Emily Griffis is a senior literature and creative writing major and writes DIYs for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper or The Daily. Write to Emily at epgriffis@bsu.edu.
Have you ever walked past a shelf full of cute, plastic animals and wondered how you could justify buying some as an adult? No? Just me? Well whether you have or not, this animal keychain tutorial turns bland, plastic animal toys into cute, unique accessories.
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Plastic animal figures Paint Paintbrush Liquid finish Eye hook screws Key rings Jump rings Optional supplies: Beads Elastic beading cord/wire Crimp beads Needle nose pliers Flat nose pliers |
Step 1:
Paint your plastic animals any color you want. Two or three coats might be necessary, especially if you pick light colors. Once your last coat is dry, apply a thin layer of liquid finish. I used Modge Podge Gloss, but any brand and type of finish will work. Let the animals dry for at least an hour.
Step 2:
Attach your eye hook screws. They twist easily into the plastic if you apply a little pressure in the beginning. I slipped my needle nose pliers through the hook and twisted the screw in that way, because I seemed to get a better grip with the pliers than with my fingers.
Step 3:
Add a jump ring to your hook. If you want to add a string of beads, continue to the optional steps. If not, attach a key ring to your jump ring, and you’re finished.
(Optional steps)
Step 4:
Cut a string of elastic beading cord or beading wire, whichever you chose to use, about two inches longer than the length you want your bead string. Slide a crimp bead onto the string and then slide the string through your jump ring attached to the animal. Loop the string around the jump ring and run it back through the crimp bead a second time. Pull the crimp bead tight up toward the jump ring and use your flat nose pliers to flatten the crimp bead, securing the string in place. Cut off the access string on the short end.
Step 5:
String on your beads in any order or pattern you want them. Feel free to make it as long, short or colorful as you want.
Step 6:
When you’re finished adding decorative beads, add another crimp bead followed by a jump ring. Loop the string around and back through the crimp bead, like you did in step four. Tighten it together and flatten the crimp bead with your flat nose pliers. Add a key ring to the second jump ring, and you’re finished.
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