Hemp Jewelry Making - Getting Started
hemp jewelry making was very popular in the sixties and is now back in style with men, women, and children of all ages. Pet collars made out of hemp are also all the rage. Even trend setting fashion designers such as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren are starting to include hemp accessories in their lines. Hemp jewelry is very easy to make which is one the reasons it is such a common handmade gift for friends and family.
Hemp jewelry is made from hemp twine which is spun from the fibers of the cannabis plant. Commercially produced hemp twine used for the creation of hemp jewelry is available in many arts and craft stores and is relatively inexpensive. Most jewelry is made from 1mm or 20lb twine. Heavier twine is used to make jewelry for men or for larger pieces such as dog collars. Hemp is very strong and therefore is also used to make paper, soft cloth and rope. In fact it is interesting to note that as early as 8000 B.C. hemp was used to make fabric and provided over 80% of all textiles.
Most hemp jewelry is made using the square and spiral knots. Other knots include the Half Knot, Butterfly Knot, Lark’s Head Knot, Overhand Knot, and the Switch Knot. The knotting techniques are very easy to learn. Projects are also portable so it is a great way to pass the time on a road trip or while hanging out on the beach.
A finished piece can include variations of the knots as well as the incorporation of beads, shells , or semi precious stones. While the signature natural tan color is the most popular, hemp is also available in many colors including rainbow. Died hemp twine can be used to complement the color of the beads in your piece. Bracelets can be finished with a knot that is slipped through a loop on the end or tied together and worn all of the time. Due to the durability of hemp fiber, hemp jewelry can even be worn while in the ocean or showering. For this reason, hemp jewelry is very popular in the summer. Ankle bracelets in particular are very fashionable.
For more information about hemp jewelry or creative jewelry making, please visit http://www.creativejewelrymaking.com/.
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