How to Attach a Keychain to Pony Bead Animals
Key chains with pony bead animals attached are not easily misplaced; you can readily find these large characters even in the most cavernous purse. Pony beads are large, plastic beads that are favorites in many children's craft projects. In order to attach a key chain to pony bead animals, you'll need a large wire ring or a strand of 1/4-inch wide ribbon. You can make your own wire ring to match the pony beads if you have the right jewelry tools and materials.
Things You'll Need
- 20-gauge craft wire (colored)
- Wire cutters
- 1/2-inch diameter dowel
- Round-nose pliers
- Key chain
Instructions
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1
Cut a 1-inch strand of 20-gauge craft wire in a color that matches the pony bead animal.
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2
Mold the wire into a ring around a 1/2-inch diameter dowel. Slide the wire ring from the dowel. The area where the ends of the wire meet around the dowel creates a split, or a potential small opening, in the ring.
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3
Grip the wire ring on one side of the split with round-nose pliers. Grip the wire on the opposite side of the split with your fingers and hold it steady. Push the pliers forward to open the split. Make a space large enough to fit the side of one pony bead through.
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4
Fit the opening in the wire ring over the pony bead at the top or back of the pony bead animal. The animal will dangle on the key chain from wherever you place the wire ring.
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5
Fit the open ring over one of the links in the chain of a key ring. Craft and discount stores sell key rings with chain links attached. If the pony bead animal is the only embellishment on the key chain, add it to the end link.
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6
Grip the section of wire that you previously bent forward with round-nose pliers. Grip the other end of the wire with your fingers and hold it steady. Pull the pliers back to close the wire circle. Squeeze the ring together to close the split, if necessary. The ring will attach the key chain to the pony bead animal.
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Tips & Warnings
Attach several pony bead animals to a key chain by skipping a link along the chain between the animals. Attach the wire ring to opposite sides of the link so that the animals are staggered along the chain.
To attach pony bead animals with ribbon, cut a 4-inch strip of 1/4-inch ribbon and feed it through one of the pony beads. Insert the ends of the ribbons through one of the links on the key chain. Tie the ribbon in several overhand knots. Cut the excess ribbon.
