Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:“I was trained to use a pair of chain nose pliers to manipulate the wire being…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“I agree -- E6000 is the absolute best!…” read »
- on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:
“I don't use epoxy on any of the jewelry I make, plus depending on the temperature…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“I just taught a class with middle school children and one painted on a silver piece…” read »
on “Adding a Focal to Patricia Healey Chain”:“Absolutely Gorgeous! I can't wait to use this!…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“I need 1 egg for 50…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“This is great! My mom didn't know what to do with my thick curly hair so…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“How much cord do you use for the knot?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I want to string the wool beads together with elastic thread in a needle. Which…” read »
on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:“Love the instructions, but which stretch cord are you using? I don't see one like it…” read »
- on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:
“No photo, sorry. I'm really in a bracelet "phase". I tried figuring this out on my…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“Vintaj came out with this line in July. I am glad to see LB is selling…” read »
on “Using Colourful Soul Jewelry Pop-Outs & Ultimate Paints”:“*Squeaks with excitement* …” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“You carry the most beautiful beads, bar none. I tie a surgeon’s knot for more security,…” read »
- on “Using Vintaj Patinas”:
“Has anyone tried to use the patinas on coins?…” read »
- on “Using The Magic Finding”:
“Where can we buy the magic finding. It is not in your product list.…” read »
- on “Quick and Easy Ornament Hangers”:
“These are so pretty. I've been looking for a "template" for ear wires/cuffs. I think these…” read »
- on “Hammering Texture on a Blank”:
“Do you sell textured hammers and blocks I can't find?…” read »
on “Using a Hand Punch”:“Can I use it to open holes in Saint medals???…” read »
on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:“A good starting point for necklaces would be 2mm(ideal for .5"-1.5" pendants). For larger pendants(1.5"+) 3,…” read »
on “Using a Crimp Cover”:“To cover a sz 2 crimp tube, 4mm would be ideal. 3mm would fit, but it…” read »
- on “Using a Leather Cord Crimp End”:
“Hi, I am new to working with leather and end caps or any other finishing findings,…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“What size of a crimp cover would you use, for a size 2 crimp tube?…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“Excellent tutorial and superb photos. Cute bracelet!…” read »
- on “Coloring Metal with Alcohol Inks”:
“I just started working with alcohol inks. Most people who use the medium use Krylon Kamar…” read »
on “Crystal Clay”:“Tried to be good…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I have always loved this idea! It really resonates with me. Interesting to see…” read »
- on “String a Guru Bead on a Mala Necklace”:
“I, too, need to know how to attach a tassel to the guru bead.…” read »
- on “Wire Wrap a Bail on a Teardrop”:
“thank you. I've always wanted to try this…” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“I made one bracelet for my granddaughter and one for myself. They are easy and…” read »
on “How to make a paper bead”:“Interesting that paper beads are "in" again... Nearly 50 years ago, crafters (including my grandma) were…” read »
on “Using Epoxy with Cabs and Settings”:“Because of the constant abuse they usually get, glue is not an ideal hold for jump…” read »
- on “Wrap Loom Basics”:
“Moogie is right, if you need an answer from Lima you'll need to use the customer…” read »
- on “Make a Stretch Bracelet”:
“I’ve read in other tutorials to cut the elastic cord length needed and lightly pull each…” read »
- on “Using the Square Knot”:
“Perfect illustration and instruction for a knot-challenged brain …” read »
on “DIY Enamel Tile Bead Stretch Bracelets”:“These look like fun to make bracelets, and even more fun to wear.…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“I completely fell in love with the color of these little LillyPilly sheets and ordered my…” read »
on “The Simple Wire Bracelet”:“Nice tutorial. For me, I would need more visual. The camera needs to be closer…” read »
on “How to set a Nunn Design Glass Dome”:“Beautiful design!…” read »
- on “Using a Crimp Cover”:
“Tip:If I have miss judged my project, I have found I can use a crimp cover…” read »
With just a few basic supplies, make a trendy bolo necklace without breaking a sweat. It’s a minimal design, but there’s plenty of room for your personal style.
First, gather your supplies… You’ll need the following:
- A length of 3mm or 5mm flat cord, like our line of bolo-friendly microsuede flat cord. 2 yards of cord will allow for a bolo necklace with 1 or 2 choker wraps at the top.
- 3mm or 5mm slides to embellish the choker area of your necklace. These are optional, but they’re great for embellishing the piece with a little bit of your personal style.
- Optionally, a concho to cinch your necklace (tying a bow will also work).
- Bolo tips, to finish off the ends of your flat cord.
- Shears to cut the flat cord, and some adhesive (we recommend LimaStudios epoxy).
Step 1 (above)
This is the most important step for your bolo necklace design. Do you want to have your necklace be simple with no wrapping, wrap with 1 choker, or wrap with 2 chokers? All of these are stylish choices, it just comes down to personal preference. If you choose to have chokers you will want to wrap your cord around as if it were on your neck. Make sure to keep your cord smooth. This is important when it comes to your finished piece so that you can avoid your necklace twisting.
Now would also be the time to embellish your necklace and chokers with slides if you choose to do so. The nice thing about using slides is that you can move them into place on the fly if you need re-center.
Step 2 (above)
Once you’ve made your decision on the type of bolo you will make, you have another choice. Do you choose to use a concho (my fav choice) to cinch your necklace, or do you choose to tie your cord in a bow or knot? If you choose concho you need to make sure to string your cords through together (as shown in picture), keeping them next to each other, not on top of each other. This allows your concho to slide up and down the chosen cord. If you choose to use a bow or a knot, place it in your necklace so that you will be able to accurately decide on a length.
Step 3 (above)
Confirm your length by trying it on. Cut off any extra cord length. Prepare your adhesive (I chose to use our LimaStudios 5-minute Epoxy). Apply the adhesive using a toothpick to the inside of your tips, then insert your cord in fully. I have found that it helps to cut the end of your cord at a very slight angle.
Now, it’s ready to wear 
Here are some other designs to inspire you…
Designs using this Technique:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Jun 04, 2017 at 4:24 pm #
Colleen i says:Leave it up to LIMA BEADS to bring us the latest, coolest and best findings and projects of anybody out there in the marketplace !!! Love,Love these !!! Can’t wait for my shipment, which is always quick to arrive. THANK YOU Lima Beads !!
On Apr 26, 2018 at 9:42 pm #
Josephine says:where to find the supplie
On Aug 21, 2018 at 7:03 pm #
Butterfly girl says:Beautiful Bolo necklaces Ms.Ali
thanks for supplies for every jewelry makers needs Lima Beadsyour awsome
On Nov 01, 2018 at 4:28 pm #
Cherle v says:THANKS FOR ALL OF THE BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS AND IDEAS,SOON I’LL BE SHARING A FEW OF MY OWN!