Crafting Unique Wooden Photo Keychains and Blocks – A DIY Guide

Crafting is not just a hobby; it's a form of meditation that brings out our creativity and skills in the most rewarding way. If you're looking to dive into a fun and personalized DIY project, wooden keychains and blocks are the perfect starting point. With just a few simple tools and materials, you can create unique and functional pieces that will impress your friends and add a touch of charm to your everyday life.

Items Needed:

• Pre-made packs of wooden blocks or pieces - can be purchased online from stores such as Temu and Amazon, as well as in craft stores.

• Keychain rings, Nano Cord, or ribbon/yarn - can be sourced from craft and general retailers in the craft section.

• Drill or screwdriver - required if the blocks do not come with pre-cut holes for hanging.

• Sticker Photo Paper - can be found on Amazon and in regular retail stores.

• Optional: Decorative items such as beads, mini pendants, paintbrushes, colored pencils, paint markers, or small charms.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Pieces

Begin by choosing the wooden blocks or pieces you wish to use. If necessary, sand any rough edges or surfaces to achieve a polished finish. If you have purchased them pre-assembled online, they should be good to use as soon as they arrive.

Step 2: Drill

If you're creating keychains or hanging squares/blocks, drill a small hole at the top to attach the keychain ring later on.

Step 3: Optional Paint or Stain

Now comes the fun part – painting or staining your wooden creations. Choose colors that resonate with your style and personality. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely.

Step 4: Adding Decorative Elements

To elevate your designs, consider enhancing them with decorative elements such as beads or mini pendants. This is an opportunity to create unique keychains and blocks.

• For coloring or designing by hand, gather colored pencils, markers, or paint.

  • Begin by testing one design to check for any bleeding or blurring caused by the paint or markers, which will help you determine the best design mediums to use.

  • Once you have completed the test, proceed with your chosen medium to create your design.

  • If using paint, allow it to dry before working on other sections to prevent colors from running together.

  • Ensure the paint or markings are completely dry once you have finished your design.

• To create Printed Photo Designs, you will need sticker photo paper.

  • First, select your preferred sticker photo paper and test its printing quality with your printer. If the printer quality is satisfactory, proceed by determining the required picture size for the keychains and squares. I utilized the collage feature on my phone to create the necessary size for my photos, but another excellent option is using apps/websites like Canva, where you can easily adjust to the correct size using the size feature.

  • Print your photos and then begin applying them to blank wooden keychains/squares. It may be challenging to separate the backing and sticky part on the photo paper, so patience is key. I discovered that gently pulling a small corner back and forth on my photos made it easier to separate the backing and sticky part.

  • Apply your photos to the wooden blanks, ensuring they are correctly positioned on the first or second attempt to avoid damaging the photo or its adhesive backing.

Step 6: Varnish and Seal

If you want to protect your wooden pieces and give them a polished finish, consider applying a coat of varnish or sealant. This will help your creations endure and maintain a great appearance.

• It is advisable to apply varnish, especially if you desire a clear polished seal over your drawing designs.

• I suggest avoiding this step with your photo pieces to prevent potential damage to the photos.

Step 7: Attach Keychain Rings

After everything has dried, affix keychain rings to your wooden keychains. They are now ready to be used or given as a special gift!

• For this step, you have the option to use ribbon, yarn, Nano cord, or keychain rings.

• If you opt for ribbon, yarn, or nano cord, follow these steps to ensure a secure attachment:

  • Cut your ribbon/yarn/nano cord to the desired length.

  • Thread it through the hole in the keychain/square so that there is an even amount of cord on each side.

  • Tie the cord twice at the bottom, similar to tying shoelaces without creating bunny ears.

  • Leave a small space (about the tip of your finger) between the double knot at the bottom and the open top of the cord.

  • Tie the cord twice again at the bottom, aligning with the space left between the knots.

  • Afterward, tie the cord once more at the last tying point to ensure a secure knot.

  • Pull on the cord to check its stability. If it feels loose, repeat the steps, adding an extra tie at each knotting point. If it remains loose, consider using alternative methods such as stapling, gluing, or taping the cord down.

• Enjoy your creation whether you use it, display it, give it as a gift, or sell it.

Bring Your Creations to Life!

DIY wooden keychains and blocks are not just accessories; they are a reflection of your creativity and skill. Whether you're making them for yourself or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones, these custom pieces are bound to stand out.

Embrace Creativity and Personalization

What sets DIY projects like wooden keychains and blocks apart is the personal touch you can infuse into each piece. Experiment with different shapes, colors, and embellishments to create items that are uniquely yours.

Conclusion

Crafting wooden keychains and blocks from scratch is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience that allows you to explore your artistic side. With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of patience, you can transform simple wooden pieces into charming accessories that you'll cherish for years to come.

So, grab your tools, unleash your imagination, and start crafting your own wooden masterpieces today!

Whether you are an experienced crafter or just starting, these DIY creations are perfect for unleashing your creativity and adding a personalized touch to your everyday items. Crafting wooden keychains and blocks is not just a project; it's a journey of self-expression and skill development. Let your creativity soar and see where the path of crafting leads you!

Here are my handmade Keychain and Square Creations