Hemp Art

E1011 Labs loves all the different ways people use hemp to create art!

There are many uses for the hemp plant, from its inclusion in CBD skincare and makeup products to sports and nutrition supplements. Hemp has even made an appearance in more industrial market sectors, including building and construction.

Many people have come to rely on hemp-derived CBD in their daily wellness routines, which is why e1011 labs created the elon®. This state-of-the-art CBD delivery system goes wherever you do, so access to therapeutic CBD is always on hand. Elon®’s concentric heating technology provides smooth-tasting vapor and maximizes bioavailability, so none of that premium sun-grown hemp goes to waste. 

With so many uses, it’s easy to wonder is there anything this plant cannot do? Well, while the researchers and scientists battle out the details, there are a few indisputable uses for the hemp plant, especially if you are a crafter. Hemp news may be filled with the newest research on cannabinoid benefits; we are here to give you a different perspective and have some fun with the hemp plant.

No prior crafting experience is necessary – these DIY projects are simple and interesting ways to add a unique boho flair to any room or design.

Hemp Dreamcatchers

The Dreamcatcher is a sacred talisman used by Native Americans for protection, particularly at night against bad dreams. They have become a popular and beautiful item to have in one's home since particularly if you are looking for a boho theme.

Although these dreamcatchers are beautiful and fun to create, we should always remember with reverence the culture where they came from. Additionally, to honor the meaning behind the dreamcatcher talisman, and as you weave the web, to remain conscious of your thoughts, and weave it with reverence and good intentions.

Traditionally, some First Nation and Native American cultures wove dreamcatchers (Ojibwe: asabikeshiinh) with a willow hoop. The weave within the hoop resembles a spider's web and traditionally contains revered items, such as feathers, beads, or other special items. They were hung over sleeping infants to ward off negative dreams and protect the young child.

The dreamcatcher originates in the Ojibwe culture as a protective charm. Researchers discovered that in the Ojibwe culture, the people look to the Asibikaashi (Spider-Woman) to protect the families and the land. As the Ojibwe people spread throughout North America, the woven dreamcatchers, made to resemble a spider's web, began to be used as a symbolic interpretation and talisman of the Spider Women's protection.

Due to the marketable value that the dream catcher began to build in the 1970’s this origin story has largely been erased, but it is appropriate to discover before you make your own dreamcatcher. 

So, let's dive right in:

How to Make Your Own Hemp Dreamcatcher

Things you will need:

• A hoop
  You can use any material here, but it is best to use a hoop made from natural fibers. It is unlikely you find a hoop made from willow, but it is great if you can. There are also easy ways to make your own; all you need are flexible pieces of natural plant stalks. Green and pliable bamboo shoots work well.
  

• Hemp cord material
  This is to weave the inner 'spider web' part of the dreamcatcher. This is one of the best materials you can use because of the hemp chord's durability and stretchiness.
  

• Extra string
  This is for attaching the embellishments.

• Embellishments
  Make these mean something. If you want to use material strips, use colors that inspire positivity and good thoughts. Everything should be weaved with good intentions, so use meaningful embellishments.
  

• Double-sided tape

• Glue Gun
  If you don't have a glue gun, then just make sure that you have strong super glue to use, it might be tricky, but it is definitely not impossible.
  

If you want to wrap the material around the hoop to cover it up and decorate it, then be mindful of purchasing extra material you wish to use. Whether it is yarn, hemp chord, or material, choose the colors based on the theme and look you want your dreamcatcher to embody.

Step One: Wrapping the Hoop

1. Choose the material to wrap as a base around the entire hoop.
2. If you are using fabric, cut an inch into the material and ensure that you use the side with the jagged edges. After you have cut the inch (if you are using fabric), tear all the way down the fabric, giving you a strip of fabric, one inch wide.
3. Begin to wrap the fabric around the hoop. You don't have to wrap it up just once; you can cover it multiple times to ensure you have it covered tightly. If you are using yarn or chord, just know that this painstaking process will be over soon! The tighter you wrap the cord around the hoop, the better it will look. Just keep wrapping until you are done.
4. Whether you are using chord or fabric, make the process fun! You can use your double-sided tape to help you secure the first piece while you wrap around the hoop.
5. Once the hoop is all wrapped up, you can finish it off with your glue gun to ensure that it stays. If you do not have a glue gun, any strong adhesive will do the trick.

Step Two: Weaving the Middle Web

How to Weave the Middle Pattern

This is one of the most critical parts. The middle weave is the section that is supposed to protect from negative dreams and spirits. As you begin weaving, keep your thoughts pure and free of ill intent. Think about the positive things you want to dream about, thinking happy and positive thoughts help to set your dreamcatcher with good intentions.

1. Cut a section of hemp chord to use for the weave, approximately 3-5 feet.
2. Tie a secure knot at the top of the dreamcatcher.
3. Measure a pinky finger distance away from the knot. This initial distance measurement will affect the entire design, so if you want smaller or bigger weave patterns, then measure accordingly. 
4. Wrap the hemp chord underneath, slipping it through and pulling it tight. 
5. Using your pinky finger, measure a length from each knot that you have tied. And continue to loop and knot until you have gone around the entire hoop's circumference.
6. If you have covered the entire hoop's circumference, you should now be ready for the second round. To do this, measure where to place the next knot from the middle of the first one. So, use your pinky to measure a pinky's distance from the first knot and tie your next knot there. Go slow and be patient- it is worth it to do correctly. Continue to do this until you have covered the entire area. This can get tricky, but you can easily get into a nice rhythm once you get the hang of it.
   

Some tips for your weave:

• Weave slowly. The circle will get smaller with each round, but ensure that the middle knot is tied before each new round.
  

• As the weave circles get smaller, you can pull and tighten it as you go to ensure it is firm and secure.
  

• Once you reach the center, you should know how large or small you want your inner circle.
  

• When you are ready to end it off, tie it on a knot where it appears to be balanced and uniform. Pull the cord into a tight knot when you are ready to complete the weave. It is good to use a double or even a triple knot here, before trimming off the remaining hemp cord. 

That is the most important, and possibly the most challenging part done! Now comes the fun, setting in the embellishments. While these are usually done on the hanging string or chord at the bottom of the weave, you could also string beads and other decorations as you do the weave itself. While this is not necessarily part of the original first nation design, it has become a popular way to make dreamcatchers among non-native Americans. 

You can use either fabric strips or your hemp chord for the hanging bits on your dreamcatcher. Feathers are commonly used here, and a tip for working with feathers is to give up trying to smooth them down, just ensure that the tips are all matching up, and secure them together well before adding them onto your dreamcatcher. 

Once you have finished adding the finishing touches to your dream catcher, its time to hang it up! But before you do, you need to add the top loop so that you have a place to hang it up. This part is simple, all you need to do is to cut a piece of cord, string, or yarn (the length that you want your loop to be) and loop it around and tie it in a knot at the top of your dreamcatcher. You can use your glue gun for extra peace of mind to ensure that the knot stays secure. 

Hemp Candle Wicks

Stay tuned for our next article, where we continue the crafting theme and show you how to make your own candles using hemp candle wicks. Making your own candles are fun and surprisingly easy. Make sure you've signed up to receive our newsletters to be the first to know about our new posts. 

Have you made your own dreamcatcher? Let us know what a dreamcatcher means to you and how your DIY dreamcatcher came out by tagging us on a picture of it on social media.