It used to be fake lei were tacky, but advanced techniques in fabricating them, and a new awareness of the need to conserve lei flowers and greenery in the wild, have drawn attention to ribbon and crochet let. Proof comes in the form of two new books on the subject: "Hawaiian Lei in Crochet" by Roberta Wong (Island Heritage, $9.99) and coming in September, "Making Ribbon Leis and Other Gifts of Aloha" by Coryn Tanaka and May Masaki (Bess Press, $9.95).

Both books are handily spiral bound so that they lie flat while you're consulting them.

Every time we've done a story on ribbon leis, the inevitable happened. Ex-kamaaina would e-mail from Seattle, Minnesota and other points across the nation to request sources of more instruction.

Now online crafters can rejoice! The Bess Press has come out with a 42-page book by lei-making instructors Coryn Tanaka and May Masaki, featuring 17 different lei designs and step-by-step techniques.

Pinch, sew, roll and gather your way to making multicolored haku leis, cigar leis, lehua chokers, double 'ohai ali'i or a Micronesian hibiscus weave lei.

"Making Ribbon Lei and Other Gifts of Aloha" also includes instructions for making bows, a money rose and a decorative fairy.

With Easter, Lei Day, Mother's Day, and graduation just around the corner, what better time to learn how to "do it yourself" - make leis. To the rescue - in the form of a wonderful new "how-to" book - complete with beautiful photos, detailed diagrams, and design ideas.

Together, the mother & daughter team of May Masaki and Coryn Tanaka have put together an instruction manual that even the most inexperience crafter can follow. This is not to say that pros won't get some new ideas by looking at the 17 different examples they present. Having taught classes in lei making and other forms of arts & crafts, the duo knows how to keep things simple.

The book's excellent layout and close up color illustrations are enough to tempt first-timers to try their hands in creating these very special symbols of aloha. Using ribbon instead of live flowers has an added element - leis won't wilt or dry out - they are forever. What is truly amazing is that in some cases it is hard to tell the ribbon versions from the real flower types. In other cases, the ribbons take on their own special forms with their shining surfaces and bright colors giving a totally different touch.

From start to finish - meaning from supply lists to step-by-step instructions - go no further than this easy to follow spiral bound - large print and large size paperback. Not to forget - especially with the above mentioned lei days coming soon - the crafters have included directions on making bows and the ever-popular "money roses" new graduates count on. Have fun!