How to make Hemp Necklaces.

For those of you who do not know how to make hemp necklaces here is a step by step tutorial on how to make them!

First meassure out your hemp. For making a necklace I use two and a half arm lengths, from the tip of my right hand finger to my left hand finger, for one string. The second string I meassure out a little more than the length of the necklace. 

The first string you cut find the half way point and make a loop. Add the second sting and line both strings up. Like so.

Tie the strings together with a knot. Make sure it is not too close to the end of the string, but make sure the loop is not too big.

I use a long board to make my hemp necklaces. A screw is on one end and a place for me to tie the middle strings is on the other end of the board. I have written out meassurments on the board so I know where to stop beading. I find the board makes it easier and faster to make hemp jewellery. You don't need to use a board. I know people who tie the end on themselves or things they find laying around.

Seperate the strings into outside strings and inside strings. Depending on the beads you are using, I bead them onto the inside strings before I begin braiding. Tie the inside strings down so they are very tight and hard to move.

Take the left side string and cross OVER TOP the middle strings.

Next you want to take the left string and bring it over top the string you just crossed.

Bring the right string under the center strings and through the hoop made by the left string. Like so.

When you pull the strings together it should look like this. Pull hard to make the braid tight together.

Now do the same steps but to the other side. Braiding both sides back and forth will make the hemp go into a flat design braid. If you braid only on one side it will turn into a spiral.

When you want to add a bead, just move the bead up and into the next braid.

This is an example of the flat design and the spiral.

Hope this tutorial works for you. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes very easy. Enjoy making bracelets and necklaces!

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Pop Can Tab Bracelet.

My mother is a manager at Regis hair Salon. She is always into what everyone is wearing. The other day one of her clients came in with a pop can tab belt. My mother knew that I would love one of my own told her client about me. The client came in the next day with the belt and offered to let me borrow it so I could make my own. She was also nice enough to give me a full collection of tabs from pop cans so I can make it. The lady I borrowed it from used a thick cord to weave her pop can tabs together. I did not have a thick cord, but I found a rainbow material ribbon, that I thought would do just fine. I was half way through my belt when I had a great idea to make a bracelet instead! So here is a picture of my new bracelet! I also have finally finished my belt but haven't gotten around to taking a picture  of it! It was hard at first, but once you start the bracelet or belt it become a lot easier!
If your interested in learning how to make a pop can Tab bracelet just comment and I will post instructions with pictures!