For the creative-brained person, diminutive details can really inspire. I have a "small thing" obsession that I'll continue to explore on the blog, starting with this fun toy keychain DIY. I always like to have a "keychain buddy," they make me smile and they help me find my keys when I lose them- Which is shamefully often. I was going to sew up some new ones but the tiny stuffed-animal charms get filthy over time. Instead I opted for a toy. Here's how you can make your own:
DIY Tools: You can harvest these from thrifted items or bits you may have around the house!
1 or 2 Plyers- Any nose, they don't need to be the same. These are your grips. Best Deal
Dremel OR Nail/Thumbtack and Hammer: Use a 7/64 bit or smaller. Best Deal
Jump Ring: You can make one or harvest one from another piece of jewelry. 100 for .65
Eye Pin: Can be any type. Screw ones have great hold. You may have jewelry you can pull one from. Best Deal
Optional, Red Cord: You can try and request just one from this group buy. I harvested mine from a different charm.
Step One, Drill Hole and Attach Eye Pin: I have to replace my dremel, so I hammered a thumbtack into my toy and twisted in my eye pin (harvested from a pendent) from there. If you're working with a very hard toy you'll need a dremel. Make sure your hole is smaller than your eye pin so it stays, twist it in good and hard. (See that dirty-talk, making keychains is sexy.)
Step Two, Attach Your Toy to the Eye Pin: The jump ring will attach your toy to the eye pin. NEVER open this by pulling it apart, instead use your fingers or plyers to keep the left side stationary and the right to twist the metal slightly to the side to open it. Twist it back to close. This simple step opens the floodgates for thousands of jewelry/accessory-making ideas! Drill holes in everything, attach them to your keys, purse, wallet, face- no limits!
And there you have your fun new key chain charm! From here you can attach other toys if you're ambitious, like I did with the bunny above!
I love the flexibility you have with this. I found the tiny gun charm at my local flea market, you can switch things around on a whim.
Have fun with it! This keychain DIY may be the gateway drug to adding whimsy to utilitarian objects. I've had these toys for a decade, dayum! And I was taking photos of the toys then, too. Some things never change...
I'd love to start a series on essential DIY tools/jewelry-making/etc. Anyone have something in particular they'd like to see? Let me know! I want to do a starter series on making jewelry, wood-shop, sewing, gardening...
Very cool and clever! Thanks for the how-to!
ReplyDeleteNo more, there shall be more!
DeleteOoooh my gosh I love this so much!!! ♥ Must find tiny toys in my basement! Treasure hunting here I come! :)
ReplyDeleteDOOO EEET. I have a giant bin in my closet for my toys at the moment before I get to displaying them. I dug through 'em all to find my perfect little guy.
DeleteVery cute. I never thought of doing that and I probably already have most of the tools etc.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one of those things any proper thrifter/magpie/stuff-haver should have the tools to make :) Takes minutes.
DeleteYou are so clever! Love this! I'm interested in knowing how to add patina to copper cuffs. I'm sure I could find something on youtube, but here would be a lot more fun!
ReplyDeleteHm...that's a good one to look into. Thanks for the suggestion! Will look into that. I love adding texture.
DeleteWhat a cute and clever little project. Personalized is always better!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! :D Will be doing more like this.
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