DIY : Painted Keys

 

When I was pregnant with my son and on maternity leave, and with new-found time on my hands, I spent way too much time on E-bay purchasing all sorts of random things (like a second-hand Abercrombie & Fitch sweater, complete with second hand strands of hair, when I could've bought one direct for less, and without said hair!).  One of the other random things I purchased and kept packed away in a drawer, was a set of antique and antique-style keys.  I loved them but was never quite sure what to do with them.  I thought I may frame them or use them as decorative pieces but none of that happened and they just sat - and sat.  Until of course, Pinterest, got involved!  I came across a lot of painted keys - mainly house keys painted for identification - but there was also the odd painted key as a fashion accessory.  Aha!  What a fun idea.  And I had just the keys.  They were about to get a little makeover!

 

 

 

 

It's a really easy project.  All you need is:

 

Keys

Nail Polish

Ribbon or Chain etc

 

And paint away!  All three keys took about 4 or 5 coats of nail polish so you do use a fair bit.  I didn't use expensive nail polish so I didn't mind using a large amount.  The yellow key, which I made for my daughter, was actually painted with "Fiddly Bits" spray paint because it was the first one I attempted and I had the paint in the shed already - plus I loved the brightness of it.  The other two were just plain old nail polish.  Once the paint has dried, add your choice of ribbon (and beads, or any other decorative element, if you want) and that's it. For my daughter's one, I added a piece of fabric and made a little bow and then sewed on a heart-shaped button.  I wanted hers to be a bit more on the whimsical side. I did try and get a photo of her wearing it but she was more interested in pulling funny faces and jumping around, so purely for the cuteness factor, here she is:

 

 

So if, like me, you've got some random keys sitting in a drawer somewhere not being admired or used, whip out your nail polish and give them a new life as a necklace and add a bit of individuality to your accessories.  Give it a whirl - it's fun!