Rustic Desert Bolo

Supplies needed

• 1    Longhorn Button    (94-6608-26)
• 1    Longhorn Charm    (94-2576-26)
• 1    Rattlesnake Link    (94-3236-26)
• 2    Jardin 4x2mm Crimp End    (94-5826-26)
• 6    Twisted 4mm Spacer Bead    (93-0412-26)
• 2    Eye Pin 2" 21ga    (01-0027-09)
• 1    Oval Jump Ring 17ga 5x3.5mm ID    (01-0019-09)
• 2    Gemstone 6-8mm Heishi Bead, turquoise (Turquoise shown)
• 2    Gemstone 12mm Tube or Rice Bead, red-orange (Goldstone shown)
• 35"    3mm Nubuck or Split Suede Lace (Nubuck Red Brown shown)

Tools

• scissors or leather snips
• round nose pliers
• chain nose pliers
• flat, nylon jaw or parallel pliers
• wire cutters
• jeweler's adhesive or gel super glue (optional)

Skill Level: Beginner

Finished Size: Approx. 38"

Designer: Tracy Proctor

Download the Rustic Desert Bolo PDF

Watch the Demo Video: Rustic Desert Bolo Jewelry Making Demo

Variations:
Silver ~

Floral ~

Watch our technique videos on the TierraCast Blog (look for Crimping Barrel Beads, Simple Loops, and Jump Rings).

Tip: Lace thickness can vary. For thinner lace try a smaller jump ring on the button, and fold the lace ends an additional time to create thickness for the crimp ends.

Steps

1. String 1 spacer bead, 1 gemstone tube bead, 1 spacer, 1 gemstone heishi bead, and 1 spacer onto 1 eye pin. Bend wire over at top of final spacer and use round nose pliers to form simple loop, trimming excess wire. Open loop at bottom and attach 1 charm. Close loop. Repeat. Set aside.
2. Open jump ring and attach to button shank. Close jump ring.
3. Fold lace strand in half and thread ends through the jump ring from top of button.
4. Fold 1 end of lace up about 1/2". Tuck folded end all the way into 1 crimp end* and secure by crimping with flat nose or parallel pliers. *Optional: for added security apply a small amount of adhesive into crimp end before inserting lace and allow to dry. Repeat with other end.
5. Open loop at top of 1 bead/charm dangle and attach to 1 end of lace. Close loop. Repeat.