Sara Blofsky, owner of The Copper Bass, created a Tooled Bolo Tie that’s perfect for a unique handmade gift, featuring a bass! No matter who you're crafting for this project is perfect for a western flair. Follow the step-by-step instructions and download the FREE pattern below to make one of your own!

"This tooled bolo offers so much potential and is customizable to any friend or family member. It is beginner friendly with the option to stamp designs along the edge for a beautiful finish or an in depth tooling pattern. I loved designing and putting this together and my husband ended up loving it so much he wanted me to make one just for him! " - Sara

Download FREE Pattern

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Products:

Leather

Instructions:

Tooling

Step 1: Cut out a small workable piece of leather, about 4" x 4".

Step 2: Draw one circle that is 2 5/8" in diameter on the 4/5 ounce leather, and repeat on the 2/3 ounce leather. (You'll cut this out further in the assembly stage!)

Step 3: Wet the leather with water in a spray bottle and let it set for 5 minutes.

Step 4: While the leather is still wet, lay the pattern (or one of your own!) over the front circle and begin tracing with either a ballpoint pen or a ballpoint stylus.

Step 5: Once the pattern is traced and still damp, begin cutting in the lines with a swivel knife, starting with the outside perimeter of the circle. (You can re-wet the leather now if you need to - be sure to let it set!)

Step 6: After cutting in all lines, allow it to become slightly drier before beveling.

Step 7: With the B936 Checked Beveler and maul, bevel all edges you cut.

Step 8: Use a ballpoint stylus to create depressions in the eyelets of the hooks.

Step 9: Let the leather completely dry before continuing (at least 1-2 hours).

Step 10: Using a wool dauber dye over both the circles. Allow it to dry.

Step 11: Use Angelus paints and paintbrushes, blending paints together to achieve the perfect color for the bass (or your own design).

Step 12: Once dry, apply Neatsfoot Oil with a wool dauber/wool remnants to both circles.

Step 13: Again, once dry, use a wool dauber/paint brush to apply Pro Resist on the front circle. Let dry and apply a second coat after. Let this dry completely before continuing.

Step 14: Apply antique paste over the project, then wipe away the excess. Allow this to dry for 5 minutes.

Pro-Tip: Wiping away excess antique paste works best with an old rag, wool remnant, or soft textured cloth. Don't rub too hard!

Step 15: Apply a coat of Super Shene gently overtop to mix and blend into the remaining antique and set it. Also apply Super Shene to the back circle to seal the entire bolo tie!

Assembly

Step 16: Using leather shears cut out the circles from the larger leather piece.

Step 17: Now, with an edge beveler go around both circles and remove the sharp edge on both sides.

Step 18: Use the mini punch to punch 4 holes into the back, about 1 inch apart, in a square formation.

Step 19: Thread the braided bolo cord into the holes in an in-then-out pattern so the upper and lower portion of the tie remain outside of the project.

Step 20: Use a wing divider and set to 1/8" then trace around the edge of both bolo circles.

Step 21: Using the diamond chisel punch and a maul, punch holes along the 1/8" perimeter.

Step 22: With the waxed thread, trace around the outside of the circle and cut 3x the length needed to stitch your entire bolo together.

Step 23: Begin and complete saddle stitching around the perimeter, keeping the braided cord out of the way. At the end, back-stitch 3 times, cut the thread short on the backside of the bolo, and use a lighter to melt the remaining thread (gently press this down to seal).

Step 24: Using the previous wool dauber or a reusable dye pen, re-dye the border of the circles where the edger removed color.

Step 25: Once dry, buff gently with sandpaper around the edges, then apply small amounts of Tokonole to the edges and burnish with your wood slicker!

Step 26: Enjoy or gift your Tooled Bolo!

The Copper Bass

The Copper Bass was born from more than a love of leather—it was born from rediscovering myself.

My name is Sara, and I'm the maker behind every piece. My journey in leathercraft began as a postpartum mother of two, living overseas in Germany as a military spouse. In the midst of a season that was both beautiful and challenging, I set out with one simple goal: to make my own leather purse. I had no idea that one project would reignite a creative spark I thought I had lost.

That first purse became much more than an accessory. It became a way to reconnect with my artistic spirit, find purpose through creating with my hands, and build something that was entirely my own. What started as a personal project soon grew into a passion, and eventually, The Copper Bass.

Today, I blend traditional leathercraft with thoughtful design to create heirloom-quality leather goods that are meant to be used, loved, and passed down for generations. I believe every cow hide deserves a second life with purpose. Each piece is carefully handcrafted to honor the animal by transforming it into something beautiful, functional, and enduring.

From the first cut to the final stitch, every detail is completed by hand with patience, intention, and respect for the craft. Inspired by nature and a love for timeless craftsmanship, I create functional works of art that tell a story—not only of meticulous craftsmanship, but of resilience, renewal, and finding yourself again.

Thank you for being here and for supporting handmade. I hope something I create becomes part of your
story, too.

Website: www.thecopperbass.com

Instagram & Facebook: (@thecopperbass)

TikTok: @thecopperbassleather