Crepe Paper Lei DIY + A Giveaway!

We’re partnering with Nestlé Pure Life Exotics to share how you can take an “Exotic Escape” even if you don’t have any vacations on the calendar. This DIY crepe paper lei is super easy to make and is the perfect accessory for any tropical summer party. When you wear it, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an island beach! Nestlé Pure Life Exotics is all about taking mini vacations each day. Without leaving your home, you can go somewhere exotic by doing yoga, lighting a tropical candle, listening to new music, or drinking something refreshing – like their new line of tropical sparkling water flavors. It has carbonation similar to canned soda but without all the calories (and no artificial colors or sweeteners.) It’s a refreshing way to stay hydrated all summer long. Today, Nestle is hosting a big giveaway that’ll make it really easy easy to take your own Exotic Escape. Click through below for the prizes and information on how to win!!

This Exotic Escape Kit includes a pack of Nestle Pure Life Exotics, our crepe paper lei, a hand-painted tote bag, a portable speaker, an iTunes gift card, a drink tumbler, an ice cream piggy bank, the best confetti ever, our favorite candy, a tropical stamp set, 3 handmade paper fans, a tropical-scented candle, palm tree food picks, bright ribbon, citrus plates and cups, and giant drink umbrellas.

Here’s how you can win!

1) Visit the My Exotic Escape website for flavors, coupons, and details on where to buy.
2) Comment below on your favorite way to escape from ordinary life (and which flavor you’d like to try!)

The giveaway ends on 7/10 when the winner will be chosen at random. You must be living in the United States to enter. Good luck!

Materials: Crepe paper (in Emerald Isle, White and Sweet Pea), brown rustic floral wire

Step 1: Make the leaves. Fold a strip of crepe paper into a stack and cut several leaves at the same time. The leaves should be thin and about 6 inches long (with a stem at the bottom so you can attach it to the lei.) Make sure the grain is going from top to bottom so you can stretch it. Taking a few leaves at a time, stretch them out using two thumbs so they curve (and look more like natural leaves.) Make about 150-2oo (you may need more or less based on how long your lei is.
Step 2: Measure out a piece of brown rustic floral wire that wraps around your neck and lands about halfway down your chest on either side.
Step 3: Begin attaching the leaves to the brown rustic wire with floral wire. Start at the top of the brown wire and tie on 3-4 at a time. Continue down the brown wire and layer the leaves on top of each other.
Step 4: Make the flowers. Fold a strip of crepe paper into a stack and cut several petals out at the same time. The petals should be thick and about 2 inches long. Make sure the grain is going from top to bottom so you can stretch it. Taking a few petals at a time stretch them out using two thumbs so they curve down and look like a petal. Attach the petals together by winding a long piece floral wire around the base.
Step 5: Color in the centers of the flowers using yellow and orange Chartpak markers.
Step 6: Attach the flowers to the lei garland using the leftover wire at the base of the flowers.
Step 7: Enjoy!

This post is sponsored by Nestlé Pure Life Exotics: Escape from the ordinary.