Making a Crepe Paper Lei. 1  1. Gather your materials. 2  2. Fold the crepe paper. 3  3. Thread the needle.  4. Pinch the folded paper between your fingers and pass the needle through the 1  center. 5. Twist the crepe paper.  6. Repeat with a second color of crepe 1  paper. 7. Finish the  lei.