A personalized acrylic keychain will not only make your loved ones feel appreciated, but it can also be a great way to show them that you’re thinking about them even when you aren’t around to do so. Below you’ll find instructions on how to make your own acrylic keychains in just three easy steps! You’ll need a few items, like an acrylic sheet and some vinyl, but if you have an access to a laser cutter or CNC router, these projects can be done easily at home with the right materials and tools!
Step 1: Gather Materials
To make your own acrylic key chain, you’ll need:
-A clear acrylic key chain;
-A black permanent marker or paint pen;
-A metal charm (or any object with an attached loop) that is about the same size as the key ring opening of the acrylic key chain. If you don’t have an object with a loop attached, you can also use wire from a paper clip. If possible, try to get something in your loved one’s favorite color;
-Exacto knife or scissors;
-Two rubber bands.
Step 2: Create The Design
When you have your design ready, upload it to the website and then click on Add Artwork. Then choose the size of your acrylic key chain that you want. The company sells many different sizes of acrylic key chains, including, but not limited to, those that are 2 x 3 inches, 3 x 4 inches, and 4 x 6 inches. Once you have selected the size of your acrylic key chain, proceed with checkout by clicking on Proceed To Checkout. You will be prompted to create an account or log in if you already have one established. Next up is selecting which type of shipping method you would like: 1) Standard Shipping; 2) Express Shipping; 3) International Standard Shipping; or 4) International Express Shipping.
Step 3: Cut The Acrylic
Cut the acrylic sheet into two pieces. The first will be used for the back of the keychain, so make sure that it is about 3/4 inch shorter than you want the front to be. The second piece will be used for the front, so measure how long you want it and cut accordingly. One edge should be straight, but an uneven edge can add character if desired. Put the front piece on top of the back piece and trace around it with a pen or marker. After cutting out both pieces, place them in their correct positions to make sure they fit properly before proceeding to the next step. Now use a ruler to draw two parallel lines on either side of the drawing. These lines should go all the way across, then up and down. After this is done, flip over your drawing so that it faces away from you. Draw two parallel lines again along the outside edges of your drawing (exactly like those drawn from earlier). Now carefully use your utility knife or blade to cut along these lines. To get rid of any sharp edges, use a nail file or sandpaper as necessary.
Step 4: Sanding
Once your keychain is dry, you can start sanding the edges of the acrylic. Use a coarse sandpaper or an orbital sander with 80-grit sandpaper. You want to be careful not to use too much pressure or you will break through the other side of the acrylic. Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when handling this part of the process because it can get very dusty. Sand both sides of the keychain until all rough edges are gone and all surfaces are smooth.
Step 5: Sealant (Optional)
If you want your acrylic keychains to be waterproof, then make sure you seal them with a clear sealant. To do this, use an acrylic sealant that is compatible with the type of adhesive that you used in step 3. If you’re using an acrylic glue, then use an acrylic sealant. If you’re using superglue or any other glue, then use a polyurethane sealant.
Step 6: Attach A String Loop
Once your acrylic keychain is finished, you can add a string loop so that you can hang the key chain on your belt loop or bag.
To attach the string loop, use needle nose pliers to create a tiny C shape in one end of the cord (the end opposite from the clasp), then carefully poke it through one of the holes in your acrylic key chain.
Next, pinch one side of the C with the pliers so that it doesn’t slide back through, then do the same thing on the other side of your key chain. Once both sides are securely attached, trim off any excess cord with scissors. Finally, place the string loop over the base of your key chain as shown below. Congratulations! You just made an acrylic keychain!
Step 7: Creating Details (Optional)
-If you are making more than one keychain, try to pick something that will go with all of them. For example, if you made two keychains with the image of different animals, have your friends choose which animal they like the best.
-Use Photoshop or another photo editing software program like Gimp or Pixlr to crop out any background images that may show through on the back side of your acrylic keychains. If there is an image on the front side of your acrylic keychains that you want cropped out as well, use the magic wand tool in Photoshop or other similar programs.
Step 8: Adding Keys (Optional)
-Set the key in the middle of the acrylic, with one pointed edge facing outwards towards you. -Grab your hot glue gun and carefully apply a dab of glue to the back of the key. Hold it in place until it dries. -Repeat this process on all sides of the key, adding more glue as needed. -Place your acrylic sheet over the top and trace around it with a pen or pencil. -Cut out your shape using scissors or an X-Acto knife.
Step 9 : Final Touches
It’s all in the details! To finish off your keychain, you want to give it some personal touches. You can do this by adding on beads or charms. If you have any leftover paint, you can use that to add some more color. You could even attach a photo of yourself or someone else close to you with the keychain. After everything is dry, hang your keychain on the fridge, around the house, on your car keys – anywhere you like!
