
Cleaning & Prepping Ti Leaves
IN THIS LESSON
Cleaning and preparing ti leaves for a ti leaf maile lei is essential to ensure a beautiful and long-lasting creation. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Materials Needed
Fresh ti leaves
Clean water
Scissors
A clean workspace
Steps to Clean and Prepare Ti Leaves
Select Quality Leaves: Begin by choosing healthy, vibrant ti leaves. Look for leaves that are free from blemishes or excessive browning.
Wash the Leaves: Rinse each ti leaf under cool running water to remove dirt and any residual pesticides. It’s best to do this gently to avoid damaging the leaves.
Trim Edges: Using scissors, trim away any ragged edges or damaged parts of the leaves. This ensures a neater appearance and reduces the risk of the leaves tearing during the lei-making process.
Dry the Leaves: Lay the leaves flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as this may cause the leaves to wilt.
Condition the Leaves: To make the leaves more pliable, you can steam or briefly immerse them in hot water. This process helps the leaves bend and twist without breaking.
Final Inspection: Once the leaves are dried and conditioned, conduct a final inspection to ensure they are in good condition for assembling your lei.