Crochet Bead Keychains: Two Ways

Well I'm finally back with my crochet bead project! Truth be told, I originally made a necklace... Which I do like, but is really not my style... So I'm keeping that one to myself, at least for now. ;) When trying to think of something else to make with my pretty beads, I had this totally random brainwave to try my hand at making some key chains!

Now, I have never really made jewelry before, outside of a few hemp bracelets back in middle school. So this was a pretty new venture for me. I apologize if I did things in a non-traditional way; I just sort of made things up as I went along!

Stuff You'll Need: 
cording (leather, suede, braided, etc.) // 1" crochet bead // small wooden beads (1/2" & 3/4") // white acrylic paint // foam brush // jump rings // foldover cord closures // lobster clasp OR key ring // needle nose pliers



First things first, I put a quick-'n-dirty coat of white paint on my wooden beads using my foam brush. I also painted my 1" bead before adding the crochet work. This step isn't necessary, and can easily be skipped for a natural wood look. I just wanted white beads, but only the wooden beads had openings large enough for my cord.

Once my beads were painted, I assembled my key chains two ways!

Green Key Chain:

1. Cut a piece of braided cord 2 - 3 inches longer than you want your key chain. 
2. Thread a 3/4" bead, crochet bead, and 1/2" bead onto your cord. Knot the cord below the 1/2" bead (this is the end of your keychain). Knot the cord again above the 3/4" bead, leaving a length of cord between your beads and your clasp. 
3. Place your foldover closure over the end of your cord, and pinch the closure closed with your pliers. You want the closure nice and secure, so close it as much as you can. You may want to add a dab of glue to the cord before placing the closure over it if you're having trouble. 
4. Using your pliers, open a jump ring and thread it through the closure. With the jump ring still open, thread your lobster clasp onto the jump ring as well. Close the jump ring with your pliers & that's it! Trim your cord ends if you need to, and enjoy your key chain. :) 

White Key Chain:
**note: the white, glittery thread worked up thicker than the green thread, so I did double crochets in the first round rather than treble crochets**

1. Cut a piece of suede cord twice as long as you want your cord, plus a few inches. 
2. Thread a 3/4" bead onto your cord, and fold the cord in half, pushing the bead to the middle. 
3. Thread both ends of the cord through your crochet bead and the 1/2" bead. 
4. Knot both pieces of cording above the 1/2" bead. 
5. Place your foldover closure over the end of your cords, and pinch the closure closed with your pliers. You want the closure nice and secure, so close it as much as you can. You may want to add a dab of glue to the cord before placing the closure over it if you're having trouble. 
6. Using your pliers, open a jump ring and thread it through the closure. Close the jump ring and open a second jump ring. Thread the second jump ring through the first, and with the second jump ring still open, thread your key ring onto the jump ring as well. Close the jump ring with your pliers & that's it! Admire your handiwork. ;) 

What do you think of my first try at jewelry-like making? Boyfriend says they look like fishing lures, hah! I mean, I see it... But I still like 'em. ;) What have you been making?

let's connect ---> facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest // rss