How to Decorate a Christmas Tree With Old Keys

Use old keys to decorate your Christmas tree.

Some of the most interesting and whimsical Christmas trees are the ones decorated with recycled materials. Pull out that box of old keys that is just collecting dust and turn them into sparkling Christmas ornaments to hang on your tree. Craft the keys to match the Christmas ornaments you already have in storage. Whether you go with the traditional gold, silver, green and red color scheme or something a little more funky like neon colors, when it comes to decorating your tree your homemade key ornaments will fit right in.

Things You'll Need

• Old keys
• High grit sandpaper
• Spray paint
• Self-adhesive rhinestones
• Spray adhesive
• Glitter
• Paper plate
• Decoupage medium
• Foam brush
• Ribbon
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Sand the keys with high grit sandpaper to remove the smooth surface of the keys. This gives the paint and adhesive something to stick to.

2. Spray paint one side of some of the keys different colors that coordinate with other ornaments you plan to put on the tree. Set them aside to dry.

3. Spray the other keys with spray adhesive before rolling them in a paper plate full of glitter. Set these aside to dry.

4. Spray paint the other side of the spray-painted keys with the same color applied to the first side. Set them aside to dry.

5. Paint a layer of decoupage medium, such as Mod Podge, over the top of one side of the glitter keys to seal the glitter to the keys. This will prevent the glitter from falling on your carpet and getting on other ornaments in storage. Set them aside to dry.

6. Add self-adhesive rhinestones to the spray painted keys to give them a little sparkle.

7. Paint the other side of the glitter keys with decoupage medium and let them dry.

8. Thread 6-inch lengths of ribbon through the top of each key and tie the ends to create a loop for hanging the keys on the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the keys in a box before you spray them with paint or adhesive to protect items in the near vicinity.

• Wear rubber gloves for this project to protect your hands from stray paint and adhesive. Also, wear clothes that you don't mind ruining.

• Hold the can of spray paint 6 to 12 inches away from the keys when you spray to prevent drips.

• Use more than one coat of spray paint if you aren't getting the coverage you want.

• Always use spray paint and spray adhesive in a well ventilated area.