One of my most popular posts here at Happy Hour Projects is actually a very early one. With crappy photos, but it was back before anyone really read here, haha – I was still finding my style. It’s one of my all-time favorite crafts, though: a hemp and seed bead woven wish bracelet. Did you wear these as a kid? The story goes, you tie it on your wrist, make a wish, and when the cords wear through and the beads fall off, your wish is released and will come true. Which is a really fun idea for kids. And kids at heart.
Anyway, I’ve been meaning to update it for… well like 2 years now. And I’ve finally gotten around to it. And to show that it truly is a 10-minute (or less) project, I actually did a video tutorial that clocks in around 8 minutes. Here’s what you will need: 
- 3 lengths of hemp cord 15-18 inches long (cut lengths closer to 21-24 inches for ankle-length bracelets)
- Scissors
- Size 6/0 seed beads
- Clipboard or tape to hold your bracelet steady as you work
A quick tip for your cord: if you find it’s unraveling and you can’t get your beads strung, you can add a dab of craft glue to the ends of your hemp. This hemp is just the cheap stuff (about 15-lb weight).
Take a peek at the video for the how-to! If you prefer photos, you can also visit the original photo tutorial for wish bracelets I posted a couple years ago.
Happy braiding! Are you wishing for anything special this spring?
I’m trying to make for my 8 and 5 year old granddaughters who are slim. I want to surprise them. They live 2 hours away. Does anyone have a idea of a wrist measurement for an 8 year old and a 5 year old? Thanks I appreciate the help
I just measured 65 kids for costumes at our local theater , we were astonished that 90 percent of their wrists were 7inches, and the ages were 6-14!
We’re can I purchase Hemp Cord. Am going to do these for Xmas!
Walmart, Meijers, family dollar, dollar tree, dollar general, hobby lobby, Joanna fabric, thought it will be more expensive at craft store.
Hi Adrienne,
I wanted to contact you because I’m looking for a project my children can put into baggies and send to a kids camp where children go who have parents with cancer. I was wondering if I can use your instructions if I add your blog site to it? Or if there’s another way you would be okay with it. If not, that’s okay too! I’ll figure something else out.
I made three of these and after wearing them the beads became untwisted and didn’t keep the pattern. I had the braiding very tight. Any suggestions for keeping the pattern.
I would love to make these. How do you wear them? Just tie them on your wrist?
I had to give these wish bracelets a try. I made a couple for my daughter and niece. They were so cute I even made one for myself. Thanks for the nice tutorial!
I remember when you originally posted these! Still love them. All my blog pics from years ago are hellacious too…lol…-ah, the old blogging days
I really love the bracelets and you make the technique look so easy!
These are so cute! And your pictures are great. I don’t think I want to go digging into my archives for some of my early jewelry tutorials…yikes!!