DIY Acrylic Keychains are a great way to personalize your keys. They’re easy to make and take little time or supplies, plus they’re fun!
You’ll need your Cricut machine and some adhesive vinyl to make these fun keychains. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create your personalized acrylic keychain.
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Cut the Design
The first step to making a custom acrylic keychain is to cut the design out of vinyl using your Cricut machine. It’s a great way to practice engraving with your machine, and it will help you get used to the process.
Start by choosing a design from your software (Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, etc.). Make sure that the design is going to fit the key chain, and that it will be clear enough so you can see the image.
If you want to add a background, you can use the brush stroke option. This will give you a three-dimensional look and is my favourite method. It also gives you an easy way to get the image to cover the entire acrylic round.
Next, apply your vinyl design to the acrylic blank. It’s essential to weed out any extra vinyl before applying it to the blank, and be careful not to touch it with your hand because it may scratch the surface.
When you’re done weeding your design, use StrongGrip Transfer Tape to apply the vinyl to your blank. Remember, glitter, shimmer, and foil vinyl require StrongGrip transfer tape.
Once you’ve applied the vinyl, use a scraper to ensure the design is stuck down well. Then, remove the transfer tape.
Attach a ring and tassel to the front of the acrylic to finish your custom keychain. These are easy to make and a great starter project for kids! You can also customize them with different colours, designs, and shapes to suit any occasion or holiday. They’re also a great gift!
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Weed the Design
The best part of this process is when you actually use it! You can do the actual weeding by hand if you prefer, but the magic happens when you have the tools to hand. Luckily, there is a good chance you already have one of these in your cabinet! Using a small blade will give you the best results. I also tried out the new and improved Cricut, but the old faithful was still around for good measure.
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Apply Adhesive Vinyl
Acrylic (PMMA or plexiglass) is a popular material for keychains because it has excellent transparency and weather resistance, is easy to customize, and has a wide range of applications. It is also inexpensive and comes in various colours, shapes, sizes and finishes.
The first step in making your acrylic keychain is to design the design you want to apply. You can choose from stickers, prints, or even fabric to create a personalized keychain that will suit your taste and style.
Next, you can use a heat press to apply the adhesive vinyl to your design. The heat from the iron will help bond the vinyl to the acrylic, making it more durable and lasting longer.
If you are using patterned vinyl, be sure to remove any extra vinyl that is not sticking to the blank before applying it to the design. You can use a weeding tool to do this or scrape it off the blank before applying the design.
Once you have the design ready, it is time to cut it out. You can use a cutting machine or cut it out by hand with a paper trimmer and a clear ruler.
Before you begin, clean your acrylic blank to avoid any dirt or dust getting in the way of the adhesive vinyl. This will prevent the HTV from sticking to the blank and ensure your keychain has a clean, professional look.
Once you have your design cut, you can now begin applying it to the blank. This relatively straightforward process will give your keychain a beautiful finish.
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Apply Transfer Tape
Acrylic is a popular material for making keychains and other accessories. It is durable, weather resistant and easy to customize. Its transparency also makes it an excellent option for a variety of art-inspired products.
A popular way to make an acrylic keychain is using StyleTech Craft transparent vinyl, which allows you to cut out your design on both sides. Transparent vinyl is also the perfect base to layer with various finishes, giving your design a cute shimmer!
Once you have your vinyl cut out and weeded, apply the appropriate Transfer Tape. Remember, glitter, shimmer, and foil vinyl require StrongGrip Transfer Tape. You must use a scraper to ensure the transfer tape is stuck down well before removing it from your blank.
Next, position your vinyl words and images where you want them to be on your blank. Rub firmly, then peel away the transfer paper to reveal your design!
After that, attach the keyring and tassel if it came with that and your acrylic keychain is ready for you to add some personality. You may choose to paint on your design with a brush, or you can add resin charms for added flair!
If you don’t want to glue your designs, use the alcohol ink technique. This is a popular method to turn your designs into custom keychains, and it’s a fun alternative!
First, mix some Mod Podge Resin and pour it into an alphabet mould. Leave it to cure completely (24 hours). Then, pour a layer of glitter resin over the top, and pop any bubbles that rise to the surface using a heat gun or a straw. This process is super quick and easy!
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Apply the Design
A custom acrylic keychain is a great way to turn your art into merch that can be sold in stores or online. It’s also an excellent marketing tool because it’s inexpensive to make and easy to ship. It can be personalized with your name or other identifying information, and it’s perfect for small-scale orders.
Once you’ve cut your design, it’s time to apply it to your acrylic blank. The process is pretty simple: line up the decal on your blank, and use a scraper tool to smooth it out. Then, remove any air bubbles, and your project is done!
Alternatively, engrave the design on the blank using the Cricut Maker. This is the best way to ensure the design is sharp and clear.
Select the design you want to engrave in Cricut Design Space. Pick a font with a draw option for the best engraving.
Next, weed the excess vinyl from your cutout design. It’s essential to ensure you stay within the clumps of extra material, or it may end up in the cutout itself.
Finally, weed the back of your decal as well. It’s unnecessary to do this step, but it can add an extra layer of protection to your product if you seal it with a coat of mod podge.
If you’re making one, you can then attach a jump ring and keychain hardware. You can also tassel the keychain if you’d like to.
Once the project is complete, you’re ready to show off your creation. This DIY acrylic keychain is a fun and unique gift that’s sure to be loved by your friends and family!
