21 Fun and Easy DIY Keychain Ideas

DIY keychains are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your everyday essentials. Whether you want to make a unique gift or simply enjoy crafting, these 21 fun and easy DIY keychain ideas offer plenty of inspiration.

From simple materials to clever designs, creating your own keychains allows you to express your style and imagination in a small, practical accessory. I remember making my first keychain from beads and leather strips, and it still brings a smile every time I see it on my keys.

These ideas will inspire your next crafting session with fun, easy projects anyone can try.

Colorful Beaded Keychain With Alphabet Letters

Create a vibrant keychain using colorful beads and alphabet letters to spell out your name or a favorite word. This DIY keychain idea is perfect for beginners and allows endless customization with different bead shapes, colors, and fonts.

You can easily make a keychain that reflects your personality or gift it to a friend with their name on it. The process is straightforward and quick, making it a fun weekend project.

Steps:

• Gather alphabet beads, colorful round beads, and a keyring.
• Cut a piece of strong thread or elastic cord about 8 inches long.
• String the beads in the desired order to spell a word or name.
• Add extra colorful beads on both sides for decoration.
• Tie a secure knot at the end to hold the beads in place.
• Attach the knotted end to the keyring.
• Trim any excess thread.

Leather Tassel Keychain With Metal Ring

Leather tassel keychains add a touch of elegance and texture to your keys. This DIY project is simple and stylish, using just a few materials like leather strips and metal rings.

You can customize the tassel length and leather color to match your taste. Making a leather tassel keychain is a great way to practice basic leather crafting skills and create a durable accessory that lasts.

Steps:

• Cut a leather strip about 6 inches long and 1 inch wide.
• Make thin slits along one side of the strip to create fringe.
• Roll the fringed leather tightly from one end to form a tassel.
• Secure the base with a small leather strip or strong glue.
• Attach a metal ring or lobster clasp to the tassel top.
• Connect the ring to your keyring.

Resin Encased Flower Keychain

Preserve delicate flowers or leaves in resin to make a beautiful, nature-inspired keychain. This DIY idea involves embedding real flora inside a clear resin shape, creating a unique and lasting keepsake.

Perfect for nature lovers, resin keychains capture the beauty of a moment and turn it into wearable art. The process requires a bit of patience but yields stunning results.

Steps:

• Collect small dried flowers or leaves.
• Prepare a silicone mold in your desired keychain shape.
• Mix resin according to package instructions.
• Pour a thin resin layer into the mold.
• Place the dried flowers carefully on the resin layer.
• Pour more resin to cover the flowers completely.
• Allow resin to cure fully, usually 24 hours.
• Attach a keyring through the mold’s hole.

Paracord Survival Style Keychain

Paracord keychains are popular for their rugged look and practical use. This DIY project is ideal for anyone who loves outdoor adventures or wants a durable keychain.

The braided paracord can be unraveled in emergencies, making it both stylish and functional. You can choose different colors and braiding patterns to personalize the look.

Steps:

• Cut a 3 to 4 feet length of paracord.
• Fold the cord in half and attach it to a keyring using a lark’s head knot.
• Braid or weave the paracord using cobra or fishtail patterns.
• Finish with a knot or a paracord end cap.
• Trim any excess cord and melt ends to prevent fraying.

Mini Pom-Pom Fluffy Keychain Charm

Add a playful and soft touch to your keys with a mini pom-pom keychain. These fluffy creations are easy to make using yarn and a few simple tools.

Choose colorful yarns to brighten your day and create a cozy accessory. Pom-pom keychains also make charming gifts for friends or kids.

Steps:

• Wrap yarn around your fingers or a small pom-pom maker multiple times.
• Carefully slide the wrapped yarn off and tie a piece of yarn tightly in the middle.
• Cut the loops on both ends to form a pom-pom.
• Trim the pom-pom to shape it evenly.
• Attach a small keyring or chain to the pom-pom.
• Connect it to your keyring.

Clay Initial Keychain With Hand-Painted Details

Create a personalized keychain with polymer clay molded into initials or shapes. This DIY idea allows for endless creativity with colors and hand-painted details.

Polymer clay is easy to work with and hardens in a home oven, making it accessible for all skill levels. The final product is lightweight and durable.

