How to Make a Cross String Keychain

Make a cross shaped key chain to hold your keys.

The Christian cross is found not just on religious items such as rosaries, but also on such everyday items as jewelry and key chains. A cross string key chain can be made from easily available materials for a Sunday school craft project, for your own use or to give as gift.

Things You'll Need

• 12-inch-by-12-inch piece of sturdy cardboard
• 4- to 5-inch rounded craft stick
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Hot glue gun
• Spool of #48 natural hemp twine
• Craft glue
• Beads
• Metal key ring

Instructions

1. Trace the rounded craft stick two times on the cardboard. Cut out the shapes and shorten one of them by 1/4 inch on each end, making rounded edges.

2. Punch a hole near the edge of one end of the longer piece of cardboard. Place a drop of hot glue just below the hole. This will form the back of the piece.

3. Cut a 30-inch piece of the natural hemp twine. Press one end of the twine to the glue, pull the end through the hole and wrap the twine through the hole, working around the circumference of the hole until the twine covers the cardboard surrounding the hole.

4. Spread a thin layer of craft glue on the middle of both sides of the piece of cardboard. Continue to wrap the twine around the length of the cardboard until you reach the end. Place a drop of hot glue on the back of the piece at that end. End the last wrap of twine on the back of the piece of cardboard and press the twine to the glue. Cut off the excess twine.

5. Place a drop of hot glue to the end of one side of the smaller piece of cardboard. Press the end of the twine to the glue. Spread a thin layer of craft glue on both sides of the cardboard and wrap the twine around it until you reach the end. Place a dot of hot glue on the back of the piece and wrap the twine around once more. Press the twine to the glue and cut off the excess.

6. Lay the longer piece of twine-wrapped cardboard face down vertically, with the hole at the top. Place a small dot of hot glue near the middle of the piece. Press the middle of the front of the smaller twine-wrapped cardboard piece to the glue to form a cross.

7. Turn the cross over and glue decorative beads or crystals to the cross.

8. Attach the metal key ring, using the hole at the top of the cross.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use the cardboard from a sturdy shoebox. Colored string can be used for decoration.

References

• Making Friends: Yarn Crosses

Resources

• Factory Direct Craft: Wire - Rope - String