Hey creatives. Just finished a batch of these handmade ribbon garlands for graduation season here in the Philippines. They are simple to make but add such a special touch for the big day. I have been experimenting with different colors like purple, pink, and lime green to make each one stand out. The green makes me really energetic and happy really drawn to it while I was making them.
Working on these handmade graduation money lei or garlands has been such a fulfilling way to welcome the graduation season. I really wanted to create something that feels special and remains easy to assemble, and these ribbon garlands are just right. In this batch I used vibrant satin ribbons in shades of purple, pink, and lime green to create a celebratory look that really pops. These colors made me happy.
In the video, I show the step-by-step process:
I love the rhythm of it all despite it being repetitive. I begin by prepping the ribbon and shaping each segment to form the base of the garland. Using hot glue, I carefully layer the pieces to build up the floral shape, ensuring everything is secure and symmetrical. One of my favorite parts is adding the personalized circular centerpieces that feature the Class of 2026 text, which instantly transforms the craft into a meaningful keepsake. That is the beauty of a diy project you can always customize it to your own liking or your customer's whim.
Finally, I attach the long neck ribbons so they are ready to be worn by the graduates.
I have uploaded the full walkthrough to show exactly how I put these together from start to finish. You can watch the step-by-step tutorial here:
It’s a fun project if you're looking for unique gift ideas or something clean and flat yet festive while making a little money on the side these are Class of 2026 ready and perfect side gig
What colors would you choose for a graduation theme?
