Making Beautiful Hemp & Bead Jewelry

I thought this book has many projects and techniques but it is not the book I thought it’d be. I was hoping to have all the different styles of hemp weaving in here. And but it doesn’t. It has specifically several projects and the step by steps to do that but not all the different ways to weave. The projects are listed and even have a drawn diagram on how to place the beads one by one. So that is good but I’m wanting a book on more of the just weaving and different ways to do that. Not necessarily even needing beads.

I got this book for my teenage daughter who learned basic macrame from a book. This book expands her techniques and gives her many more design options. It begins with a section showing different types of knots with diagrams on how to make them. The drawings are good, but because of all the threads intertwining, you have to be a person with patience to study the diagrams and follow them step by step. The next section has quite a number of jewelry designs using all the different types of knots and incorporating beads. The instructions are as good as they can be, with a large, clear photo, a list of materials, a list of the knots used, written instructions and a diagram that shows how the necklace (or bracelet, etc.) is laid out... that is, where all the knots and beads are along the strand. Even the beginner's "Simplicity Choker" is attractive, and more advanced designs are quite unusual, including scallopped edges, split strands, pendants, and beads placed in a flower shape. Very nice! I admit my daughter can sit for hours doing this, but she has had a lot of fun and pride in her work.

This book was really great. I am an advance Macramé artist and instructor and this book gave me several new design ideas. The description as to how to tie the knots was not bad either although "The Macramé Book," by Helene Bress is a little better in this respect. If jewellery is you thing this book is a must buy.

This book is excellent. It is all I needed to start making hemp necklaces. The first chapter tells you all the supplies you need as well as a little history about hemp. The next chapter talks about all the different knots (such as the square knot, half knot, wrap knot, chinese crown and berry knot - to name a couple) used in making hemp necklaces complete with black and white, easy to understand illustrations on making these knots. The remainder of the book contains over 30 different projects in color ranging from chokers, bracelets, anklets, earrings, keyrings and even an amulet bag. Overall a great book to own.

I found this book to be quite useful as a reference guide. Though the knotting techniques are all quite simple, it shows different and creative arrangements for beads. The beginning of the book is wonderful to use if you need to refresh your memory on various knots. It shows a picture of the knot, a brief explanation of why you may want to use that particular knot, and a step by step instruction. I recommend the hardback version for your collection, for I fear the paperback version will get worn out very quickly!

This book was exactly what I was looking for. It has more than twenty seperate complete designs for different types of hemp jewelry, as well as great color photos of each so you can easily see what it will look like. It has several knotting techniques, about four weaving techniques, and a few braids as well. I would recommend this book to any novice or above.