How to Make an Origami Butterfly With Money

Sugar and Charm shares a DIY for making Money Origami Butterfly Lei for a graduation present! Celebrate the grads by giving them a fun and charming gift!

We're loving these money origami butterfly leis for all those spring graduations happening. Such a charming way to congratulate the grads in your life!

Whether high school or college, a graduation should be celebrated since it's such a great achievement. Bringing leis to the graduation ceremony has become kind of a tradition and what better gift than adding some cash to it in the shape of money origami butterflies!

Butterflies represent the different cycles in life, change and joy… so perfect for grads! For this cute grad idea, we simply made some little butterflies and tied them to a fresh lei.

For each butterfly you'll need 2 bills and a little ribbon… that's it! So easy, but cute and unique.

You'll need a fresh lei, at least six bills to make three butterflies and small ribbon.

How To Make A Money Origami Butterfly Lei – Step By Step

Fold the bill in half lengthwise
Fold all of the corners in to make two points on each end of the bill
Make small folds lengthwise, flipping the bill as you fold to make an accordion fold
Fold that bill together evening in the center
Take the other bill and fold it in half like a mountain crease
Do the same accordion fold to this bill
Put the two bills together, matching them in the center and tie with a small ribbon.
Cut the ribbon to leave small antennas for the butterfly.
Tie the butterfly around the string of the lei
Here is a video showing how to make the butterflies

collage of money origami butterflies being made

What Is A Lei?

A Lei is a garland or wreath. More loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together with the intent to be worn. The most popular concept of a lei in Hawaiian culture is a wreath of flowers presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection.

Money Origami Butterfly

A money origami butterfly is the symbol of a new beginning, of beauty and a love of nature! A money origami gift is perfect for someone getting engaged or married, to celebration their transformation into a new life. Baby showers can be full of butterflies.

A graduate is leaving their chrysalis and flying into a new world, (plus a bit of money doesn't hurt in helping them on their way ha! A new job works wonders with a money origami butterfly as well.

close up of origami butterfly made of money

A Fun Craft Project For The Whole Family!

Origami from ori meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper" (kami changes to gami due to rendaku) is the art of paper folding, which is often associated with Japanese culture. In modern usage, the word "origami" is used as an inclusive term for all folding practices, regardless of their culture of origin.

It is a really peaceful and creative art form, it's great to get the family involved. It teaches focus and a level of patience. Start simple with shapes such as these butterflies and the kids' patience won't wear thin ha!

Top Tips For Money Origami

Find a quiet and peaceful place for your origami, allowing you to focus and relax.
Make sure you have 2 bills per butterfly.
Cut the ribbon to leave two small antennas for the butterfly.
You can use pipe cleaners instead of ribbons, for more texture.

Check Out These Other Great Gift Ideas

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Easy Dollar Bill Origami Heart by Instructables Craft

Origami Money Flowers by Spruce Crafts

hands putting a money butterfly on a lei

If you have tried this money Origami Butterfly Lei or any other project on Sugar and Charm, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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Money Origami Butterfly Lei for Graduation

▢ bills
▢ Ribbon
▢ fresh lei

Fold the bill in half lengthwise
Fold all of the corners in to make two points on each end of the bill
Make small folds lengthwise, flipping the bill as you fold to make an accordion fold
Fold that bill together evening in the center
Take the other bill and fold it in half like a mountain crease
Do the same accordion fold to this bill
Put the two bills together, matching them in the center and tie with a small ribbon.
Cut the ribbon to leave small antennas for the butterfly.
Tie the butterfly around the string of the lei
Here is a video showing how to make the butterflies