15 Minute DIY to Try: How to Make a Clay Rainbow Bolo Tie

Make a basic bolo tie look super cute with this simple clay technique for clay rainbows.

A modern take on a western accessory: a clay rainbow bolo tie DIY!

I have so many collared shirts hanging in my closet that are begging for a little something extra and this cute little clay number seems to be calling my name. It’s like the understated love child of a necklace and an earring. 

And if you want to make your own, it will only take a few minutes and a handful of supplies. BUT the best part is, you can use the clay rainbow technique I’m sharing for so many other things – from jewelry to wall hangings, for kids and adults.

Click through for the full tutorial soon these cute clay rainbows and how they can add a cute touch to bolo ties and beyond.

How to Make a Bolo Tie (Clay Rainbow)

Materials Needed for Rainbow DIY Bolo Tie

• polymer clay in colors of your choice*
• bolo tie kit
• knife or clay cutter
• super glue
• parchment paper
• baking sheet

*You can either use individual colors, or just one color and mix it with white to create an ombre effect. A little bit of white goes a long way!

More Clay Rainbow Ideas

Check out my tutorial for how to make terracotta rainbows for another rainbow craft idea like this one. It uses a different technique and looks more like a fired ceramic piece when it’s finished. 

Or learn how to make earrings with clay and swap out one of the many techniques I shared there for this clay rainbows idea for a cute pair of earrings.

How to Make a Rainbow DIY Bolo Tie

Step 1: Preheat oven.

Start by preheating your oven to 225º and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the clay and shape the rainbows.

While the oven is heating up, roll out the desired clay colors into round tubes on a flat surface with your hand. They should be at least 1/4” thick.

To make the rainbow arch shape, start with the most inner arch and “fold” the first clay piece. Continue by adding the other colors around the most inner piece. Once you have all your colors lined up in the arch shape, cut all pieces to create the bottom of the arch.

Step 3: Bake the clay.

Place your clay on your lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. If your oven tends to run hot, keep a very close eye on them, or it might burn. Remove your piece and let it cool. The clay should be mostly firm, and will continue to harden as it cools.

Step 4: Attach clay rainbow to bolo tie slide.

Once completely cooled off, put a dab of strong glue on your bolo tie slide, and hold your clay arch firmly for about 30 seconds.

How to Make a Bolo Tie (Clay Rainbow)

Brittni

Make a basic bolo tie look super cute with this simple clay technique for clay rainbows. It will only take a few minutes and a handful of supplies. BUT the best part is, you can use the clay rainbow technique I'm sharing for so many other things - from jewelry to wall hangings, for kids and adults.

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Print Pin Recipe

Equipment

• oven

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• polymer clay in colors of your choice* You can either use individual colors or just one color and mix it with white to create an ombre effect. A little bit of white goes a long way!
• bolo tie kit
• knife or clay cutter
• super glue
• parchment paper
• baking sheet

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Preheat oven.
• Start by preheating your oven to 225º and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Step 2: Prepare the clay and shape the rainbows.
• While the oven is heating up, roll out the desired clay colors into round tubes on a flat surface with your hand. They should be at least 1/4” thick.
• To make the rainbow arch shape, start with the most inner arch and “fold” the first clay piece. Continue by adding the other colors around the most inner piece. Once you have all your colors lined up in the arch shape, cut all pieces to create the bottom of the arch.
• Step 3: Bake the clay.
• Place your clay on your lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. If your oven tends to run hot, keep a very close eye on them, or it might burn. Remove your piece and let it cool. The clay should be mostly firm, and will continue to harden as it cools.
• Step 4: Attach clay rainbow to bolo tie slide.
• Once completely cooled off, put a dab of strong glue on your bolo tie slide, and hold your clay arch firmly for about 30 seconds.

Did you make this?Mention @paperandstitch or tag #paperandstitch!

Crafting and modeling Casey Harper / Photography Brittni Mehlhoff

I’ve talked a good amount about different DIY clay techniques for various DIY projects – whether it’s for jewelry or housewares, etc. So if you’re looking for more clay ideas for modern bolo ties and beyond, you might find some inspiration on this post: how to make clay earrings.

Have you ever worn a bolo tie before? What about a DIY version..think you’ll give this one a try?