Wood Slice Keychains with Names or Words
Craft these lovely drift wood slice keychains, and write names or other fun words on them! you can also check out this tutorial for making acrylic keychains with your Cricut. This post contains affiliate links.
I picked up these driftwood slices ages ago, because I saw ’em and had to have ’em and have been hoarding them since. Not long ago, I had a rare moment of crafting time with actual big people, not just littles, and I pulled out my box of wooden stuff and these paint markers to relax with some illustrations.
And then these DIY drift wood name keychains somehow appeared beneath my hands!
I started by writing my niece’s name on one of them, and then it evolved into making one as a Hanukkah gift for the nieces and nephews I’d be seeing, as well as my own kids. And yes, I wrote “breathe” on one just to show you that you can do random words too. Also, in case I forget to breathe, I guess?
Tips for making wood slice keychains
My driftwood slices came without holes, so yes I did drill holes. The truth is, you can make these name keychains with any blank – a more traditional wood slice, an ornament blank that comes pre-drilled, or even acrylic blanks.
The size of these, though, are really perfect for keychains, and the organic shapes add so much charm. The angled edges make them really easy to drill and hang but the thick body of them make them sturdy and durable. They’re smooth to the touch too.
Using paint markers is just a really easy way to make a craft a take-and-go tabletop, do-anywhere type of activity. It means you can do it as a party craft with kids making their own too.
However, you can, of course, also use paint and just use a marker for the name. You can also add the name using small alphabet stickers (look for nail stickers for longer names?) or designs cut on your Cricut.
Make sure you use sturdy hardware, especially the jumprings, as keychains get lots of wear and tear.
I sealed mine with matte Mod Podge to make it more durable, however that step is definitely optional. My kids have had them on their heavily-abused backpacks for a good six weeks so far and they are going strong. I have not received any repair requests… yet.
These make fabulous party favors, small gifts to hand-out, swag, or whatever… And yes! You can even turn them into ornaments and necklaces…
How to make Drift Wood Slice Keychains
I’m going to share the process to make it very specifically how I did, however, this is really a “do your own thing” kind of idea! So totally do it how you want and get creative.
Materials
- Driftwood ovals
- Paint markers
- Matte Mod Podge
- Foam Pouncer
- Soft paintbrush
- Good, thick jump rings
- Keychain hardware
- Pliers
- Drill or rotary tool (I have the Worx MakerX) with drill bit
Process
1. Start by coloring the base of your keychain. I made mine two-sided but left the sides natural. Use a metallic marker for the base.
2. Take a pastel marker in the same color as the metallic and add a border. It doesn’t need to be neat – it should have a natural, organic look like the driftwood does.
3. Add some detail to your border. I added a lacy edge to some and some comic-style lines to others.
4. Use the thin side of your paint marker to write the name once the background marker has dried. If you’re not confident in your lettering skills, you can pencil it in first.
Play around with both script and print fonts!
5. To seal it in, you’ll use Mod Podge or an acrylic spray sealer. An acrylic sealer doesn’t require dry time but you need space to work with. Especially if using Mod podge, make sure to allow your lettering to completely dry first! Give it some extra time! You don’t want to smear it.
Begin by gently pouncing on some Mod Podge. Then use a soft paintbrush to gently smooth out any texture the pouncer leaves. The main point in painting it this way is to avoid overworking the Mod Podge and smudging your name.
6. Drill a hole. Note: if doing this at an event or in a group, do this step in advance to prep it for the crafters.
7. Attach your keychain with a jumpring.
Your wood slice keychains are finished and ready to gift! What will you be writing on yours? Would you do anything different? Comment below!
DIY Wood Slice Keychains
Materials
- Driftwood ovals
- Paint markers
- Matte Mod Podge
- Foam Pouncer
- Soft paintbrush
- Good, thick jump rings
- Keychain hardware
Tools
- Pliers
- Drill or rotary tool (I have the Worx MakerX) with drill bit
Instructions
1. Start by coloring the base of your keychain. I made mine two-sided but left the sides natural. Use a metallic marker for the base.
2. Take a pastel marker in the same color as the metallic and add a border. It doesn't need to be neat - it should have a natural, organic look like the driftwood does.
3. Add some detail to your border. I added a lacy edge to some and some comic-style lines to others.
4. Use the thin side of your paint marker to write the name once the background marker has dried. If you're not confident in your lettering skills, you can pencil it in first. Play around with both script and print fonts!
5. To seal it in, you'll use Mod Podge or an acrylic spray sealer. An acrylic sealer doesn't require dry time but you need space to work with. Especially if using Mod podge, make sure to allow your lettering to completely dry first! Give it some extra time! You don't want to smear it.
Begin by gently pouncing on some Mod Podge. Then use a soft paintbrush to gently smooth out any texture the pouncer leaves. The main point in painting it this way is to avoid overworking the Mod Podge and smudging your name.
6. Drill a hole. Note: if doing this at an event or in a group, do this step in advance to prep it for the crafters.
7. Attach your keychain with a jumpring.
Your wood slice keychains are finished and ready to gift! What will you be writing on yours? Would you do anything different? Comment below!
Notes
Make sure you use sturdy hardware, especially the jumprings, as keychains get lots of wear and tear.
I sealed mine with matte Mod Podge to make it more durable, however that step is definitely optional. My kids have had them on their heavily-abused backpacks for a good six weeks so far and they are going strong. I have not received any repair requests... yet.
These make fabulous party favors, small gifts to hand-out, swag, or whatever... And yes! You can even turn them into ornaments and necklaces...
