How to Make a Riveted Photo Keychain

Materials and Tools:

2 sheets of 1-1/4" x 1-1/2" sterling silver
2mm regular sterling silver tubing
horseshoe keychain with a screw-on ball
1 sheet of transparency film
picture
tube cutter
small dapping tools
white glue
permanent marker
safety glasses
mini ruler
handsaw
saw blades
flex shaft with assorted size drill bits or drill
mini files
masking tape
220-grit sandpaper
scissors
chasing hammer

Steps:

1. Measure the exact picture size for the keychain. Mark the dimensions clearly with a permanent marker on one of the silver sheets.

2. Drill a hole in this silver sheet, inside the design, so that a frame shape can be cut from the center.

3. Position the saw blade through the drill hole and cut out the photo frame shape.

4. File all edges.

5. Tape the two silver sheets (frame cut out and the solid sheet) together and determine where the rivets will be located.

6. Drill the rivet holes, starting with a small drill bit (#60 or 1mm) and progress to the bit that is the same size as the 2mm tubing. After the holes are complete, sand both sides of each sheet until you have the desired finish.

7. Cut the picture to fit slightly larger than the silver frame opening. Cut a piece of the transparency film the same size to protect the photo. Glue the photo to the solid silver sheet so that it doesn't move.

8. Cut the sterling silver tubing to fit through both sheets of metal with about 1mm to 2mm showing on either side. Use a tube cutter - the best tool to make sure the rivets are exactly the same and the ends are flat. Set the rivets.

9. Hammer each side of the silver tubing with dapping tools until you have the desired effect.

10. Add a jump ring through a rivet on one corner and attach to the keychain.

Ruth Avra, Hollywood, Fla.
Website: www.ruthavra.com