 
How to make Hemp Jewelry
Jewelry making is a very diverse and interesting hobby. There is an
amazing array of materials that you can use to make jewelry and many
people who take up the hobby choose to focus on one primary type of
jewelry made of certain materials. Hemp is a simple and inexpensive
material to use and it is easy to learn how to make hemp jewelry.
Some people know hemp jewelry by the name of macramé. And, the art
of macramé allows you to make much more than just jewelry. In the
1960' and 1970's, there were a myriad of different types of products
made using hemp rope, and other types of rope and string, to make
all kinds of items, such as wall hangings, planter hangers and many
other useful and decorative items. The skill actually goes back many
centuries and its origins are attributed to Arab weavers. Also,
sailors would use their knot tying skills to make all kinds of
macramé items.
Learning how to make hemp jewelry through the use of macramé
techniques is popular for adults and kids alike because it is fairly
simple to master, at least the basics. Most people are not aware
that macramé is another form of making textiles, similar to knitting
and weaving. However, it is all done with the use of knots, which is
why it was an activity so well suited to sailors.
In general, macramé is considered to be a more of a masculine type
of craft. This is because of the connection to sailors and also
because the materials used are more rough and coarse than those used
in many other crafts. In fact, just about everything one needs to
make an item can be found in a local hardware store where men are
normally more comfortable anyway, as opposed to browsing a craft
store.
In addition, there is something about tying different kinds of knots
that appeals to the masculine personality more than other forms of
crafts. As opposed to knitting, crocheting or weaving, there are
really no other tools needed. The skill of doing really boils down
to the rope or twine being used and the skill of the fingers. There
is no need for some special jewelry tool or jewelry soldering
equipment when learning how to make hemp jewelry.
Hemp jewelry, or macramé jewelry, is most often made by combining
the different knot styles with some of the common bead jewelry
supplies. Often various types of beads, such as glass beads, ceramic
beads or wooden beads, are inserted in between the knots to
embellish the pieces. Pendants and shells are also common
ornamentations that have been used with macramé jewelry and other
larger items as well.
While you can use just about any type of cord, rope or yarn to make
hemp or macramé jewelry, to many people hemp looks the best and most
natural. Additionally, hemp is a very inexpensive material, which is
another reason it is so popular. When considering materials for
utilizing any kind of hemp jewelry making techniques, you will want
to avoid using acrylic yarns. These kinds of yarns have a tendency
to stretch so they won't hold the shape of the knots very well and
your finished product will simply not look good.
If you are interested in how to make hemp jewelry, then there are
many free jewelry making classes and workshops that are offered at
many of the craft supply stores. Often times, leather, fabric or
hemp belts are made in these classes, as they are an easy way to
show off the unique beauty of jewelry made with macramé techniques.
Friendship bracelets are also commonly used to demonstrate hemp
jewelry making.
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