One of the biggest jewelry trends we can expect to be seeing this year are chokers.  I know, I know – I can feel the collective eye roll that happens at the mere mention of “chokers”.  I mean, we’ve already lived through the 90’s and survived that decade’s questionable style trends with our dignity (mostly) in check.  (Thank GOD there wasn’t social media then – amirght?) But recently, a wise TME reader Deborah reminded me, ” in fashion, all things that once were will be again.”

She’s right.

So, I caved in to the trend and bought a lovely velvet choker I’ve had my eye on, and was surprised by how much I loved it. The downside, however, was that the choker, well…it choked me.  So I started looking for a less claustrophobic option and found my answer in the leather bolo style necklaces by Vanessa Mooney and others (I also like this one). I adore the boho vibe of these necklaces but because I’m cheap and broke I wasn’t ready to part with $50 or more for basically a few yards of leather cord.  So.  Still desperate to have one, I macguivered my own version using leather cord and a few washers.

Here’s how you can make your own adjustable leather bolo happen tonight for less than $5.00!

What You Need:

•  leather cord –  You will need soft-suede cording that is at least 2 yards in length, and they can be found in the jewelry making section at your local Target or Meijers for around $3.00 and up.  Or online like this Realeather Crafts Sof-Suede Lace Carded (2-Yard) Gold Nugget, $2.89 or Cousin Jewelry Basics 3-Yard Leather Cord, Black, Set of 2, $3.29 on Amazon.
• washers – I used the smallest possible sized washers I could find which turned out to be flat washer sizes 6 and 8 and  lock washers sizes 6 and  but depending on the thickness of your leather cord, the perfect size for your necklace might vary a little. Your best bet is to purchase an assortment set of flat and lock washers, also easily found in the hardware section of your local Meijers, Walmart or Target.
• scissors ( optional)

Directions:

All you do is thread the washers through the leather cording so it’s basically the most simple DIY project there is but here are a few tips to help you breeze through it:

•  Evenly line up both ends of the leather cord before threading the washers through
• The washers should fit so snuggly that they stay on by themselves and there is resistance when adjusting the washers up or down.
• If  you have trouble squeezing both ends of the cord through your washer, cut the very bottom of the cord edge at a diagonal angle to create 
• And voila!

I hope this mini-tutorial inspires some of you into glorious DIY action.

Happy DIY trails!

xo,

Jess