Wire Wrapped Key Ornament Step-by-Step Tutorial

This tutorial is reminiscent of my wire wrapped key brooch tutorial that you might have created a few months ago.  It's the same technique, but with a Christmas twist. Tools and Materials:

• An old key
• Seed beads (I used 8, but you may need more or less depending on your key and the size of the beads
•  A "focal" bead
• Wire (22 gauge craft wire is what I used, it took about 25" total, including the hook)
• Wire cutters
• Pliers

Step #1

Begin to wrap the wire at the bottom of the key.  Catch the wire in between the teeth of the key.  Wrap around with the long end at least once.Step #2Continue wrapping a few times, catch the short end of the wire and wrap it so it is secure.Step #3Thread about 8 -10 seed beads onto the wire.Step #4 Slide one bead down to the key, wrap once around the key.  Slide another bead down, wrap once around the key.  Continue until the bottom of the key is filled with beads.Step #5Slide on your focal bead.  Since this is a Christmas ornament I chose red and green for the colors, but really any color is fine.  Clear or white beads would be gorgeous and I have seen beautiful blue trees or pink trees, too!HINT:  You will want to leave more room at the top of the beaded seed beads than I did.  I should have unwrapped and taken off at least 1 or 2 seed beads to allow more room for the bigger bead on top.Step #6After adding the focal bead, wrap the wire around a couple times then wrap around a few times down the end of the key.  Cut off the excess and make sure the end is secure.Step #7You could just add a pre-made hook here if you want.  Or take some wire and bend it.Step #8Wrap the shorter end around the longer end a few times.  Secure it with needle nose or chain nose pliers.Step #9Make a hook at the end by wrapping the wire around something round.  I used my ring mandrel, but you could also use a pen or a highlighter.Step #10Hang up your new ornament.  Or give it as a unique gift!Ideas To Customize It:

• Use a copy of your house key or maybe your first house to make it really sentimental.
• Use skeleton keys.
• Use any color of beads.
• Add charms in with the beads to make it really funky.
• Add yarn to the wrapping.  See my Customize Your Wire Wrapped Key Brooch post.
• Make it a pendant instead of an ornament.  Or a brooch.

Get my free Quick Start Guide to Wire Wrapped Jewelry + my fun newsletter!Here are the lessons that are included:

1. Wire Safety
2. Wire Temper
3. Wire Gauge
4. Where to get Wire (one of my most asked questions, answered!)
5. Tools You Need to Get Started
6. 3 Pro Tips
7. Wire Wrapped Loop
8. How to Make Bead Dangle
9. How to Make Earring Wires
10. How to Make Earrings

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