Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

Making a Key Ring Out of Silverware

Silverware makes a good starting place for making crafts because it is bendable, durable and has interesting shapes. You can start with a simple key ring made out of a spoon. You don't need to heat the silverware, so you can make finished items quickly. Once you get a few sample keyrings under your belt, you can let your creativity go wherever your silverware will take you.

Finding Silverware
- Find old silverware at garage sales and estate sales. Look for interesting patterns on the handles. Also look for unusual shapes. Don't worry if the pieces are tarnished, because a little silver polish can restore the finish. Select a few pieces to experiment with and to clean.
Removing the Spoon Section from the Handle
- Hold the spoon section in one hand firmly. Place your thumb at the thinnest part of the handle and press upward as you pull down on the handle with your fingers. The handle will bend at the thinnest part. Turn the spoon over and place your thumb on the bend. Press it and pull down with your fingers, bending the spoon the other way. Repeat this back-and-forth process until the handle snaps free of the spoon section.
Smoothing Rough Edges
- At the place where your spoon handle snapped free, you can smooth rough edges with emery paper. This is the same thing as sandpaper, but it is made for metal. Get rid of any spurs of metal that may be sticking out by sanding the place where you broke the handle free from the spoon section.
Bending a Curve
- You want a nice curved bend in your spoon handle, about 2 inches from where you broke it. Place your thumb on the handle where you want to bend it and press upward while pulling down with your fingers. At the same time, you should grip the handle with the other hand to steady it. Make a smooth, curved bend, not a "v" bend.
Rounding Out the Bend
- Use a dowel rod to bend your handle around. Once you have started the bend with your thumb, place the dowel rod in the curved part of the bend. Use your fingers to mold the spoon handle around the dowel rod. When the bent-back end almost touches the spoon handle, pull out the dowel rod.
Add the Keyring
- Slip a traditional key ring over the handle and slide it down so that it is within the bent portion. Finish bending the handle all the way back until the bent end touches the handle, closing the bend so that the key ring can't slip off. You can use pliers at this stage, but cushion the grips with rubber or a sponge so it won't mar the spoon finish. If you can't keep the bent portion touching the handle, add a drop of liquid solder to hold it in place.

Other Hobbies