How to Make a Heart Keychain

Heart keychains are a sentimental way of showing your affection for someone you love. You can add a photo to customize this project so that you can look at your child or loved one on a long car journey, or simply encourage them to keep you in their heart. Craft resin gives this project durability, so it can withstand the normal treatment of keys---being shoved in pockets and handbags. It will also stand up well to the continual stream of nicks and scratches caused by keys hitting its surface.

Things You'll Need

• Craft resin
• Rubber heart-shaped mold
• Wire
• Photo
• Mod Podge
• Paint brush
• Key ring
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Prepare your image. If you are using a photograph or other decorative paper design, coat the image in a thin coating of Mod Podge, and allow this coating to dry. Apply another coat to the back and allow it to dry. Repeat this until you have at least three layers of Mod Podge built up over the image. This protects your image from the resin and preserves it in the keychain.

2. Twist a small piece of wire to create a small 1/4-inch loop at the top. You want the wire to look like a lollipop, with the loop on top and the remainder of the wire twisted together to make the stick.

3. Prepare your mold. Set up the heart-shaped mold in a place where it will not be exposed to drafts. Make sure it can stand upright by itself and that it is level. Place the straight end of the wire into the mold with the loop protruding from the top. The wire will dry in the resin and the loop will protrude from the top of your heart, giving you something to attach your key ring to.

4. Mix the craft resin according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can be a messy process, so wear gloves and cover your work surface. Craft resin is very difficult to remove from skin and from your work surface. It can also irritate your skin. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. You can stir small decorative items like glitter or confetti into the resin if you wish.

5. Pour the resin into the mold until it is half full. Place your picture into the mold if you are using one, and use a toothpick to center it on top of the resin. Fill the rest of the mold with the resin, covering your picture. Tap and rock the mold gently to release any air bubbles.

6. Allow the resin to dry completely. Resin usually needs to dry overnight, but follow the guidelines on the package that indicate the drying time for your particular product. When the resin is completely set, pop it from the mold. Attach a metal key ring to the loop and you are ready to add your keys to your keychain.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to wear gloves when working with the craft resin. If you get resin on your skin, it can be very difficult to remove. It can also cause skin irritation in some.

Resources

• buy craft resin supplies