There’s just nothing that makes quite as big an impact in a space as lighting. Adding a lamp or hanging a pendant creates an instant focal point and is such an easy way to change the tone of any room. Since Joanna’s still settling into her new loft, I thought a custom pendant would be a great way to add a boho feel to her kitchen island (and the perfect excuse for a DIY!) using a cloth-covered cord from Color Cord and an easy leather tassel.
Materials:
- burgundy leather
- twisted pair wire
- grounded porcelain socket
- industrial light bulb cage
Tools:
- scissors
- x-acto knife
- cutting mat
- metal ruler
Start by cutting a thin strip from the side of your piece of leather and set aside, this will become the loop on your tassel. Next use your x-acto knife and metal ruler to cut 1/4″ sections of fringe all the way down the remaining length.
This part definitely takes some time, but is well worth it. After the first few sections of fringe I settled into a nice rhythm and before I knew it, I had two feet of burgundy fringe!
Heat your glue gun and trim the piece of leather you set aside earlier for the loop of the tassel, then fold and glue at the ends with the finished side facing out. Next, attach the loop to the side you’d like to be the inside of your tassel.
Now for the fun part! Starting at the loop, roll your piece of fringe and add dots of hot glue every two inches. Make sure that the top edge stays even and add additional glue when you’re nearing the end.
Just slip the tassel onto the end of your wire and hang between two points. This would be perfect for ambience to add interest to an unused corner or as task lighting over a kitchen island. You could even add a jump ring to the loop on the tassel before you roll it up for an awesome keychain!
Project and styling by Gwen McKenzie for Jojotastic.
Photography by Meghan Klein.
Disclosure: I received product from Color Cord to review for this post. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the content that keeps Jojotastic awesome.
pssst… more DIY projects right this way!

Leave a comment and let us know what you think of this Leather Tassel and Pendant tutorial! And if you make one, be sure to post a photo and tag @jojotastic on Instagram so we can see.
So Cute!!! Found your blog through the ORC, but have been looking for a tassel DIY too!!! LOVE that gorgeous leather!!
welcome! so glad you found us and love the DIY :)
Oh, I love a tassel. May have to make a necklace (or 12) with these…
that’s a great idea! i’d love to see :) keep us updated!