full of leis for both graduation and Hawaiian luaus. In addition to your standard fare of pastel orchids and bright lillies are these wild animal print leis that I thought would be perfect to turn into something fun to wear on your feet!

Project estimate:

• Flip flops, on hand or $1 and up
• Wild animal print lei, $1 and up
• Needle and thread, on hand
• Scissors, on hand

Total: $1 and up

 

Step 1: Choose your favorite lei and snip the thread it’s strung on. Remove the flower petals and straw spacers and separate them.

 

Step 2: Stack 3 flower shapes on top of each other, right sides up. For a fuller look, try to alternate where the petals land. Use your needle and thread to make a stitch through all 3 layers, pulling the thread tight.

 

Step 3: Put another stitch through the petals coming from a different direction (imagine you are putting stitches in an X pattern). Pull tight, keeping the thread in the flower.

 

Step 4: Use the needle to pierce the straps on the front center of the flip flops. Pull the thread through and cinch tight to secure your flower to the sandals. If you are using flip flops with rubber straps instead of cloth, you can wrap the thread around the rubber rather than trying to pierce it with the needle.

 

Step 5: Run the needle through the weave of the straps for about an inch or so to the right of the first flower. Leaving the thread in the strap, repeat steps 2-4 to make and secure more flowers going about 2/3 of the way up the side of each strap. Tie off thread ends when done.

 

Step 6: Rock your new girly look!