Graduation day comes with so many emotions. You've worked hard for years, and now you get to celebrate with family and friends who show up to cheer you on. Among the gifts and photos, graduation lei hold a special place. These beautiful flowers drape around your neck and remind you of the people who care about you most.
However, fresh flowers don't last forever, and you probably want to keep yours as a memory of this big day. The good news is that you can preserve graduation lei as a keepsake using a few simple methods. Each technique gives you a different result, so you can choose what works best for your space and style.
Air Dry Your Lei for a Natural Look
Air drying is one of the easiest ways to preserve your lei. You don't need fancy equipment or special skills. Just hang your lei in a spot with good air circulation and low humidity. A closet or spare room works well, as long as it stays dry.
Direct sunlight will fade the colors, so keep your lei away from windows. The process takes about two to three weeks, depending on the flowers you have and the climate where you live.
Start by gently shaking off any excess water if your lei feels damp. Then hang it on a hook or hanger so air can move freely around it. You want each flower to dry evenly without touching other surfaces. Some people like to separate the flowers slightly to speed things up, but this step is optional. Check on your lei every few days to see how it's coming along.
The colors will change as the flowers dry. Vibrant purples might deepen, and bright whites often turn to cream or ivory. This shift is normal and gives your lei a vintage feel. Once the flowers feel completely dry and slightly crispy to the touch, your lei is ready. You can display it in a shadow box, drape it over a mirror, or store it in a safe place. Air-dried lei last for years if you keep them away from moisture and pests.
Pressing Flowers To Create Flat Keepsakes
Pressing transforms your graduation flower lei into something you can frame or use in creative projects. This method flattens the blooms, making them suitable for scrapbooks, photo frames, or mounted displays.
First, carefully take your lei apart. Remove the flowers from the string and lay them between sheets of parchment paper. Space them out so they don't overlap or touch. Then place the parchment paper between two heavy books. Add more books on top to create enough pressure. The more weight you use, the flatter and more uniform your flowers will become.
Leave everything undisturbed for two to four weeks. Moving the books too early will ruin your flowers, so resist the urge to peek. When you finally check on them, the flowers should feel paper-thin and completely dry. Handle them gently because pressed flowers break easily.
You can arrange them in a frame with your graduation photo, glue them into a journal, or create a custom piece of art. Some people use pressed lei flowers to make bookmarks or greeting cards. The possibilities are endless once you preserve those delicate petals.
Use Silica Gel for Color Retention
Silica gel is one of the best ways to preserve flowers while keeping their original colors intact. The gel absorbs moisture from your flowers while maintaining their three-dimensional shape. Your lei will look almost fresh, just frozen in time.
Get an airtight container large enough to hold your lei. Pour a layer of silica gel on the bottom, then gently place your lei on top. Cover the flowers completely with more gel, making sure it fills in all the spaces between petals. Seal the container and wait about five to seven days. The exact time depends on the thickness of your flowers.
When you remove your lei from the gel, brush off the crystals with a soft paintbrush. The flowers should feel dry but still retain their shape and color. This method works especially well for orchids, plumerias, and roses.
You can display your preserved lei under a glass dome or in a display case to protect it from dust and damage. Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent any fading over time. Silica gel costs more than air drying or pressing, but the results are worth it if you want your lei to look as close to fresh as possible.
Freezing Your Lei as a Short-Term Option
Freezing can’t preserve your graduation lei forever, but it’s an easy way to extend its freshness for several more weeks. This method works well if you're not ready to commit to permanent preservation right away. Maybe you want to enjoy your lei a bit longer, or you're waiting to decide which preservation technique to use. Either way, the freezer gives you some breathing room.
Place your lei in a plastic bag or an airtight container before freezing. This step prevents freezer burn and keeps ice crystals from forming on the petals. You can also wrap it loosely in tissue paper for extra protection. When you're ready to take it out, let it thaw slowly at room temperature. Don't rush the process by using heat or warm water.
Your lei will look fresh again for a day or two after thawing, which gives you a chance to enjoy it one more time. Some people freeze their lei right after graduation and then thaw it to photograph later when they have professional photos taken. Others use freezing to buy time while they gather supplies for permanent preservation.
Resin Casting for a Modern Display
Resin casting turns your lei into a permanent piece of art. This technique involves embedding the flowers in clear resin, which hardens into a solid, glass-like finish. Your lei becomes a durable keepsake that you can display anywhere without worrying about damage.
Start by drying your flowers slightly using one of the methods mentioned earlier. Completely fresh flowers contain too much moisture and won't set properly in resin. Once your flowers are partially dry, arrange them in your mold. Pour the resin carefully to avoid trapping air bubbles.
The resin takes about 24 to 72 hours to cure completely. Once hard, you can pop your creation out of the mold and display it. People make coasters, jewelry, paperweights, and decorative trays with their lei flowers.
The resin protects the flowers from air, moisture, and handling, so your keepsake lasts indefinitely. This method demands patience and care, but it rewards you with a stunning, enduring piece of art.
Create a Keepsake Worth Keeping
Your graduation lei is a symbol of support, achievement, and a milestone you'll remember forever. With these five tips for preserving graduation lei as a keepsake, you can hold onto that feeling long after the ceremony ends.
Are you looking for fresh, beautiful lei for your upcoming graduation? Hawaii Lei Stand offers handcrafted lei available for pick-up in Honolulu, local delivery, or nationwide shipping. Browse our selection online and order the perfect lei to celebrate your special day.