Stacked Paper Keys Fobs

Learn how to make these fun stacked paper key fobs for you or your children.

All About

Product Ideas

This one’s for the kids — or it could be for adults. It’s for whoever likes fussing around and making things. When I originally made these key ring fobs and pendants, I recommended them as great rainy day projects. That’s when rainy days meant being stuck inside and saying, "What can I do?" Now, of course, there are the video games and the computer and television and all manner of electronic stuff that I still haven’t figured out; however, I do know that there are a lot of youngsters out there who enjoy working with their hands, and this one is great because it’s easy; you actually make something and you probably have the supplies at hand. You can also make pins and pendants as well as key ring fobs.

Materials and Tools:

construction paper in different colors
white glue
scissors
paper punch (round for punching holes)
key ring chain
small, simple die cuts (optional)

Figure E

Steps:

1. Decide on a design. Simple is best — a circle, square, kidney shape, etc.; then cut 12 squares of paper slightly larger than needed.

2. Glue pieces together in sets of three. Each layer should be a different but compatible color. You will have four stacks.

3. While the glue is still damp, cut each stack into the desired shape. The stacks should all match perfectly. Punch a hole for the key ring, making certain when the stacks are stacked that the holes will also match.

4. When the glue is dry, stack and glue the stacks together. Allow to dry.

Figure F

5. When dry, smooth the edges with an emery board.

Figure H

6. With a small piece of sandpaper, sand through the top surface of the key ring until a small portion of the second piece of paper in the stack shows through. Either continue sanding in this spot until you come to the third layer in spots or start over in another place on the top layer. Sand until you like the colors you have showing through. Turn piece over and repeat on the other side.

7. Finish by coating the entire piece with another layer of glue or any chosen sealant. Add key ring chain.

Alternative: Instead of cutting circles, diamonds or squares, etc., use a small die cut. Many small, basic shape dies are available for the Sizzix home die cut machine.