How to Make a Bolo Tie (Clay Rainbow)
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.
Yield: 1 bolo tie
Cost: $10
Equipment
- oven
Materials
- 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.