Workshop Session 1 (Friday, 2:00pm-4:00pm)
This workshop introduces
lei wili, a traditional lei-making method that uses a winding technique to secure plant material. Participants will learn how to wrap raffia around the stems of flora to create a balanced and secure lei. Emphasis will be placed on proper hand placement, tension, and sequencing, allowing participants to understand the foundational process of wili construction.
Materials & Preparation Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own fresh plant materials for use in the workshop. Flowers and greenery may be gathered from your yard, neighborhood, local parks (where permitted), or shared by friends. Suitable options include bougainvillea, bleeding heart, green rose, small roses, jasmine, plumeria, orchids, and other small- to medium-sized blossoms. Please avoid carnations or flowers with thick, bulky bases, as they are difficult to work with for this technique.
For greenery, especially items commonly available in Las Vegas, consider ti leaf (from nurseries or Asian markets), mock orange, citrus leaves (lemon, lime, or orange), eucalyptus, myrtle, olive branches, rosemary, or florist ferns such as leatherleaf. These provide both structure and fragrance and are easy to prepare. Part of the learning experience is discovering how to work with plants that grow around you.
As an alternative, a limited selection of flowers and greenery will be available for purchase on the day of the workshop for
$20.
Please also bring:
- Hand clippers
- A small spray bottle (for misting and keeping materials fresh)
Before class, clean and prepare your materials by trimming most stems to about
1–2 inches in length (bougainvillea may be left longer, as the flowers are wound differently). The instructor will also share additional materials from his garden that he can bring.
Mahalo for helping create a collaborative, hands-on learning experience!
