Chloe Zhang
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, but one way to reduce plastic pollution is to recycle it into something fun and useful, such as a keychain. You can use recycled plastic from containers or bottles, or buy shrink plastic sheets, to create a unique, personalised keychain. The process is simple: design your keychain, cut it out, bake it in the oven, and attach it to a key ring. You can experiment with colours, shapes, photos, quotes, and drawings to make your keychain as creative as you like.
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What You'll Learn
Draw your design on the plastic
When drawing your design on the plastic, it's important to keep in mind that the design will shrink to a quarter of its original size or more. You can hand-draw your design directly onto the plastic or print out a design and trace it. If you're using shrink film, you can print your image on the film itself, but remember to lighten the opacity to around 50-60% and print at standard quality.
If you're using regular shrink film, avoid putting it in your printer. Instead, print your design on paper and trace it onto the plastic. You can use markers, such as Sharpies, to draw on the plastic. If you're using shrink plastic sheets, marker pens, or permanent markers are a good option. You can also use coloured pencils or acrylic paint, but be sure to use the rougher side of the plastic.
For a more professional look, consider printing your design and then tracing it onto the plastic. This will give your keychain a neater appearance. If you're feeling creative, you can add colours and experiment with shapes to make your keychain unique. Remember to cut out your design carefully, leaving the desired border, and punch a hole where you want to attach your key ring.
Additionally, if you want to add text or a quote to your keychain, you can write or print it on paper, laminate it, and then attach it to the plastic. This method allows you to include inspirational messages or fun patterns that match the recipient's style. You can also use recycled plastic from containers with a '6' embossed inside the recycling symbol, creating a sustainable option for your keychain design.
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Cut out your design
The first step to making a plastic keychain is to decide on a design. You can hand-draw your design, or you can trace a picture onto the plastic. If you're not confident in your drawing skills, you can print off a template or image from the hundreds available online. You can also use a photo, a drawing, a miniature tapestry, or some funky patterned paper. If you're using a photo, it's nice to print off an interesting saying or pattern for the back.
If you're using shrink film, you'll need to make your design much bigger than the finished product, as it will shrink significantly. You'll also want to lighten the opacity to around 50-60%.
Once you've decided on your design, cut it out, leaving the amount of border you want. Be as precise as you want when cutting out your design. If you're using a 2D shape, this will be easier than a more complex 3D shape.
If you're using a plastic sheet, you'll need to create a mould for your keychain. You can use a laser cutter to make a mould out of acrylic plastic, which is cheaper than other materials such as steel.
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Punch a hole for the key ring
To make a hole for the key ring, you will need to punch a hole in the plastic before you heat it. The plastic will shrink, so the hole will need to be large enough to accommodate a key ring. A 1/4" hole puncher is recommended. You can also use a handheld hole puncher to add a hole.
The hole should be punched where you want to attach your key ring. This is done before the plastic is heated and shrunk. It is much more challenging to punch a hole in the plastic after it has thickened.
If you are using a shrink film, you will need to cut out your design, leaving the desired border. Then, use a hole punch to create a hole in the plastic where you want to attach the key ring. After punching the hole, place the plastic on a tray and preset the oven temperature.
It is important to note that the plastic will curl and twist as it heats up. This is normal, and you should wait until it becomes flat again before removing it from the oven. Once removed, place it on a work surface and weigh it down until it hardens. If it is not pliable, do not try to flatten it. Instead, place it back in the oven and reheat it.
Overall, punching a hole for the key ring is an essential step in creating a plastic keychain. It is recommended to do this step before heating the plastic, as the hole will shrink along with the plastic, ensuring a secure fit for the key ring.
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Bake the plastic in the oven
To turn plastic into a keychain, you can use shrink plastic sheets, which can be cut, drawn on, and baked in the oven to create a keychain.
First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place your plastic shapes onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. It is important to note that the baking time will depend on the size of your plastic shapes, ranging from 20 seconds to 3 minutes. During the baking process, you will observe the plastic curl and twist, which is a normal part of the shrinking process. Once the time is up, remove the plastic from the oven and wait for it to lie flat, which should take around 30 seconds. If your plastic does not flatten out, you can turn it over and place it back in the oven for a few seconds until it achieves its desired shape.
It is crucial to allow the plastic to cool completely before proceeding to the next steps. If your plastic is not pliable, do not attempt to flatten it by pressing it down. Instead, place it back in the oven and reheat it. To prevent curling, you can place another piece of parchment paper on top of the hot plastic and weigh it down with a book or flat object.
Once the plastic is cool, you can add a protective clear coat, such as Mod Podge, craft resin, or clear nail polish, to seal your design and add shine.
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Attach the keychain to the key ring
Once you've created your plastic charm, you can attach it to your key ring. But before you do, you'll need to punch a hole in your plastic charm. Use a 1/4" hole puncher before you shrink the plastic. If you're using shrink plastic, it will be much more difficult to punch a hole when the plastic is thick. Cut out your design, leaving the amount of border that you want.
After you've baked your plastic charm and let it cool, you can attach it to your key ring. You can use pliers to attach the charm to your key ring. If the hole is a little small, use a jump ring to attach the charm. You can also add extra jump rings, beads, small friendship bracelets, and other small accessories to complement your keychain.
If you're using a pre-made key ring, simply attach your plastic charm to it. If you're making your own key ring, you'll need to cut a length of chain or string and attach it to your plastic charm. You can use pliers or jump rings to attach the chain or string to the charm.
Finally, test your key ring to make sure it's secure. Pull on the key ring to make sure the plastic charm is securely attached. Now you can enjoy your unique, personalised keychain!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need plastic, a design, an oven, a hole punch, and a keychain. You can use permanent markers, acrylic paint, or colored pencils to create your design. You can also use shrink plastic sheets, marker pens, photos, quotes, beads, charms, and pendants.
First, create your design on the plastic. Then, cut out your design and use a hole punch to create a hole for the keychain. Next, place the plastic on a tray and put it in the oven for 1-3 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. After removing the plastic from the oven, let it cool and attach your keychain.
If your plastic does not flatten out after being removed from the oven, turn it over and place it back in the oven for a few seconds. You can also place a heavy object on top of the plastic as it cools to help it flatten out.
