Handmade Tuesdays [Handmade Pact]

November 29, 2010 by
Hi there!! I’m Jen from Tatertots & Jello I am so excited to be here at Kristen’s amazing blog!! I just love Kristen’s Handmade Tuesdays. I am going to try to give almost all handmade presents this year. I just think things that have been made by hand are so much more meaningful than store-bought items.

Today I would love to share an easy, inexpensive gift idea.

Beaded Keychains!
They are so fun to make and they are great presents for girlfriends, neighbors, even kids love to put them on their backpacks!

This is a really fun project to make, it’s fast and makes a great stocking stuffer or small gift for a teacher or babysitter. I started making these for my sister’s store about 5 years ago and I still love making them. You can customize the colors to fit each person’s personality!

Beaded Keychain Tutorial:

What you need:
  • florist wire — you can buy it from most craft stores. It comes in a package of long, pre-cut, bendable wire.
  • needle-nose pliers, wire cutters or really heavy-duty scissors, regular pliers.
  • Keychain hoops. These are at the craft store too in a package of 10 or so.
  • Assorted beads

This is what you do:

  1. Take your florist wire, use pliers or your hands and turn the wire so that you make the scrolly shape at the bottom of the keychain. This might take a little bit of practice. You can also wrap it around a pencil and then flatten it out when you are done.
  2. Once you have the scrolly part done, thread your beads on the wire. I have found that the shorter keychains hold up the longest.
  3. Once your beads are on, make a loop with the wire like the top of a shepherd’s crook. It is helpful to use needle-nose pliers. Once you have the half loop, put your keychain hoop through the half loop. Then take the end of the wire and wrap it around the base of the loop to secure the keychain loop. Do this three or four times, bringing the loops together for a neat appearance.
  4. Cut the extra wire and you are done!

Thanks so much for letting me come over!! xoxo

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Now it is your turn! Show us what you have been working on!

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Filed Under: Handmade Tuesday
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Comments

  1. Nina says:
    November 29, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Thanks for commenting on my blog post! Nice blog!!
    I linked up. :)

  2. april's craft nest says:
    November 29, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    thanks for visiting me and inviting me to link up with you. this is my first ever link up!!! :)

  3. Gail says:
    November 30, 2010 at 5:00 am

    Thanks for leaving such a sweet comment about the sweater ornaments and for the invite.

    Enjoy your day,
    Gail

  4. Laurie says:
    November 30, 2010 at 6:51 am

    Thanks for the linky party, as always! I love coming by your blog and I hope you’re having a great week!

  5. Carolyn says:
    November 30, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Hi Kristen,
    Thanks for the invite today! I just linked up my Christmas wreath.

    Have a great week!

  6. Elizabeth says:
    November 30, 2010 at 11:44 am

    Thanks so much for hosting!!!! People are linking up some cute stuff! I feel so behind on my Christmas crafting! http://sewchatty.blogspto.com

  7. Shantel says:
    November 30, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    Thanks for visiting my blog and inviting me to your link party!! I’m now following you ;-)
    Shantel @
    http://www.itsapricelesslife.blogspot.com

  8. Shantel says:
    November 30, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Thank you for visiting my blog and inviting me to your party! I’m now following you!! ;-)
    Shante @ itsapricelesslife

  9. Cheri says:
    December 1, 2010 at 10:22 pm

    Thanks so much for hosting the party! I added your link to my Favorite Linky Party page and am a new follower!

  10. Donene Jones says:
    December 2, 2010 at 7:45 am

    Thanks for the nice comments and having such a fun party each week!