- 1). Purchase a keychain kit. You will need a key ring, chain and some type of base on which the crystals can be attached. Choose a base that is in the shape of some type of item. Some other ideas include horseshoe, lucky clover, star, cross, high heel, peace sign, flower, sun or moon. If you'd prefer to create a unique design within the keychain, choose a circle or square base. Keep in mind that the simpler the shape, the simpler it will be to design the keychain. Don't choose a shape that is too complicated.
- 2). Remove the keychain base from the chain and key ring, if not done so already. Lay the base so that the side you want to adorn with the Swarovski crystals is facing upwards.
- 3). Arrange the crystals on the base without using the glue at first. Play around with placement of the crystals until you are happy with the design. Try using different colors to create different looks. For example, if you are designing a heart-shaped keychain, alternate red and pink crystals to make it pop. You could also design a smaller pink heart in the center of the keychain and surround that by red crystals. Or design something more intricate like a smiling face within a sun-shaped keychain. Start by using a dark-colored crystal for each eye, and red crystals to form a half circle for the mouth. Surround those with orange and yellow crystals to bring it to life. There are literally endless possibilities -- be creative.
- 4). Remove the crystals from the base once you have created a pleasing design. Remember the placement of the crystals, though, because you will need to glue them on in the same manner. Some people find it helpful to recreate the design on a flat surface like the table you are working on. Then you can take the crystals from there and place them on the keychain base accordingly.
- 5). Squirt a dab of epoxy glue onto a piece of paper. Dab the end of a toothpick into the epoxy glue.
- 6). Pick up one Swarovski crystal at a time using a pair of tweezers. Hold the crystal in the tweezers so that the flat part is face down.
- 7). Transfer the glue from the end of the toothpick onto the flat part of the Swarovski crystal.
- 8). Place each crystal on its appropriate spot on the base of the keychain. Try to be precise. Once the crystal is glued to the base, you will have only seconds before the glue dries, locking it into place.
- 9). Repeat this process until you have replicated the design you settled on earlier. Allow a couple of hours for the epoxy glue to dry and harden completely before continuing.
- 10
Attach the base of the keychain, now adorned with a beautiful Swarovski crystal design, to the keyring and chain. If the keyring and keychain are not already connected to each other, connect them first.
Source...