Hemp Easter bracelets

It's that time again.  We're approaching another holiday where I make something for my three young nieces.  I had purchased a ball of variegated hemp from Tuesday Morning in pretty pastel shades -- perfect for Easter.  I just needed to decide what I was going to do with it.  I've never worked with hemp before.  The type I purchased is pretty stiff but it stated on the label that it's great for jewelry making.  I decided to crochet Easter bracelets.

Since I was really 'winging it' on this project, I checked for ideas on how long to make bracelets for girls ages 5-8.  The suggested length is around 6 inches so I used a U.S. size H (5.0 mm) crochet hook and made a chain just over 6 inches long.  Then I turned after making the chain and crocheted using a slip stitch in the chain.  This worked out pretty well.  I was afraid that the hemp would begin to separate and/or fray if I tried to do anything more intricate.  After I finished each bracelet, I sewed a plain white button on one end and stretched the last loop from the other end to fasten around the button.  Then I sewed a charm in the form of a decorated Easter egg on the middle (front) of the bracelet.  I'm pretty happy with the results.  I would work with hemp again although I'm not sure what else I would make.  I think it would make a cool little basket.

These will be sent in Easter bags with a tube of mini M&Ms and an Easter card for each niece.  Hope they like them!