One of the easiest things to make is an acrylic keychain. It’s simple to do, and it looks great. Make sure you follow a few basic steps, and you’re set!
Make a base
You can make a base for an acrylic keychain using a laser cutter. It is a relatively simple project that any beginner can enjoy.
Before you begin, you will need to prepare the acrylic surface. This may include removing the protective paper. You can use standard woodworking tools if you do not have a laser cutter.
When you’re ready to cut, set your Cricut machine to the correct pressure. Select a fine-point blade and follow the prompts.
Cut your design. Choose a colour that you will want to apply to the base. The colour should be applied in two coats. Be sure to allow enough time for each coat.
Once you’ve cut your design, place a transfer tape on the back. This will help smooth out air bubbles.
Next, you can paint the acrylic. Acrylic surfaces pick up fingerprints. Make sure to wipe them off with a damp cloth before decorating.
Adding a layer of clear vinyl to the bottom of the acrylic is a great way to protect your design. Clear vinyl can also prevent scratches on your design.
After you’ve poured your resin, wait about an hour before demolding. You can also tint your resin with white alcohol ink or mica powder.
You can use clear vinyl to add a design to your acrylic keychain. This is a very durable material. You can make a permanent vinyl by putting a background colour on it.
For a professional look, you can add glitter resin to the top of your design. Alternatively, you can apply clear acrylic resin on the bottom. These finishes are a great way to add a sparkle to your design.
Key chains are popular gifts. They are also easy to mass produce. A large acrylic piece will need to be able to withstand breaking. Also, it mustn’t have cracks or crazing.
Acrylic keychains are inexpensive and lightweight. However, they are not biodegradable. Therefore, they are often thrown away once they are no longer wanted.
Apply vinyl
When creating custom acrylic keychains, there are two main ways to go about it. The first is with vinyl. Vinyl is an amazingly durable material that is easy to manipulate. Using a suitable adhesive and some heat will make the process quick and easy.
Another option is to use fabric. You can get a ton of different shapes out of this exciting material. This option is probably only for some.
The trick is to choose the best type of fabric. The fabric is lightweight and has some interesting patterns. Once you have selected your fabric, you are ready to cut your design. It is essential to keep in mind that the pattern should not be double-sided.
To create the best results, you must prepare your work area. For example, if you are working with patterned vinyl, a paper towel and a bit of isopropyl alcohol can help your designs stand out.
Similarly, you will need to decide whether you want to seal your acrylic keychain. Sealing your keychain will prevent it from scratching or being soaked in water. There are several types of sealing tape you can choose from. Superglue is also an option.
For the icing on the cake, you can use glittered resin. Glittered resin is an exciting alternative to traditional stickers or decals. But you’ll need to be patient. If you are pressed for time, you can use a heat tool to make the process faster.
Regardless of which method you use, measuring the elapsed time is essential. A good guideline is to do it as often as possible before deciding. Taking your time will allow you to see if your design is successful.
To finish off your custom keychains, you can use epoxy to ensure the longevity of your creation. Just be careful not to overheat the resin. Otherwise, you could end up with a sticky mess.
However, there are a few other ways to seal your acrylic keychain. These methods will vary from project to project, but they are all worthwhile and a fun way to customize your acrylic blanks.
Apply adhesive vinyl to a glass candy jar
Adhesive vinyl is a material that can be used in a variety of different crafts. You can cut adhesive vinyl using an electronic cutting tool such as a Cricut or scissors. Using adhesive vinyl can be tricky, however. It can be difficult to position it and weed out the excess vinyl.
For example, if you are making a glass candy jar, you can apply your design to the side of the jar. Then you can fill the jar with treats. After the decal has dried, you can remove it.
Another option is to create a keychain out of acrylic. Instead of using a metal keychain, you can create one with engraved designs or stickers. Once the keychain is made, you can use jewellery pliers to attach the hardware. Using a sticker, you can fill in the design with a paintbrush.
Besides using adhesive vinyl, you can also use epoxy resin to make your designs more durable. There are many different types of epoxy resin available in craft stores. They differ in viscosity and curing time. Before purchasing, it is essential to read the sealer label on the bottle. Some sealants are food-safe, but others are not.
Many experienced crafters also use a sealant to protect their vinyl designs. This keeps the decor from peeling away. In addition, epoxy resin starts a chemical process that hardens the liquid resin. Proper curing makes the surface scratch-resistant. However, not all types of epoxy resin are food safe.
If you are working with glitter finishes, consider using a sealant to create a protective barrier. You can use a brush to apply the sealant, or you can use a mod podge. Regardless of your choice, you must ensure it is scorched before you begin working. Use care when handling any sealant, mainly polyurethane, as it can damage your surfaces if you mishandle it.
Lastly, if you want to add a custom touch to your gift crates, you can make them with your Cricut. You can customize the jar by adding an ornament or puzzle or include your own personalized gifts.
