Na Lei Keepsake

Aloha Oukou,
I have a couple of occasions that are coming up soon that require some lei giving. However, this time around, I've decided to give a lei made of novelty yarn instead of fragrantly fresh flowers that, I know, are abundant year-round here in Hawaii.  So, why would anyone want to make a yarn lei instead of a fresh flower lei? The yarn lei becomes a keepsake memory (is that being redundant?) of the occasion the lei was given for; it won't die like the flower lei.
Anyway, here's one finished and one more being made.

3-straw novelty yarn lei

This lei is made using three straws as opposed to the one-straw lei that are round when finished; this lei is flat, though dimensional, made to resemble a "Maunaloa" orchid flower lei. Most of you here in Hawaii would know what I'm talking about. Those of you not ma`a (familiar) with the different lei techniques, when we make a lei using yarn and ribbon, we try to make them look like a particular flower grown here in Hawaii.  In this case it's the Maunaloa orchid with fern.
Now, I have to give credit where credit is due. I learned how to make this by watching Daven, who was on The Joy of Crafting, demonstrate how to do this using 3 straws.  You can nab some straws from McDs, but for this project they might be too flimsy, or you can just pick up some of these purple ones from BFC(BenFranklin Crafts) @ .75 a piece; very sturdy. By the way, there are many volumes of lei making books at BFC if anyone is interested.  I believe this lei is in one of those books. Thank you Joy for hosting The Joy of Crafting!
Have a great weekend!
Aloha for now,

Aloha Oukou (Greetings to you all)

Aloha Oukou! This is my first blog, though I've been using a computer for some years now, I've never considered blogging. You know how it's said that things happen for a reason? Well, I had a glitch with a particular writing site that was left unanswered and left unresolved, so I left that site. But I still wanted to get my tutorials out to those interested in my creative projects. I've been hemming and hawing and being indecisive about learning to blog or create a website since the incident.
So, I'm here; stepping out of my comfort zone, no excuses, no alibis. I know that you all will be patient with me as I take baby steps to learn how to blog and upload project sheets and photos to this blog spot.
So what can you expect to see here? Well, I have done all types of sewing, so there will be sewing projects, hints and shortcuts. Creating patterns and designs is such delight when brought to fruition. Secrets to designing and creating your own projects I'm sure will be a task you'll want to give a try.
I don't just do sewing projects, I also dabble in countless other crafts and I'm just bursting with excitement to share my ideas in Jewelry making, stained glass projects, paper making....I could go on and on. But I think you've got the idea.