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How to Display Old Keys

Both original and reproduction antique keys are of special interest to many collectors. You might find keys at antique stores as part of antique trunks, cabinets, desks, furniture and other locks. You can also inherit them from family or even find them in thrift stores. Whether you wish to display the entire collection together or use them separately, there are many different ways to display old keys.

Things You'll Need

Old keys
Shadow box
Thumbtacks or straight pins
Picture frame
Heavy-duty craft adhesive
Metallic marker
Cord, ribbon or chain
Jump rings

Instructions

- 1
  
  Shadow boxes are similar to frames, but feature a recessed area for displaying items.
  
  Display your keys in a shadow box -- a deep wooden box with a glass front that is designed for displaying collectibles; find them at craft stores, frame shops, or even thrift stores. Look for a shadow box with a fabric or corkboard lining. Decoratively arrange your keys in the shadowbox and attach them to the lining using thumbtacks, straight pins or glue.
- 2
  Decorate a picture frame with old keys to give it a vintage touch that makes it into a unique gift for someone who "holds the key" to your heart. Arrange the keys around the frame and glue them in place with craft adhesive. Allow three hours to dry. Use a metallic marker to embellish the frame with a special quote or saying, such as "Children are the keys of paradise."
- 3
  String your vintage keys on a necklace. For the base, use cord, chain or a velvety black ribbon. Adjust the necklace until you achieve the desired length. String your keys directly onto the necklace or attach them using jump rings so that they hang nicely. Accent your necklace with beads or other found trinkets. Attach a clasp to complete the piece.
- 4
  Display your keys on a display shelf -- an ideal option if you wish to show off your entire collection, or if you want to make a unique wall hanging. Look for display shelves in any furniture store or in secondhand shops. Buy the kind with many small partitions that are the perfect size for displaying individual keys. Look for one that has a back so that the keys don't fall down behind the display. Add informational tags, ribbons, or other accents to each partition to complete the look.

Antiques