DIY Bolo Tie

Many years ago, we might have shunned the idea of wearing bolos but nowadays we couldn’t be more obsessed with these western neckties! Worn pulled up against a buttoned up collared shirt or loose as a necklace, bolos are our must have accessory of the moment. Inspired by recent street style sightings, magazine editorials, and a few designers who have embraced this western inspired trend, we put together an easy bolo tie tutorial that we hope you’ll love.

You’ll need:
– a cutting board
– a sharp knife, drill
– a tapered stopper cork
– super glue
– 40 inches of leather or suede cord
– a button earring
– an open-acorn push nut
– a pair of closed-acorn push nuts

 

 

Start by cutting about 1/3 of the cork off, lengthwise. Drill two holes at an angle on the top side of the cork, exiting out the same centered hole on the opposite side. Run the drill through the holes a few times in order to clean out any excess cork. Thread each end of the leather cord through the top of the cork, pulling the ends out the bottom. (Click images to enlarge)

Thread both ends of the cord through the open acorn nut, using a safety pin to help thread it through. Push the acorn nut flush against the bottom of the cork. Cap the tips of the cord by filling the insides of each of the closed nuts with super glue and twisting the tips into them. Decorate the bolo by sticking an earring or brooch into the center of the cork.

It’s that easy – adjustable & interchangeable!

(top images from here, rest of images by Honestly…WTF)

Leave a Comment

38 Comments

  1. Wow, so simple and cute 🙂

    xoxo
    http://www.fashionagony.blogspot.com/

    3.1.11
    Reply
  2. I’m in love with the finished product photo!!!! You guys are amazing.

    3.1.11
    Reply
  3. Jessie wrote:

    kind of a cool project.

    http://wordbyjessie.com

    3.1.11
    Reply
  4. This is simply beautiful!

    3.1.11
    Reply
  5. Lia wrote:

    So cute and easy! I love how you styled it to look more like a necklace. Simply gorgeous!
    xoxo
    Lia

    3.1.11
    Reply
  6. Polly wrote:

    great DIY!
    i looove your blog!
    http://pollyxinmiau.blogspot.com/

    3.1.11
    Reply
  7. SARAH wrote:

    Can I ask where your cardigan in the last pic is from? I love the southwestern vibe. Thanks.

    3.1.11
    Reply
  8. Fashion Questions!!! wrote:

    Where is you hoddie/jacket from???

    3.1.11
    Reply
  9. Love the jacket you’re wearing… where is it from?

    http://www.fashionablecollections.blogspot.com

    3.1.11
    Reply
  10. Cool idea! I wonder if you can paint the cork? I’ve never tried it, but I might like it more if the cork were black, for instance. Anyway, this is a great way to upcycle all the amazing vintage buttons & clip-on earrings I always find during my treasure hunts. Thanks!

    xoxo
    Nickie
    http://blog.nickienoel.com

    3.1.11
    Reply
  11. luciana* wrote:

    “love the jacket you’re wearing…” [2]

    3.1.11
    Reply
    • erica wrote:

      The “coatigan” is from Topshop! Lauren has it in red and I in blue. It’s the bees knees! xx

      3.1.11
  12. Bella wrote:

    You both are so fabulous! Speachless

    3.1.11
    Reply
  13. lauren wrote:

    Here is the link for the Navajo Coatigan

    3.1.11
    Reply
  14. lauren wrote:

    Nickie- I tried a whole bunch of options this weekend. I used metallic spray paint, nail polish, and acrylic paint. The cork does absorb a lot of the paint, but it does work. We thought a metallic silver one could look cool, but at the end of the day the look of the natural cork was my favorite.

    3.1.11
    Reply
  15. Melody wrote:

    Cool project. Love it. Very creative.

    Grande Jewelry
    Grande Jewelry
    Grande Jewelry

    Hope to hear your thoughts on my blog.
    XxXx Melody XxXx

    3.1.11
    Reply
  16. Stylesis wrote:

    Love the idea, I am going to try something like that. I like your blog, you have a fabulous taste 😉
    xx

    3.1.11
    Reply
  17. alicia wrote:

    Love this! Last week I saw a 60 y.o. man wearing a bolo tie with a large agate slice at the center. I really wanted to take his picture but I didn’t and now I’m annoyed with myself. It was so cool.

    3.2.11
    Reply
  18. Omana wrote:

    Wow, that is creative!

    3.2.11
    Reply
  19. Britte wrote:

    Je fais le faire ! Et 1 Bijoux de plus ! Vi

    5.28.12
    Reply
  20. RSA Online wrote:

    This is stunning. I have many corks at home.

    8.15.12
    Reply
  21. Giftbearer wrote:

    Very clever! I have corks in my supply shop and this is yet another cool use for them. The result of this bolo is really nice-looking, and the little pearl embellishment really adds a look of refinement!

    3.7.13
    Reply
  22. zhoulijing wrote:

    great DIY!

    12.24.13
    Reply
  23. Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was once a entertainment
    account it. Glance advanced to far delivered agreeable from you!
    However, how could we be in contact?

    5.11.16
    Reply
  24. Gemsratna wrote:

    Nice neckless.

    10.9.17
    Reply