Directions on How to Make Beaded Keychains

Create beaded keychains using coordinating decorative beads.

Beaded keychains add personality and individuality to keychain design. The many shapes and colors of available beads provide a plethora of combinations to ensure no two keychains are alike. The use of wire to connect the beads prevents easy breakage. Create a single strand or multiple strand beaded keychain. Use the same process to create zipper pulls, cell phone charms, backpack danglers or belt charms. A 6-inch strand of twisted cable jewelry wire is adequate to make a beaded keychain with three large beads, four spacer beads and a dangled bead.

Things You'll Need

• Keyring
• Round-nose pliers
• Chain-nose pliers
• Scissors
• 6-inch twisted cable jewelry wire
• 1 decorative dangle bead
• 3 large coordinating beads
• 4 spacer beads
• 2 crimp beads
• 1 head pin

Instructions

1. Determine the position of the beads on the wire. Lay the design out on a flat surface. Place a row of beads in the following order: spacer bead, decorative bead, spacer bead, decorative bead, spacer bead, decorative bead, spacer bead and dangle bead. Adjust the arrangement until it is pleasing to the eye.

2. Thread the dangle bead onto the head pin. Form a loop at the top of the dangle bead with round-nose pliers.

3. Attach the dangle bead to the twisted wire. Place the twisted wire through a crimp bead, through the loop at the top of the twisted wire then through the crimp bead again. Pull a 1-inch tail through the crimp bead. Use the chain-nose pliers and flatten the crimp bead. Squeeze tightly to ensure the crimp bead will not come loose.

4. Thread the opposite end of the wire through the predetermined design order. Top the beads with a crimp bead.

5. Wrap the end of the wire around the keyring, back through the crimp bead and inside of the top three beads on the beaded keychain. Squeeze tightly and crimp the crimp bead.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a longer bead keychain by using more wire and beads. Make multiple strings and hang them from the keychain for a full look.

References

• The Artful Crafter: Beaded Kay Rings or Cell Phone Charms