If you're looking for a simple gift that's perfect for anyone, there's nothing wrong with making a keychain. Homemade keychains are inexpensive and fun to make yourself. Keychains are also an easy craft for kids to make with a little help from an adult. Here are some ideas to get you started making your own keychains.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Keychains from Clay
Step 1. Gather your materials
Making key chains out of clay or clay requires molded and baked clay (also known as polymer clay), small cookie cutters, large needles or toothpicks, and a key ring or keychain chain.
Key ring rings are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can buy a larger one where the clay trim can be attached directly to it or you can buy a more elaborate keychain ring and a chain made specifically to attach your keychain decoration. Choose the one you like. You can even use old unused keychain parts if you have one
Step 2. Flatten a small piece of clay to about 0.3 cm thick
You can use a dough rolling pin or other tool that can be used for the same purpose (you can even use a pen or pencil). The clay should be smooth and the thickness should be even.
If desired, stick more than one color together to produce a circular effect. You can even make small shapes and press them to make larger clay shapes. Be creative
Step 3. Use a cookie cutter to cut the clay into the desired shape
Choose a shape of your choice, such as flowers for Mother's Day, diamonds for Eid, hearts for Valentine's Day. Sports fans will love the keychains shaped like a basketball, baseball or soccer ball.
You can also create your own shape for your keychain using a paring knife or an all-purpose knife
Step 4. Make a hole approximately 0.6 cm from the top of the clay shape, using a sharp object such as a needle or toothpick
- This hole will be used to attach your clay shape to the keychain ring, so make sure it's the right hole for it to work.
- Many polymer clays make it possible to attach small pieces of jewelry, such as small metal hoops, directly to the clay before baking. If the clay you purchased works that way, attach a loop of wire to your clay shape so that the keychain ring can easily be attached to the loop later.
Step 5. Place the clay shape on the baking sheet and bake according to the directions in the clay wrap
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 6. Attach the key ring or key chain to the cooled clay
Be careful not to work too hard on both as you could break your new keychain.
Method 2 of 3: Making Letter Shaped Keychains from Craft Foam
Step 1. Gather your materials
You'll need at least two-tone craft foam (one with adhesive, one not), scissors, and a keychain ring or keychain chain.
You don't need too much craft foam! Small foams several centimeters long and wide can be used. In fact, this project could use the rest of other projects
Step 2. Cut the adhesive into several small squares measuring approximately 6.4 cm each
You will need to cut out as many letters as you want to use in your keychain.
- Alternatively, use up to four different colors to create a keychain with multiple layers of color.
- When choosing what letters to put on a keychain, consider using your initials (if the keychain is for you) or simple words of the four letters that are important to you. Like love (love) or sweet (cute). You don't want a keychain that's too big to hang with your keys, so make it short and pretty.
Step 3. Write one of the letters you have chosen for your keychain on each craft foam using a pencil or marker
Each letter should be about 2.5 cm high.
Use the letter template to draw each letter as you cut out the letters, the center should be the color of the craft foam, not the color of your pen or pencil. Try creative designs or fonts that will make the letters unique but legible
Step 4. Use sharp scissors to cut the letters out of the craft foam
Take your time to cut the letters as neatly as possible. If the cut and cut letter has a center area that needs to be cut, start cutting from the center, away from the outline. That way you can cut the craft foam carefully and bit by bit along the lines.
Step 5. Arrange all the letters on the remaining craft foam, which is non-adhesive
Determine the arrangement and the outer shape and size of the finished keychain.
Don't pull off the craft foam adhesive cover just yet. Take the time to make sure the lettering is the way you want it before dragging the layers
Step 6. Cut the shape of the keychain base on the craft foam
Remember that all pre-cut and pre-cut letters must fit into the shape of the base so that the base frames the letters well.
While rectangular shapes are fine, remember you can use your creativity in those shapes too
Step 7. Pull the adhesive backing off each letter
Glue each letter onto the larger craft foam, being careful to keep the letters neatly arranged. Press each letter firmly to keep it from falling.
Step 8. Use a hole punch, or something with a sharp tip, to make a hole about 0.6 cm from the top of the foam you made
This hole is for attaching the ring, so make sure the hole is right.
Step 9. Thread the key ring or key ring chain through the hole
Be careful with craft foam as you don't want to ruin the project just as it's almost done. Now you have your signature keychain ready to go.
Method 3 of 3: Making a String Keychain
Step 1. Gather your materials
To make a rigging keychain, all you need is a key ring or key ring chain and a thin string or plastic cord. The rope or plastic rope required is four times longer than the size of the finished rigging. Thus, the length of the rope used is free, but it must exceed 90 cm so that the rope is long enough for you to braid.
- Cut two strands of rope or plastic rope that are the same length. It would be better if they were a different color, so when you're done the keychain will be rich in color and easier to follow while you're weaving.
- Some people like to make keychains with paracord, so in a pinch and you need a rope, you've got it!
Step 2. Thread both straps through the key ring ring
Make sure the center of the string is positioned on the ring (unless you're using a weaving technique that requires something different). Hold the ring on a flat surface with tape. This will keep it in place as you weave. You now have four ends of the rope to weave.
Choose a place to hold the ring so you have enough room to weave your string. A very good place is on a table that is not full of goods
Step 3. Weave the rope
There are several techniques you can use to weave a keychain, but even a simple braid will look great with the right string or plastic cord. Whichever technique you use, make sure you keep the string tight and don't be afraid to let go of the webbing if you find that you've made a mistake. Better to fix it now than you have to see the error on the keychain forever.
For a selection of weaving techniques, see the articles: How to Make a Cobra Bracelet from Plastic Rope, How to Make Ribbons, and How to Make a Square Woven Bracelet. Whatever technique you've used for rigging or friendship bracelets can be used on key chains
Step 4. Tie the end of the rope and make sure to trim it neatly
Your rigging keychain is done!
Tips
- The keychain can also be used as a colorful zipper puller.
- Attach a small flashlight to make your keychain more useful.
- Keychain rings can be purchased from most craft and hardware stores
- You can make cold polymer clay at home instead of buying it at the store. You can make it easily and cost-effectively with easily available ingredients, which include cornstarch, baby oil, lemon juice and acrylic dye of your choice.
