8 great ideas for your old keys
Over 400 million keys are thrown away each
year around the world. That’s a lot of land fill and a lot of scrap metal.
If you’ve recently changed your locks and
have a few redundant keys kicking around or have a bunch in the back of a
drawer that you’ve never used, here are a number of ways to put them to a
practical use.
Create a key charm bracelet
Use your old keys to create a stunning
charm bracelet. Using a simple chain bracelet you can attach all of the keys
that you have gathered over the years to unlock some special memories, as well
as impressing friends and family - the more diverse the keys, the better the
effect.
Make your own key wind chime
Keys are ideal for making a wind chime. The
weight and shape of keys make them perfect for hanging and different shapes
create various sounds and pitches. Use fishing wire to hang the keys from a
metal hoop, which you can then suspend from the roof or nearby tree.
Design your own key wall art
Each key is unique. And because of this an
array of different keys can create stunning images when they are displayed next
to each other. Position a selection of keys in an artistic arrangement on a
wooden mount or frame and you’ll have the most unique piece of artwork for your
wall – as well as a real talking point for visitors.
Recycle them for a good cause
It’s an obvious solution, but keys are made
from a range of different metals, most of which can be recycled. Take your old
keys to your local household recycling centre and they will happily dispose of
them for you in a way that is environmentally friendly. Some charities will
even offer to take your old keys, melt them down and give the proceeds to good
causes.
Wear a key necklace
Like with the charm bracelet, using old
keys as jewellery can really make an impression. Fasten one, two, even several keys to a simple chain necklace to
create a stunning piece of jewellery - using different shapes, colours and
sizes to ensure your creation is unique and eye-catching. You could always
attach one of your home keys to the necklace to ensure you are never locked out
again.
Make novel key Christmas decorations
Make your tree or wreath stand out when
Christmas comes around by using some of your old keys as decorations. Spray
them in gold or silver to give them a new lease of life and then attach ribbons
or holly to give them that festive feel. The keys can then be hung from the
branches of your tree, door wreaths or even decorative table centres.
Create your own key earrings
If you’re sick of studs or had enough of
hoops, why not use your old keys to make a quirky pair of earrings? Give them a
good clean to bring out the original finish of the metal or maybe spray them a
new colour to really make them stand out.
Use old keys around the house
They may not be good for unlocking doors
anymore, but keys can still have a life after their original job is done. As
keys are designed to be robust and long lasting, they can still play a role
around the home. Use old keys to jazz-up old zip-fasteners on a bag or piece of
clothing or maybe use them in the hem of your drapes and curtains to weigh them
down at the bottom – be as creative and original as you want.
Author Bio: Lucia is a full time blogger and designer who enjoys creating crafts from everyday items found in the home. She also contributes articles to Home Secure, suppliers of upvc door handles.