If you're looking for a fun and quick craft that you can actually use and enjoy, DIY tassel key chains are a great place to start. I love how these beaded leather key chains turned out so much I made a whole bunch of them. They would also make a wonderful handmade gift!
Cut a piece of leather cord a little bit longer than you will need, then loop it around the inside of the carabiner or key ring so that the cord is folded in half. Then taking both ends in your hand at the same time, tie a bit knot right at the very top of the cord. I used white, gold, pink and turquoise faux leather cording.
String a wood bead onto one of the cords. Then take the other cord and put it through the bead in the opposite direction. It might be a little bit difficult to fit the cord through the bead, and little tweezers will help a lot.
Tip: You also want to make sure that the inside of the bead is clear of any excess wood that can get in the way.
Pull the cords so the bead fits snugly near the knot. Then repeat the same process with two more beads. Make sure that your leather cord isn’t twisted when you put it through the beads.
Once you’ve finished adding the beads, you could simply tie another knot and trim the ends. However, you can also add a fun little tassel to the ends like I did. Cut 4 pieces of leather cord about 3 inches long each.
Center the new pieces of cord right under the bottom bead. Then tie a knot around them with the original two cords.
Cut another piece of cord about an inch or so long. You can test it to make sure it’s big enough to wrap around all of the cords together. Then use a hot glue gun to attach it and wrap it snugly around the leather cords. Secure the end with a dab of hot glue.
And you’re done! You can use them as key chains, or even hook them on your wallet or your purse. These beaded key chains also make great homemade gift idea.