Beginning to Tie Hemp

Starting on the journey to becoming an experienced “hemp artist” can be as simple as a trip to Wal-Mart. As soon as you’ve acquired the few necessary supplies it’s only a short trip to the local library or a click on amazon com to gather instructional material on the different kinds of knots. But first comes first.

Really, the only thing truly necessary is Hemp. You’ll find a pretty wide selection of different grades (thickness) and colors. In my experience, there are three basic sizes available and they are:
Small- 40 lbs.
Med.- 48 lbs.
Large- 170 lbs.
Of course, that’s not ALL that’s around. I’m sure w/ a little creative internet searching, a wider array can become possible. There’s hemp rope out there as big around as my pinky finger, and hemp thread if you’re really passionate.

The different grades (S, M, L) of hemp are well suited for different styles and products. I personally favor the smallest for intricate weaves and more complicated knot patterns. The medium is also good for jewelry, although the finished product turns out considerably more masculine. The large hemp (the larger you go, the more work goes into making those knots TIGHT!!) is best, I find, for more practical things like dog leashes and belts.

Hemp comes in any color you want, although it varies whether you can find it in your local craft store or not (I hate waiting a week for something I want to make right NOW!!). Different colors aren’t doesn’t necessarily come in one size but I find it most common in the small and medium grades, perfect for jewelry! When working w/ colored hemp, the trick is experimentation. Dyed hemp is readily available in Wal-Mart or Michaels in small amounts, a few yards per color as opposed to the large balls of the neutral colors, but online like at www.hempsisters.com, huge rolls are available at a very reasonable price plus s/h. So, if you like different colors and want to make them last, try mixing a bright strand of your hue of choice into a piece that’s mostly neutral. Mixing the two in a cool pattern can really brighten up the finished product.

One more necessity: Anchorage for working. Now, any book you read on sculpting w/ rope will tell you that you need a tack board complete w/ pins and grid to hold down your work and make it even. Me? I’m a naturalist. To me, hemp is such a raw material, even after being refined into twine, there is no chance in ever getting it perfectly even, so why waste time and money?

So, all I carry when I’m working is carbiners. You know, those clips mountain climbers use to attach themselves quickly. You’ve probably seen them on somebody’s keychain or belt loop, but if you haven’t click http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/item/FA3201 for a visual example. Just hook your hemp on one of these bad boys and snap it anywhere. If you’re like me w/ he sandals, just hook it on your big toe. It allows you a good tight hold on your work, and the finished product comes out just as straight as on a tack board.

What I’m getting into next isn’t so MUCH a necessity: Beads. Beads, charms, pendants, stones, bangles, etc. None really NEED to be there for the piece to exist, but once you start creating w/ them, you’ll most likely get addicted. The type of decoration is not important, although gems and really heady glasswork are the best for adding value to hemp jewelry. Here’s a list of some great resources for beads and pendants online!

Queen City Lamp Works of Manchester, NH
http://www.queencitylampworks.com/

Gem Mall
http://www.gemmall.com/?_ads=google&_kw=wholesale+beads&gclid=CNC8x9nM0JECFQUYlwodVGSD3g

Shipwreck Beads
http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
http://www.firemountaingems.com/

The one thing to make sure of at the time of purchase, to save frustration and cramped hands: MAKE SURE THE BEAD HOLES WILL FIT THE SZ. OF HEMP YOU ARE USING. I can’t count how many times I’ve given up on a necklace because that LAST BEAD just wouldn’t take the hemp I was trying to cram through it. There’s only so much twisting and chewing on the ends you can do to compact the fibers. Sometimes, if you can get the tips of the string through initially, there’s a way to screw it through by twisting the bead, but it tends to cramp the hands a lot, even a seasoned warrior.

So, there are the three basics. Once you’ve got your supplies all you need is a pair of scissors and the right instructions. My favorite place to go is the library but then, I’m also a huge geek. Remember, don’t just look for books on hemp, but also macramé, which is basically the same thing but on a larger scale. Amazon.com carries a wide variety of instructional material for probably the best prices. And Google. The internet has everything… for FREE!! Searches on hemp instruction are gold because you’re not only getting the classic knots, but the knots people make up when they’re bored, the ones nobody knows about. Here are some good links for books and basic hemp necklaces.

Hemp Masters: Ancient Hippy Secrets for Knotting Hip Hemp Jewelry
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0943604575/beadage5-20

Making Beautiful Hemp and Bead Jewelry
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Beautiful-Hemp-Jewelry-Crafts/dp/0806962755

Beginner Lessons in Macramé: The Art of Knotting
http://cgi.ebay.com/BEGINNER-LESSONS-IN-MACRAME-THE-ART-OF-KNOTTING_W0QQitemZ370022703741QQihZ024QQcategoryZ28151QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hemp Twine & Hemp Jewelry Books & Kits
http://www.barharborhemp.com/pg5.html
How to Make a Hemp Bracelet
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A801640

How to Make a Hemp Necklace the Hippy Way
http://busy-crafting.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-make-hemp-necklace-hippie-way.html

There is one thing that’s good to know that isn’t always referenced in the reading material:

-Glue. Just normal, everyday white school glue. It’s best if it’s watertight and it’s used when ending a piece and you want to secure the last knots without creating a big, ugly overhand knot. Just brush end knot generously with the stuff and let it dry. Trim off excess string and voila!! A clean professional ending that will last.

And that does it. Hopefully I’ve piqued your interest and you’re already thinking about the possibilities. The real charm of the medium is that, thanks to the texture of hemp, no two pieces are exactly alike and that’s the way we like it. Just express yourself.