Wild Arroyo Necklace

Project and Sample by Kate Richbourg

The Wild Arroyo Necklace is an earthy, boho-inspired project that weaves together the rugged beauty of the American Southwest with subtle Asian elegance. Carved serpentine barrels, warm hazelnut tones, and a luminous pendant come together on distressed grey leather — knotted and layered for a look that feels both ancient and effortlessly modern.

What You'll Need

• 1 Roped Pendant- Antique Silver Hazelnut Enamel
• 4 yds Distressed Grey- 2.0mm Indian Leather
• 4 yds Natural Light Brown- 0.5mm Indian Leather
• 1 spool Brown- Regular C-Lon
• 1 strand Rollers- Champagne with Picasso Finish
• 6 Striped Barrel Beads- Antique Copper Patina
• 8 Tile Caps, 8mm- Antique Copper Patina
• 8 Clematis Caps, 8mm- Antique Copper Patina
• 1 Desert Sunburst Concho Button
• 2 Serpentine Carved Barrels
• 1 pkg Just Enough: 11/0 Metal Seed Beads- Gilding Matte Plate
• 9 Perfect Pony- Antique Brass
• 1 strand Druk 6mm- Turquoise With Picasso Finish
• 2 14mm Brown Serpentine- Medium Round

Skill level: Beginner–Intermediate | Estimated time: 2-3 hours

Skill Builders

New to these techniques? Check out our step-by-step guides:

• How to Macrame
• How to Silk Wrap

✨ Bonus Techniques

You know how bead caps are usually used to frame a bead on either side? Kate flips the script and sandwiches two caps together — facing each other — so they read as one sculptural bead all on their own. Paired with the champagne roller bead in the center, it creates this gorgeous layered cluster that looks way more complex than it is.

→ Watch the bead cap sandwich technique (jumps right to the good part)

And here's one for the "don't panic" files: partway through the project, Kate's leather base broke mid-macramé. Instead of starting over, she shows you exactly how to fix it and keep going — honestly one of the most useful things she's ever demo'd because it will happen to you eventually and now you'll know what to do.

→ Watch the leather repair fix (this one will save your sanity someday)