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DIY keychain with a Mod Podge photo transfer image
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5 from 3 votes

DIY Picture Keychain

Create a photo keychain that comes together in a matter of minutes (excluding dry time). This is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day!
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Dry Time1 day
Total Time1 day 55 minutes
Yield: 1 keychain
Cost: $2

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • To create a ‘long’ piece of wood perfect for a keychain, I used a 3″ x 3″ wood square. They’re soft enough to cut down to size with just a box cutter or X-Acto knife. You'll want a steel ruler and patience, as well.
    Cutting a 3 by 3 wood square into three pieces with a box knife
  • Once you are done creating your wood rectangles, sand the edges as well as the front and back surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper.
    Two wood pieces and a piece of sandpaper
  • Drill a hole on the top to accommodate your keychain ring later on using a drill with small drill bit – the size would be relative to how big or small your keychain ring would be.
    Two wood pieces with holes drilled in one end
  • Print the image – don’t forget to flip it before printing if there are words on it. Base the photo size on the size of the wood strip.
    Printed image cut down to size
  • Apply a thick coat of photo transfer medium to the image, and lay it face down on your piece of wood. Use a brayer to push out bubbles and flatten the image onto the wood. Leave to dry overnight.
    Painting photo transfer medium over the top of the photo with a brush
  • Once dry, wet the paper and carefully rub the paper until the image shows. Be careful with rubbing the paper too much, unless you want a really aged look to the keychain. Repeat until paper is removed.
    Rubbing paper off of a photo transfer keychain
  • Use antiquing wax and apply it on the edges of the keychain. This step is optional, but it's a fun effect.
  • Using the same brush (unwashed), apply a layer of Matte Mod Podge. The remaining residue from the antique wax will mix with the Matte Mod Podge to create a slight sepia sheen. Make sure the faces don’t have any stray specks of wax or paper before it dries.
    Homemade keychain with a photo and Mod Podge Matte
  • Attach the keychain ring and chain to finish.

Video

Notes

Step 1: If your wood squares are thick, you may need another tool to cut the wood. Rather than mess with it, you may just want to purchase wood rectangles with holes already cut. I'll let you decide!