Rave Kandi and How to Make It: Everything You Need to Know

Get ready for music festival season with this article that covers everything you need to know about rave Kandi and how to make it! The basis of this article is to help you if you’re new to the rave scene or Kandi, so it doesn’t take you half of the festival to realize why people are wearing a bunch of bracelets and trading them. Also, to help you get involved with the Kandi process and make the most out of your festival experience. Continue below to make Kandi!

What is Rave Kandi?

Kandi is associated with the Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, and Responsibility (PLURR) community and is often made of pony beads or stones with festival-themed words on it. It symbolizes individualism and rebellion. Kandi kids often have unique pieces that represent their identity, including those made with multiple rows of beads, and kandi made with the tubular peyote stitch, and kandi you have received or are not for trading are worn on the left arm, while ones you made that are for trading are worn on the right. Just make sure not to ask to pick out the Kandi you want to trade for unless you are offered!

There are many different styles of Kandi for trading, including kandi cuff creations and various stitch techniques. Some pieces are really elaborate, while others are the first row of the more common designs. Kandi is a way to get creative and show your appreciation for the scene and the people you know or meet! It is important when making Kandi, that you make pieces that you yourself would want to receive from someone else. People often save their Kandi as part of their memories from the festival.

Understanding and Practicing PLUR (Peace Love Unity Respect) in the Kandi Community

Understanding and practicing PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) in the Kandi community is essential for creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere during festivals and raves.

These four principles not only serve as the foundation for the Kandi culture but also guide how we connect with one another in the vibrant festival scene. Peace encourages mindfulness and understanding, asking us to embrace tranquility and harmony amongst diverse crowds. Love emphasizes compassion and kindness—not just in our interactions, but also in the Kandi we create and trade. Unity fosters connection and camaraderie, reminding us that every exchange of Kandi is an opportunity to strengthen bonds with fellow ravers. Finally, Respect teaches us to honor each other’s space, experiences, and personal expressions through Kandi.

By embodying the PLUR philosophy, we enhance our collective experience, turning every festival into a celebration of friendship and self-expression. So, as you prepare your Kandi for trading, think about how each piece reflects these values and contributes to the beautiful tapestry of the rave community.

How Do You Trade Kandi?

In order to start the trading process, you must start and connect with someone in a conversation. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but a big part of trading Kandi is meeting new people and forming new connections with people that are apart of the festival community, which is my favorite part of the process. Even with my sole 2 Kandi, I was able to meet and develop new friendships with people at EZoo, making it a positive experience.

When trading Kandi, some will do a sort of “handshake” that is part of the community. The person starting the trade will make a peace sign. The other, in return, makes a peace sign and touches the others peace sign fingers with their own peace sign. This is the Peace part. Next is Love, where then both, using the same hand, will make the half of a heart and together form a full heart with their hands touching. The last part before the exchange is unity, where then the same hands interlock as if you’re holding hands. At this point, you select the piece of Kandi you’re giving them and pull in up your wrist, over your interlocking hands, and place it on their wrist. This is respect.

They do the same with the Kandi they’re giving you, and voila! You have successfully traded Kandi! Make sure to move the new addition over to your left wrist, if it isn’t already, so others know that it is off-limits!

How to Make Rave Kandi

Kandi Supplies

To make the common style of Kandi, you will need:

1. Different colored pony beads
2. Elastic string
3. Lettered pony beads
4. Scissors

Steps for Making Rave Kandi

1. Measure a piece of elastic string so that it fits around your wrist, with a little bit of space for comfort, and a little longer end for tying the bracelet together, adding an extra two inches to create a long end.
2. Choose the festival-themed word that you want to put on the bracelet.
3. Begin stringing the colored pony beads and perler beads in any style or pattern that you choose.
4. In the middle of the string, add the word spelled out in the lettered pony beads. Make sure it is spelled correctly!
5. Add the rest of the colored pony beads after the first bead to even out the bracelet.
6. Tie the ends together using a strong knot! These bracelets will receive a lot of wear and tear, so make sure that the knot is tied and here to stay!
7. Repeat the steps for however much Kandi you want to make!

Kandi Rave Word Ideas

1. Happy
2. Just Dance
3. Vibez
4. Vibes
5. Any of the artists’ names that are playing at the festival you’re attending
6. Passionate
7. Alive
8. Live Life
9. Kinky
10. PLURR
11. Peace
12. Love
13. Unity
14. Respect
15. Responsible
16. EDM
17. Keep Dancing
18. Rave
19. Random
20. Freaky
21. Head Banger
22. Tribe
23. Chill
24. Bass Drop
25. Rave Babe
26. Squad
27. Babe
28. Single
29. Full Send
30. Night Owl

Tips for Beginners and Advanced Kandi Makers

For beginners and advanced kandi makers alike, diving into the world of Kandi crafting can be both exciting and rewarding. If you’re just starting out, consider keeping your designs simple to develop your skills without overwhelming yourself. Experiment with color combinations and basic techniques like the single and double-strand bead patterns, ensuring each piece reflects your personality and style. As you gain confidence, don’t hesitate to expand your repertoire by exploring more advanced stitches like the tubular peyote stitch or creating elaborate cuffs and intricate designs.

Join online communities or local crafting groups to share tips, showcase your creations, and get inspired by others in the rave scene. Remember, crafting Kandi is all about expressing your individuality and connecting with fellow ravers, so embrace the journey and enjoy every bead that strings into your artistic expression!

Conclusion

Exploring Rave Kandi and how to make it opens up a colorful realm of creativity and self-expression within the vibrant rave culture. As ravers, crafting these unique accessories adds a personal touch to your rave experience, allowing you to shine even brighter amidst the pulsating dance music beats and dazzling lights. Embrace the art and PLUR culture of Rave Kandi, and let your imagination run wild as you create your own signature pieces for unforgettable moments on the dance floor. Enjoy your Kandi and stay safe! PLURR!

Frequently Asked Questions

How has Rave Kandi Evolved Over the Years?

Rave kandi has evolved from simple beaded bracelets to intricate designs with rainbow themes, characters, and messages. It has become a form of self-expression and creativity for rave-goers, showcasing personal style and connections within the rave community through vibrant and elaborate kandi pieces.