One of my favorite things about handmade products is that they come in a variety of styles, made out of all sorts of resources. For one particular artist, Jessica Bettinazzi, her focus is to bring a flare to her jewelry through the artistic style of macrame. What makes her pieces so unique, however, is the fact that she uses hemp – along with crystals, minerals, and fossils.
“I consider myself a creative person, and I tend to dabble here and there in other arts and crafts that interest me,” Jessica shared, adding: “I have that ‘I can make that!’ mindset. I’ve made soap, sewed purses and totes, made dog treats – among other things. But my passion is definitely jewelry and crystals.”
Jessica calls her business “Knot Just Hemp”, playing off the fact that with macrame you can knot materials such as string into intricate, beautiful designs. For Jessica, she goes a unique route with using hemp and in browsing her Facebook or Etsy, you’re introduced to a variety of beautiful designs.
“As far as fiber art and my process, I really only use one knot – believe it or knot! I can tie a square knot, well, several square knots with my eyes closed. It is so therapeutic and meditative. When it comes to crystals, we spend hours and hours shopping and looking for ones that are extra special and unique. I have been told many times that I have a good eye for stones,” Jessica shared.
It’s evident from seeing Jessica’s pieces that she’s passionate about what she does, and you can see it whether you’re looking through her shop or Facebook online or if you’re holding it in your hand. What encouraged her on this unique journey, however? Another interest in a different form of art played a huge role in “Knot Just Hemp” starting up.
“My love of music and music festivals is what inspired me to go down my creative path. I took a look around at the other vendors and decided that this is what I wanted to do with my life,” Jessica explained. “So, I started out simply making macrame jewelry. My passion for jewelry making led me to start creating gemstone jewelry which then turned into a passion for crystals themselves.”
Jessica’s hope is that her hemp macrame introduces and helps others to be aware of the potential that hemp has. Hemp cord holds knots securely and is great for macrame. If you do some digging and research on hemp cord, you will find that it is strong, resistant to mold, and is capable of handling various weather conditions.
Likewise, pieces such as quartz, moonstone, fluorite, and some of the other items that Knot Just Hemp offers adds a little bit of flair to your decor or even your jewelry.
“Jewelry is just one example of its [hemp] many uses. I also believe that your space, your home, is a reflection of you and it is important to make it feel special and inviting, to yourself! Crystals are a great way to achieve this. Fill your home with ALL the shiny things now more than ever since we are spending more time at home than usual,” Jessica states.
With everything that Knot Just Hemp has to offer, I wondered if Jessica had any favorite pieces she had to share – and when it comes to creating your own unique products, choosing just one can be difficult.
“I can’t say that I have a favorite thing ever created. It changes so often! Right now, I would have to say that my popular hemp gypsy bell anklets are my favorite. They are a new product created this winter and have been doing well in my Etsy shop. I can’t wait to hopefully introduce them at live shows this summer!”
Live shows such as music and art festivals, along with selling online, were some of the only places that people could find some of the fantastic items that Knot Just Hemp has to offer. However, 2020 has been one of those years that has pushed everyone to approach things differently. With the cancellation of various events and shows, Jessica admits that it is a good idea to find other outlets to get your business out there.
“My advice to other potential artists is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. I used to exclusively sell my products at music and arts festivals, as well as online. All of our shows were canceled this year. This pandemic has forced me to approach my small business in a different way. I am now open to the idea of consignment. Go ahead and approach shop owners! Many of them are more than happy to help support new artists. This pandemic has also taught me to utilize social media sites more. It is so important to just put yourself out there,” she confesses.
Knot Just Hemps products are available in her Etsy shop, but samples of her products can be found at the Circleville and Ashville Apothecary, as well as find some samples available at her friend’s holistic and metaphysical shop Kindred Collective in Grove City.
“To keep up with our current projects, and hopefully our summer schedule of events please visit, like and follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest pages,” Jessica shares.
Jessica closes out with a special message for our readers, to those who have supported her, and continues to support her: “I say this all the time and I really want my customers to know how much we appreciate them. During this pandemic, I have been forced to seek out alternative ways to make my business grow and my customers have responded really well and kept us afloat. I am so humbled and grateful for every sale I make and I know my fellow artist friends are as well. Keep supporting artists and small businesses. We could not do it without you!”
You can find more information about Knot Just Hemp on their Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Etsy.
Pictures Courtesy of Knot Just Hemp.
Lauren Esteph at Dimple Times
Lauren has been writing since she was at least ten years old – and anywhere she traveled, you could always bet that she would have a journal and a pen in hand. Though she writes mostly for the Dimple Times now, she has dabbled in writing short stories and novels throughout her life.
She's spent most of her life in Circleville, Ohio – which has been a huge inspiration behind a lot of the locations, situations and ideas she has come up with for her different stories over the years.
Lauren enjoys using her writing to bring enlightening, encouraging and informative content to the Dimple Times – but outside of work, she also enjoys curling up with her cat to watch movies, read or simply to write for herself.
She's spent most of her life in Circleville, Ohio – which has been a huge inspiration behind a lot of the locations, situations and ideas she has come up with for her different stories over the years.
Lauren enjoys using her writing to bring enlightening, encouraging and informative content to the Dimple Times – but outside of work, she also enjoys curling up with her cat to watch movies, read or simply to write for herself.
Latest posts by Lauren Esteph (see all)
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