How to Make Keychains

If you're looking for simple gifts that are appropriate for nearly everybody on your guest list, consider making keychains. Homemade keychains are inexpensive and fun to make, and are a useful gift for nearly any occasion. Keychains are easy crafts that even young artists can make with a bit of grown up assistance.

Steps

Easy Clay Keychain
Roll a small piece of mold-and-bake clay to a thickness of about 1/8 inch, using a rolling pin or other rolling tool. The clay should be smooth and the thickness should be uniform to make keychains. If desired, press more than one color together to create a swirled effect.
Use a cookie cutter to cut the clay into the desired shape. Choose the shape of your choice, such as a flower for Mother's Day, a clover for St. Patrick's Day, a heart for Valentines day. Sports fans will enjoy a keychain shaped like a basketball, baseball or football. You can also create your own shape for your key chain with a sharp paring knife.
Create a hole approximately 1/4 inch from the top of the shape, using a sharp object such as a small nail, toothpick or a pencil point.
Place the clay shape on a baking sheet and bake according to the directions on the package of clay. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Attach a small metal ring to the cooled shape, then attach a metal key ring to the small ring.
- Easy Initial Keychain
Cut four small pieces of adhesive craft foam into squares measuring approximately 2 1/2 inches each. Alternatively, use up to four different colors to create a keychain with layers of color.
Write your initial, about 3 inches tall, on one piece of the craft foam, using a pencil or marker. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the craft foam letter. Use a paper punch to make a hole about 1/4 inch from the top of the initial.
Lay the letter on of the remaining pieces of craft foam. Trace around the letter.
Cut out the letter, then make a hole near the top of the letter, in the exact same place you made a hole in the first letter. Repeat with the two remaining pieces of craft foam so you have four identical letters.
Peel the backing from each initial. Stick all four letter together, working carefully to be sure the letters are lined up. Trim any uneven edges with a craft knife.
Attach a metal keychain to the hole.