Use old or no longer needed coffee filters to create unique and colorful Hawaiian decorations.
When you think of Hawaii you may very well think of the beautiful flowers that seem to be constantly in bloom. So, it isn't a far stretch to imagine using those same flowers when wanting Hawaiian decorations. Of course, the flowers of Hawaii aren't always available everywhere else, but by following a few simple steps using coffee filters, you can have a variety of Hawaiian decorations at hand in no time at all.
Instructions
Hawaiian Lei
1. Fill multiple bowls with water and add a few drops of different shades of food coloring to each bowl. Combine food coloring to create tropical colors.
2. Dip coffee filters into each bowl to die them. If you choose to dip the filter in more than one bowl, allow the filter to dry between dips so as to prevent the bowls from changing colors.
3. Allow the filters to dry. Lay the filters out on a cookie sheet, parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you don't have a lot of time, you can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
4. Fold each filter in quarters and fasten the pointed end with an elastic band. You can use little clear hair elastics for this so that they are less visible. Remember that the smaller the elastics you use, the fewer times you'll have to wrap it around so small elastics are a great option. Place the elastic approximately half way up the filter, otherwise your flowers will be too big. You can cut the bottom off once the elastic is securely around the filter.
5. String the flowers together to create the lei using a needle and thread. For a stronger lei, thread multiple strands through.
6. Tie the ends of the threads in a knot and/or bow.
Hawaiian Hair Flower
7. Follow Steps 1 through 4 from the Hawaiian Lei instructions.
8. Wrap an elastic around the filter keeping it as close to the bottom as you can. This will ensure that you have a larger flower. If you want the flower to be smaller, simply wrap the elastic higher up on the filter and cut the bottom.
9. Place a bobby pin or other type of hair clip through the elastic and place in your hair. You can also use a second elastic to wrap around both the flower and your hair if you wish to have a ponytail.
Flower Streamers
10. Follow Steps 1 through 5 of the Hawaiian Lei instructions. Add as many flowers as you need to create the right length of streamer.
11. Tie a knot with a loop at each end of the string once you have all of the flowers on it.
12. Hang nails, hooks or pins in the desired location where you want the streamers and use the loops to hang it. You can also wrap the streamers around a railing or post.
Tags: Hawaiian decorations, around filter, coffee filters, each bowl, Follow Steps