Make your own lauhala decorations for holiday season
Advertiser Staff
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If you visit the Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie during the holiday season, admire the handmade decorations, created by staffers, that adorn the facility.
It's possible to make your own versions of these ornaments — though it helps if you already know how to weave lauhala. Here's one variation that is more accessible — streamlined by purchasing ready-made lauhala placemats and roses — provided by the center.
LAUHALA FAN ORNAMENT
Fold the placemats in an accordion style, ironing the folds with a medium iron to keep them crisp. There should be about five even folds in each piece. Stack the two folded strips together and hold in the center. Tie them together with a lauhala strip or ribbon, then fan them out and adjust so they look full. Gather the roses and colorful trim in the center above the tied section and fasten with the remaining lauhala or ribbon. Tighten and adjust to hide the knots, then hang and enjoy.
To learn how to make your own placemats and such, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, where the cultural ambassadors in the center's "villages" will be describing their islands' particular Christmas traditions this month.