Steps:

• Condition polymer clay by kneading until soft.
• Shape the clay into your initial or favorite shape.
• Use tools to add texture or details.
• Bake in the oven according to clay instructions.
• Once cooled, paint any additional designs using acrylic paint.
• Seal with a clear varnish for protection.
• Attach a small eye pin and keyring.

Miniature Bottle Keychain With Glitter Inside

This whimsical keychain features a tiny glass bottle filled with sparkling glitter or tiny charms. It’s a charming way to carry a little magic wherever you go.

Making it involves filling the bottle carefully and securely sealing it to prevent spills. It’s perfect for those who love cute, tiny objects and sparkly accessories.

Steps:

• Find a small glass bottle with a cork or screw lid.
• Fill the bottle partially with glitter, tiny beads, or charms.
• Secure the lid with glue or sealant.
• Attach a small eye pin to the bottle’s lid.
• Connect the eye pin to your keyring.

Macrame Knotted Keychain With Colorful Cord

Macrame keychains bring texture and boho vibes to your keys. Using colorful cords, you can create various knot patterns that look intricate but are simple once you learn the basics.

This technique offers a wonderful tactile feel and a durable design. It’s a relaxing craft perfect for creative hands.

Steps:

• Cut two or more lengths of colorful cord.
• Attach cords to a keyring using a lark’s head knot.
• Create a series of square or spiral knots to form the pattern.
• Continue knotting until the desired length is reached.
• Tie off the ends securely.
• Trim excess cord and add beads if desired.

Shrink Plastic Custom Shape Keychain

Shrink plastic sheets let you design custom keychains with drawings or printed images. After coloring your design, the plastic shrinks and thickens when baked, creating a sturdy, miniature version of your artwork.

It’s a fantastic way to turn your creativity into a functional accessory with a professional-looking finish.

Steps:

• Draw or print a design on shrink plastic sheets.
• Cut out the design carefully.
• Punch a hole for the keyring before baking.
• Bake in the oven following shrink plastic instructions.
• Allow to cool completely.
• Attach the shrunken piece to a keyring.

Felt Animal Face Keychain With Embroidery

Felt keychains featuring cute animal faces add charm and softness to your keys. Using felt sheets and simple embroidery stitches, you can create small, lightweight keychains.

This craft combines sewing skills with creativity and is enjoyable for all ages. The felt material is easy to cut and sew, making this project accessible and fun.

Steps:

• Cut felt pieces into animal face shapes.
• Layer pieces and sew them together using embroidery thread.
• Add details like eyes, nose, and mouth with stitches or small felt pieces.
• Stuff lightly with cotton or felt scraps if desired.
• Attach a small loop or ring to the top.
• Connect to a keyring.

Recycled Denim Fabric Keychain Loop

Give new life to old denim by crafting sturdy keychain loops. This simple idea transforms jeans fabric into a durable and stylish accessory.

You can sew or glue the loop with decorative stitching or embellishments. It’s a practical way to recycle and make a rugged, casual keychain.

Steps:

• Cut a strip of denim fabric about 6 inches long.
• Fold the strip lengthwise and sew or glue the edges together.
• Turn the fabric inside out to hide seams.
• Attach one end to a metal keyring.
• Optionally, add decorative stitching or patches.
• Secure all ends firmly.

Mini Cross-Stitch Pattern Keychain

Cross-stitch lovers can create tiny stitched keychains featuring simple motifs or initials. This miniature craft uses small fabric squares and colorful embroidery floss.

The result is a charming, handcrafted piece that shows off your needlework skills. It’s a lovely way to carry a bit of handmade art wherever you go.

Steps:

• Cut a small square of cross-stitch fabric.
• Use embroidery floss to stitch a simple pattern or initial.
• Finish edges with glue or stitch a border.
• Attach a small metal eyelet or loop.
• Connect the loop to a keyring.

Upcycled Bottle Cap Keychain With Printed Insert

Turn bottle caps into quirky keychains by adding a printed insert under clear resin or plastic. This DIY idea recycles materials and lets you customize with favorite images, quotes, or photos.

The bottle cap frame adds a vintage or rustic feel, making it a fun conversation starter accessory.

Steps:

• Clean an empty bottle cap thoroughly.
• Cut a circular printed image slightly smaller than the cap.
• Place the image inside the bottle cap.
• Cover with clear resin or strong glue to seal.
• Let dry completely.
• Attach a small eye screw to the cap’s edge.
• Connect to a keyring.

