Repurposed Keys

I think I’ve always had a slight fascination with keys.

Old or new they make me wonder where they go, what they open. Will it lead me to a mystery or to a treasure?

I have a few skeleton keys hanging on my wall for decoration. Several years ago, I started turning them into jewelry.

At one of the craft/vendor shows I participated in this past Fall, another vendor became very intrigued with my key necklaces.

She had been holding onto a key from her late Mother’s home. It was a memento that she kept, that held memories of her Mom.

I was so honored when she asked me to turn that key into jewelry for her. Her request was that I make it pink, her Mother’s favorite color.

Follow this tutorial and see how I change keys into something special.

I collect keys for re-sale shops. The process to transform them is not difficult but it is a little time consuming. I like to do several at a time for a few reasons. One, it makes me feel like I am getting more out of my time, And two, the final step requires that I mix a resin and I need to use all of what is mixed so there is no waste.

You need:

Key(s)
Scrapbook paper
Decoupage
Disposable paintbrushes
Sand paper
Utility knife
Scissors
Flat backed Swarovski crystals
2 part Epoxy resin (cups, Popsicle stick, tooth pick, tweezers & gloves)

 

 First, gather your keys and decide what size and shape you want to use and which side of the key you want to cover. I usually cover the side that has any writing or an imprint on it. I also check to see which side of the shaft has the best surface to hold the gems.

   

Next find scrapbook paper that has the colors and patterns that you like.

 

You’ll be using such a tiny piece so look closely at the designs. Check to see what will fit on your key and what section of paper will show the best part of the pattern. Cut that down smaller and then trace you key as close as possible.

Cut the paper just inside the pen mark you made tracing the key.


Use your decoupage to glue the paper onto the key. Allow this to dry.

Now, use your utility knife to cut the hole out of the key.

Use sand paper (I like to use an emery board) to sand the edges. You need to make sure that there is no paper that will catch or peel up later. I also like to try and bevel the edge or taper the cut ends of the paper. (Some scrapbook papers are thick and if the edge is tapered it will help make a better seal when you are finished).

Once all your sanding is done you need to coat the paper with decoupage to seal the paper. I usually do two coats to be sure I have good coverage. Allow to dry between coats. If the paper is not sealed when you put the resin on, it will bleed into the paper and give it a spotted wet look. So, be sure that you are getting all the edges very well.


While you are waiting for the glue to dry, start lining up your crystals. You need flat back gems. I like Swarovski because they have a deeper shine and an overall better appearance. You can use rhinestones too if you want. You will need either a 3mm or a 4mm size crystal. It will depend on that size and how big your key is on how many you will need to fill the shaft of the key. It could be anywhere between 4 or 9 individual pieces.

Before you mix the resin, be sure to have all your supplies lined up and ready. You want all your keys or any other project that is getting a coat of resin, ready to go. For the resin, you will need disposable cups, a Popsicle stick or something to stir, a disposable paintbrush (there is no washing that stuff out), I have a safety pin and a tooth pick out in case I need to move something or pop a bubble. I use jeweler’s tweezers to place the gems on the key. (they are just long and thin) Oh, and gloves, you hands will feel greasy and stick for a few days if it gets on your skin.

Mix equal parts of resin following the package instructions. You have a little time to work before it starts to harden. Begin paining the resin on and placing the jewels. I gently push each one down to make sure it is set into the resin. As you move on to the next item, keep and eye out that none of you crystals are shifting. They may move some before the resin is hardening. Use your toothpick to reposition as needed. If you have bubbles, you can pop with a pin or if you have a small desk lamp, the heat will help them disappear.

I do these projects on a clipboard that is covered in plastic. Then, I can move them out of my way while I wait for the resin to fully cure. This will take at least 3 days. I cover them with an empty bin to keep dust off them and little fingers from investigating but be sure it is vented.

Once the resin is fully cured, add a jump ring and a cord or a chain and you’re good to go!

I think they make such a fun piece of jewelry. They are great for layering with other necklaces.

I love that my friend can wear her Mother’s key close to heart.



Reusable (green) Shopping Bag Tutorial

I have several different shopping bags from various stores in my collection. In the back of my mind I have thought of making some of them for myself. I kind of wanted them to all match each other. (Ooops, is my OCD showing again???)

Anyway, a few months ago, one of my girlfriends showed me a magazine with this cool idea for painting a monogram or initial onto canvas. Right away, I thought it would be the perfect fit for my matching shopping bags.

It took me awhile to get that project to the top of my “to do” list but here’s the “how to” for you.

I started with about a yard and a half of unbleached, heavy cotton utility fabric (thicker than muslin). Washed and dried the fabric for pre-shrinking.

Cut the fabric in half and make two bags. To make the straps you will need to cut 4 strips of fabric that are at least 25 inches long (longer if you like long straps) and 1-½ inches wide

Then make a template for pressing the edges of the straps over. I use a piece of cardstock when I make purse straps. Cut a strip of cardstock the width of the strap. Here it is about an inch wide. Then place that on the center of the fabric and fold the sides over and iron.
Watch out for that steam!

Now take two of the strap pieces and place the raw sides toward each other and sew them together. Try to stitch as close to the edge as you can.

Stitch the strap on both sides. Then do the same thing with the other two pieces and set the two finished straps to the side while you work one the bag.

You should have a piece of fabric that is around 16 – 17 inches wide and about 40 long. I like to make my hems on the bias edge whenever I can. Fold and press the edge over and then fold again so that you will end up with a one-inch wide top to your bag. Do this on both ends of the fabric, as you will be folding in half and closing the sides to make the bag. I stitch along the edge that was folded over as well as the very top to give a little more stability.

Here you can see how the top is stitched as well as how the straps are attached

Before I close up the sides, I like to put the straps on. I measured the center of the strap in from the edge of the bag at 5 inches. The top of the bag has a good one inch hem, place the end of the strap to cover all of that top width. Once the strap is in position, sew around all four sides and then sew an “X” through the square. This will give the handles extra strength when your bag is full of goodies. Make sure the strap is not twisted when you sew the other side onto the bag. Once both straps are on then you are ready to close up the sides.


Fold the fabric in half to form a bag and line up the top and the straps to make sure everything is squared. The first seam is done with the bag right side out (yes, that’s right). Sew both sides together. Start at the top and go down the side until you are about 4 inches from the bottom.

Then bring the bottom of the fabric up to meet the end of the stitched edge and sew each side so it looks like an inverted Y. This will give the base of the bag a true “bottom”.

After you have completed this on both sides then turn the bag inside out and do the same thing again over the first seam. This will give the bag a finished look.

Now for some monogramming fun.

Use paper doilies and a little fabric paint to stipple a design onto the bag.

Cut your initial out of a sheet of cardstock (unless you have letter stencils) and stipple the fabric paint on your bag.

Here’s an extra idea for those of you with a website or etsy store.


I used stickers to create a negative stencil for my web address. Sponge on some fabric paint then remove the stickers.

Now you can really multi-task…Shop and advertise.


Have fun crafty people!!!!
For more fun ideas hop on over to see Jen at Craft-o-maniac …