Lariat Rope Projects

Lariat ropes, more commonly known as lassos, are a great material to create a wide variety of western crafts and decorations. Available in natural colors ranging from light brown to greenish-gray, lariat ropes can be washed and dyed to match almost any color. So when you're ready to make a western-inspired decor item or gift, consider crafting some of these lariat rope projects.

Baskets and bowls of all shapes and sizes are a popular craft project using old lariat ropes. First you will coil your lasso to your desired size and shape, then use a soldering iron to melt the rope together in 1- to 2-inch intervals. Baskets and bowls can be customized with accessories including conchos, metal medallions used by cowboys, leather or cloth linings, and animal products such as antlers or feathers.

Using a retired lariat rope as a frame or border is a great way to add a western element to almost any decor. Rope wall borders create the atmosphere of a cowboy's ranch in any room and maintain a sophisticated, though rustic, look through the years. Lariat ropes also create attractive frames and borders for clocks, mirrors, photographs and shadow boxes, especially ones showing off antique western wear or tools. Flexible lassos can even be twisted into shapes, words and names to give your frame or border a personal touch.

Lariat ropes are often coiled and melted together to create attractive wreaths that can be hung on doors, walls or free-standing hooks. Though they can be made to any size you desire, most artisans make lasso wreaths about 18 inches in diameter, and coils can be fastened together with leather strips, hot glue or wire. Fresh or preserved flowers are often the decoration of choice for lariat rope wreaths, but other western accessories such as spurs, work gloves, leather tassels or metal buckles make great additions to wreaths made from lassos.