Miniature Pom-Pom Garland Keychain

Create a tiny garland of colorful pom-poms on a keychain for a cheerful, festive look. This lightweight design is easy to make by stringing small pom-poms together on a cord.

It’s playful and perfect to brighten your keys or backpack zipper pulls. Plus, it’s a quick project using leftover yarn scraps.

Steps:

• Make several small pom-poms using yarn.
• Cut a short length of strong thread or cord.
• Thread the pom-poms onto the cord, spacing them evenly.
• Tie knots between pom-poms to keep them in place.
• Attach the ends of the cord to a keyring.

Personalized Wooden Disc Keychain

Wooden disc keychains offer a natural and rustic look with the chance to personalize by engraving or painting. You can find blank wooden discs and decorate them with names, symbols, or designs.

This project combines woodcraft with artistic expression, resulting in a warm, earthy accessory.

Steps:

• Purchase or cut small wooden discs.
• Sand the surface smooth if needed.
• Engrave or paint your desired design or name.
• Seal with clear varnish for protection.
• Drill a small hole near the edge.
• Attach a metal eyelet and keyring.

Button Cluster Keychain With Colorful Mix

Gather an assortment of colorful buttons to create a cheerful button cluster keychain. This playful design involves sewing or gluing buttons onto a sturdy base like fabric or felt, then attaching it to a keyring.

It’s a great way to use leftover buttons and add a vintage flair to your keys.

Steps:

• Collect buttons of various sizes and colors.
• Cut a small piece of felt or fabric as a base.
• Sew or glue buttons onto the base tightly.
• Allow glue to dry completely if used.
• Attach a keyring through the fabric.
• Trim excess fabric if needed.

Miniature Crochet Amigurumi Keychain

Crochet small amigurumi figures to make adorable keychains. This technique uses single crochet stitches to create tiny stuffed toys or shapes.

Choose your favorite animal or character pattern to craft a cute accessory. Crochet keychains are lightweight and full of charm, perfect for handmade gifts.

Steps:

• Select yarn and a small crochet hook.
• Follow a simple amigurumi pattern to crochet your figure.
• Stuff lightly with fiberfill.
• Close the opening with stitches.
• Attach a small loop or chain to the top.
• Connect to a keyring.

Stamped Metal Tag Keychain With Message

Metal stamped keychains offer a sleek, personalized look using metal tags and stamping tools. You can emboss meaningful words or dates to create a keepsake accessory.

This project requires minimal materials and delivers a professional appearance with a personal touch.

Steps:

• Purchase blank metal tags and stamping tools.
• Select your message or design.
• Use metal stamps and a hammer to imprint the text.
• Clean the tag and optionally add paint to highlight stamps.
• Attach the tag to a keyring.

Fabric Scrap Knot Keychain With Tassel

Use leftover fabric scraps to tie colorful knots and add a tassel for a boho-inspired keychain. This simple fabric craft is great for using up scraps and experimenting with textures.

The knot and tassel combo creates a soft, tactile keychain that’s both decorative and functional.

Steps:

• Cut fabric scraps into strips about 6 inches long.
• Tie the strips together in a tight knot.
• Create a tassel by folding and tying additional strips.
• Attach the knot and tassel to a keyring.
• Trim ends evenly.

Bottle Cap Photo Frame Keychain

Turn bottle caps into tiny photo frames by inserting small printed images and sealing them. This sentimental keychain idea lets you carry photos of loved ones or pets wherever you go.

It’s a creative way to combine recycled materials with personal memories.

Steps:

• Clean an empty bottle cap.
• Print and cut a small photo to fit inside the cap.
• Place the photo in the cap and cover with clear resin or glue.
• Allow to dry or cure fully.
• Attach an eye screw and keyring.

Bright Resin Geode Slice Keychain

Make a keychain inspired by natural geodes using colorful resin and glitter to mimic crystal formations. This project blends art and nature aesthetics, resulting in a vibrant and eye-catching piece.

Resin geode slices are unique and perfect for those who love bold, artistic accessories.

Steps:

• Mix resin with glitter and pigments.
• Pour resin into a geode-shaped mold.
• Use a toothpick to create swirl patterns.
• Allow resin to cure completely.
• Attach a metal eyelet and keyring.