Hemp Ball Accents: how-to

I was inspired by the excess of hemp that I somehow seemed to possess. And since my ego just wouldn't let me use it for bracelets or the like, I needed to find another solution. These decorative accents are what I came up with. The project was extremely simple and quick. So I'd definitely recommend trying it if you guys have a lonely basket or bowl lying around that you'd like to show off.

Materials

styrofoam balls (whichever size you like best, or you can get an assortment like I did)

hemp

glue gun

hot glue (definitely stock up on these)

decorative basket/bowl to place them in once finished

spray paint (optional)

Step One

Take the hemp and gently press a small section (approximately 1 inch in length) into the styrofoam ball.

Step Two

Make sure that the string is pressed far enough in so that it's even and flush with the surface of the ball. (See image below) Then glue into place.

Step Three

Wrap the hemp around itself, like so, in a full circle. Glue as you go.

Step Four

Keep wrapping and gluing.

Step Five

More wrapping and gluing. Make sure you're winding everything very tightly so that there are no spaces between the rows of hemp.

Step Six

Wind up the last bit without glue (leaving a little excess so you can tuck it under) then cut the hemp.

Step Seven

Wind the remaining hemp. Tuck the last little bit under, like so.

Step Eight

Glue everything down. Voila!

Step Nine

Gather all of your hemp ball decorative accents and place them in a bowl or basket of your choice. As you can see from the image below, I decided to spray paint some dark brown and some blue. This step is optional. I like the look of the natural hemp as well as color added to it, that's why I chose to do both. However, I would definitely be careful with the color of spray paint you choose. The dark brown went on effortlessly. The blue was another story. I experimented with a few different shades before I actually got it right. But I think they turned out pretty well overall:)