My Chosen Craft: Beading and Hemp

When I was confronted with the By Hand Project, I had no idea what kind of project I wanted to do. With all the different types and variety of crafts out there today; the ideas appeared nearly endless. I wanted to find a craft that I could relate to; one that seemed to bring out my personality. I wanted a project that I would enjoy working on throughout the course and maybe continue crafting it when the semester ends as a new hobby. I also wanted a craft that would allow me to create really great gifts for people that they would enjoy using or wearing because I have several birthdays coming up. My boyfriend’s birthday is in February, my sister’s birthday is in April and let’s not forget about Valentine’s Day which is in a few weeks. My roommate recommended jewelry making, but I had already taken a jewelry class in high school in which we made different types of charms, necklaces, and earrings out of a variety metals. I wasn’t good with metal, never seemed to cut the darn thing out right, so I knew that wasn’t for me. Also we are not allowed to do a project we already have done. That’s when I remembered about hemp jewelry. Hemp necklaces and bracelets have always intrigued me, they seemed to have the most intricate, almost mesmerizing beads on them and the rope patterns are really cool. All threw high school I had friends that would make hemp stuff like key chains, necklaces, and bracelets. I always thought they looked really cool, and even bought a couple necklaces from stores, but was always too scared to try and make my own for some reason. The patterns of the hemp seemed challenging and I am not a very “crafty” person, but my little sister who is a freshman in high school now has just started making some of her own hemp jewelry so I know I can do it. Which brings me to another reason why I am happy with my project choice, hemp jewelry became popular in the 1960’s and now even my little sister is making hemp jewelry. It seems to be a trend that has been around for generation after generation and will continue to strive in generations to come. Today there are even hemp hats, clothing, and shoes. I will be focusing on hemp necklaces and bracelets throughout this project, but maybe I will find something cool to make. I will start my learning process on the internet, surfing various sources, and then I may try and find a book to go beyond the basics. My roommate, Lexie, has also agreed to help me. I will be using a variety of charms, beads, and hemp colors for my crafts. I will also be making my own beads in the oven, which I had no idea was even possible until a couple of days ago when my roommate told me she used to make them when she was little. This weekend and next week I will be focusing on gathering my materials. I plan on beginning with Hobby Lobby and we will go from there. I may need to order some materials off line if I don’t have success in the stores. That’s all for now folks, wish me luck!