This post has been sponsored by Oriental Trading. All opinions are my own.
Want to create a Haku lei that will last forever? Try creating this faux Haku lei that can be used as tropical home decor or as a memorable occasion headdress.
What is a haku lei?
Well, it’s a type of lei that uses ti leaves to braid flowers, ferns, and leaves together. It’s a pretty tedious task, takes time to master, can be costly, and is usually made for special occasions (weddings, graduations, birthday parties, etc). You can see lot of Pinterest inspiration here —>> Haku Leis. Beautiful, right?!
While it’s hard to beat a fresh haku lei, there are a few advantages to making a faux haku lei. First, it can last forever and I don’t have to worry about the flowers dying. And since I’m making this for my 2019 tropical Halloween display, this needs to last throughout the month of October. Second, it’s fairly easy to make and you don’t need to be skilled at lei making. Third, it’s a lot more cost effective if you need to make a large amount for an occasion. So, without further ado, let’s get to the tutorial!
Affordable and easy way to make a faux haku lei!How to Make a Faux Haku Lei
Below is a tutorial on how to make a faux haku lei using a fern garland as a base. The fern garland will be decorated with starfish, shells, and faux flowers to mimic a fresh haku lei.
How to Make a Faux Haku Lei
Materials
- 1 - Oriental Trading Fern Garland #13791351
- 1 - Oriental Trading Natural Bleached Finger Starfish #13727292
- 1 - Oriental Trading Sea Shell Assortment #13696283
- 1 - Oriental Trading Natural Dried Raffia Ribbon #13780264
- 1 - Oriental Trading Mini Natural Sugar Starfish #34/466
- 2 - 4 various floral stems of your choice
- 14 or 16 gauge jewelry wire
- string
Tools
- hot glue gun and glue sticks
- scissors
- flat nose pliers
- wire cutters
Instructions
Cut the fern garland to length with wire cutters. Use string or put the fern garland directly on the head to measure out the amount of garland needed. Make sure to leave at least 1" to 1.5" extra length so it can be secured together with wire. 
Overlap the ends of the fern. Use the pliers to wrap the wire around the ends to secure it together. This will be the back of the haku lei. 
Prep the flowers by cutting them off the floral bunch. Larger flowers should have a 1" stem to be secured onto the fern garland with raffia. Smaller flowers can be glued directly to the fern garland. If using floral branches, cut them into 3"-4" lengths.- Prep the shells. Depending on the shells size, larger shells may need wires glued onto them in able to secure them to the fern garland. Secure them to the fern garland by wrapping raffia around the wire end. Other smaller shells can be glued directly to the fern garland.
Once the flowers, floral branches, and shells are prepped it's time to decorate. Glue a starfish to the front of haku lei and further secure it by wrapping raffia around it. This will help keep the flowers even on each side of the center point.
Use your own creativity for the floral portion. I like to add the largest flowers first. I try to evenly space the flowers along the haku lei and secure them to the fern with raffia. Then, in this order, I add in the smaller flowers, shells, and floral branches with hot glue. 
To add more texture, I tie raffia to the fern and cut it to stick out past the fern. Finally, I glued on mini starfish, but this is optional.
Notes
Because the faux fern garland is stiff, the flowers, branches, and some smaller shells can be 'dry fit' for placement before gluing or tying them into place.
What will you use your faux Haku let for?
Gorgeous lei! I love the shells and flowers.
Wow! That looks soo cool! I can’t wait to see your Hawaiian themed Halloween. Pinning!
This is so pretty, Erlene! I love the idea of a tropical Halloween display and can’t wait to see yours! Pinned!
Thanks Lynne. I can’t wait to share it 🙂
Your lei turned out beautiful! I can’t imagine how long a real one would take – and to think it wouldn’t last! Yours is a much better option!
Thanks Roseann. A real one takes a long time and you really do need to practice making the real deal.
I love this! Cute and easy to make! I can’t wait to see your display!
I just finished taking pictures and can’t wait to share!
This is very nice. The ferns and flowers look real.
Hi Kristie, Yes, they look pretty good considering they are plastic 🙂
I’m so happy to see you at Tuesday Turn About, Erlene! My sister is re-doing her kitchen with a Hawaiin ‘feel’. I’m gonna definitely share this with her, and pin to my coastal board!
Hi Julie, Thank you so much for stopping by and pinning. I hope your sister can use this idea too!
It’s beautiful! I look forward to seeing your Halloween display!
This looks super easy to do and I”m thinking perfect to make for any decor or holiday
Lisa, it’s super easy compared to making the real thing. And it is definitely a great way to decorate for the holidays.
Ooo, it’s so pretty. Is this for a decoration, or would you wear it on your head? (it looks too small for round your neck) What lovely lush faux greenery you used.
Hi Julie, Thank you. It’s actually worn on the head, but you can wear it on the neck as a haku lei ends can left open and tied together once put on.
Very pretty! Sounds quite cost effective too. Pinned.
Hi Joanne, Yes it’s much more cost effective if you have a lot of haku leis to make.
I took a ribbon lei class on a cruise around Hawaii but I had never heard of a Haku Lei before this! It looks really looks beautiful! And it’s a lovely way to dress up home decor items!
Hi Gail, Thanks. A cruise and a ribbon lei class sounds like fun. Haku leis are one of my favorite type of leis since it’s so full and beautiful.
Wow! It is so pretty. I’m looking forward to seeing your tropical Halloween display. I had no idea what a haku lei was, but now I do. Beautiful!
Hi Jenny, Thank you so much. I agree, haku leis are beautiful. And I’ll be sharing my tropical Halloween display very soon!