on to today's project...
Altered Key Charm
I have always loved keys. I don't really know why...maybe it's because they come in so many different styles and shapes or maybe it's the mystery of never knowing for sure what lock those keys opened. Either way they have always been something that has fascinated me. Several years ago I was lucky enough to stumble onto a GREAT deal... a 35lb tin FULL of all sorts of keys! What fun it was to sort through them and share with other crafty friends.
NOTE: the key with a crown on the top is a very old hotel key that was never used! How cool is that :)
Today I wanted to share a cool charm incorporating a few of those keys with my Altered Key Charms. I will also be using the Twisted Wire & Paper Butterfly Wing Charms I shared with you earlier in the week.
As far as the supplies go it's pretty wide open. You can embellish your key charms with just about anything you can think of. Some of my favorite things are watch parts ~ gears, faces, hands, etc.; vintage/junk jewelry parts; faux gemstones; collage images; hardware bits; etc. It's just so much fun to see what all you can lump on there!
You'll also need a good strong glue. I like to use super glue or jewelry glue. Brands are totally up to you...I use what I can find.
Once you've gathered your keys and decorative goodies you're all set. It's time to play!
I begin by laying various bits and pieces on the key to see what I want to use for each charm. After I find a look I like I remove each item in sequence then begin gluing each piece to the key.
Depending on the various parts and pieces you use your charms could take on any number of looks... Steampunk, vintage, victorian, shabby chic, grunge, industrial, etc.
It's all up to you and the goodies you use!
And here are the charms I made today...
The next two Key Charms incorporate the Twisted Wire & Paper wings I made...
I still have one more charm but it wasn't finished when I took the pics so I'll share that with you another time.
So there you go...
another quick and easy
but oh so fun charm to try!
Be feel free to share links to your creations if you try this or any of the other charms I've shared with you!
So very cool!
ReplyDeleteVery clever! Love what you incorporated into each piece....looks like your feeling better and back making wonderful charms.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog about a month ago. It's fun and upbeat and full of inspiration. I may not leave a msg each time, but I DO enjoy coming by!
Hugs from Colorado
Jan
I am loving these!! I have a sack of old keys I that I salvaged from work...they are all shapes sizes and patinas, I can't wait to try this!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing...Patti
I love these! So inspiring. I have a drawer full of old jewelry from my Grandmother that I hope to incorporate into embellishments such as these for tops of boxes. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome! I love them all! Glad you were able to get some ink on them fingers today!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, those are so incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are just spectacular! I love them all but especially the ones with the bent wires.
ReplyDeleteOMG - these are simply fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThey are fantastic! Glad your spirits were lifted by creating some great art!
ReplyDeleteLove these!
ReplyDeleteGlad I have the day off tomorrow, play day!
Your charms are AWESOME!!! I can't wait to give them a try. shari (cricutrookie)
ReplyDeleteYou have really out done yourself. These are so unique looking. I can't wait to do some myself. Thanks for your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThese are fabulous Roni! I must find more cool supplies so I can give these a try!
ReplyDeleteRoni -
ReplyDeleteThese are just awesome! I am so in love with them. I am amazed how you turned a common, everyday item into such a special piece of art! GORGEOUS!
Elaine Allen
ewwww ahhhhh!!! i love it..you are on a roll..tfs..loves ya
ReplyDeleteThese are fabulous!!!
ReplyDeletethey are fabulous! I especially love the butterfly with the clock face! OMG! I'm gonna start stealing people's keys now!!
ReplyDeletewow u amaze me with these...so cool and so cute! I need to hunt down some kesy! xo cher
ReplyDeleteThat hotel key with the crown on top is AWESOME! What a find! I have a drawer full of old keys...now I have something to do with them! Another amazing project!
ReplyDeleteGreat Job, These look Incredible!!
ReplyDeleteRoni I am so sorry for your loss and understand how you are feeling. Thankfully you have your art to create and I am so grateful that you so generously share with us. Warm hugs to you...
ReplyDeleteSeriously cool idea thanks so much for posting your beautiful key charms.
ReplyDeleteI adore these. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the paper and wire tutorial: Love what you've done with them here.
ReplyDeleteNow to gather my 'treasures' together...
love love your charms! Such a brilliant idea. Thanks for your everyday inspiration!
ReplyDeleteVery cool, and so versatile! One could glue almost anything on there, and create very different looks, just like you said. Maybe I'll even use some of my teeny tiny puzzle pieces?!
ReplyDelete--Mina
These are fantastic. So unique and clever!
ReplyDeleteI'm missing words, that really cool.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is WOW! You make me want to RUN to my junque box and make art! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThese are brilliant!
ReplyDeleteTo think of all the keys that have been tossed out in the past... great idea to use them... the crown key is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again! Absolutely stunning results! Must dig into my jar of old keys and pull a few...
ReplyDeleteOkay Roni...my TO-DO list just got longer ;-)
Very, very cool! Love them!
ReplyDeleteWOW these are really great! I would never had thought of this.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love them!
ReplyDeleteWay over the top cool!!! I have just the right place to hang one of those charms on a gift I am making.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fantabulous ideas!
Fab inspiration Roni - I have a huge box of keys, (they've always fascinated me too...!) just awaiting this article!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Hugs
Eiglas
x
OOOH Roni! This are awesome I love them all! I have a key stash too and was just telling someone yesterday it is out of control! I think perhaps today is a good day to get them out! I would also love to learn how to make the wire wrapped ones with the beads on them...Lovin' the keys!
ReplyDeleteAs always! Thanks Roni for your amazing work!
I knew before I even scrolled down that I was going to experience something beautiful. And you did not fail me...again! I've really never been very interested in charms until you started this series! NOW, I can't wait to fine/make some of my own!
ReplyDeleteAGAIN..thank you so much for being who you are!
These look amazing! I would never have chosen to use that Ford key because it was too uninteresting. After all, it's modern, and from a car. But you made it unbelievably special!
ReplyDeleteOh these are awesome!!!! Fabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are so cool! I need to locate my old key collection!
ReplyDelete