These DIY pencil keychains are so FUN to make! They make a great Teacher Appreciation Week gift idea, holiday gift, or a fun way to kick off the new school year!
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This fillable pencil key chain makes the perfect gift idea for teachers, students, writers, and artists!
I had such a great experience making my own DIY glitter pens, that I’ve been wanting to glitter DIY everything these days! As we cruise through Back-to-School Season and head into the holiday gift-giving season, I thought this would be a great time to share this easy, fun project with you.
But fair warning – once you start making a few of these cute keychains, you won’t want to stop! 😜 They’ll be a huge hit with everyone!
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DIY Glitter Pencil Keychains
These cool teacher gifts are SUPER easy to make, and are even more fun to customize! With just a few, basic craft supplies you’ll have the best gift idea for your favorite teacher.
Supplies Needed for Keychain DIY:
- Acrylic Pencil-Shaped Lip Gloss Tubes
- Chunky Glitter – Chunky or a chunky multi-size glitter mix works best!
- Eye Hooks
- Keychain Findings
- Apple Charms
- Tassels
- E-6000
- Vegetable Glycerin
- Plastic Syringe
- Funnel (optional)
- Cricut Piercing Tool (or similar)
NOTE: You can add any charms or embellishments you’d like to your own fillable keychains. Tassels, charms, and Pom Poms would all make cute additions to your glitter keychains.
How to Make Your Own Keychains:
To get started, open up the lip gloss tube.
Wiggle the wand until it snaps off. (Sometimes they come off quickly, other times you have to really wiggle.)
Remove the eraser cap.
Then use a piercing tool to poke a hole in the center of the top of the eraser.
Add a hook to the eraser, then glue the eraser back onto the cap.
Add glitter to the tube – I find it handy to use a funnel to help with this step.
Fill the tube about ⅓ full with glitter. You can use any kind of glitter that you’d like, but I prefer to use a chunky mixed glitter that has a variety of sizes in it. This helps to vary the “fall speed” of the glitter in the liquid, which makes for a nice effect.
In a small container, mix a 50:50 ratio of water and vegetable glycerin. Then, use a plastic syringe to carefully fill the pencil up with the liquid.
Heidi’s Tip:
Use a coffee stirrer or similar object to mix together the glitter and the liquid as you fill the tube. This will help to avoid any air pockets and allow you to completely fill the tube with liquid.
Using E6000 glue, glue the cap onto the pencil and allow it to dry.
Attach the keychain hardware and any charms or tassels that you desire.
Now, you’re all set and ready for gift-giving!
Create a totally unique and customized gift for each of your favorite teachers just by changing up the glitter color or tassel color on these glitter liquid-filled keychains. You can also use some permanent vinyl with your Cricut or Silhouette machine to add a name or other personalization, too! There are LOTS of different ways that you can make your gift personal!
Attach these glitter pencil keychains to tote bags, notebooks, or just your keys – wherever you use them, they’re SO fun & cute!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Use Glycerin to Fill the Keychain?
No, you don’t have to use glycerin, but adding the glycerin will suspend the glitter and allow it to flow more nicely.
Do You Have to Use Chunky Glitter?
Not at all. You can use finer glitter if that is what you have on hand. But, the chunkier the glitter, the more it will suspend in the mixture and become a bit more eye-catching. Polymer clay confetti is a great option for fillings, too!
Do You Have to Use E6000 Glue for This DIY Project?
Nope! E6000 offers an excellent bond on this project and ensures the lid won’t come off during transport, but it’s not the only option. Any strong superglue or adhesive should work for this project. I’d personally recommend Gorilla Glue Superglue Gel or Loctite as my preferred alternatives.
Glitter Filled Keychains – Printable Instructions
DIY Glitter Pencil Keychains
What You’ll Need:
Instructions:
- To get started, open up the lip gloss tube.
- Wiggle the wand until it snaps off. (Sometimes they come off quickly, other times you have to really wiggle.)
- Remove the eraser cap, and use a piercing tool to poke a hole in the top of eraser.
- Add a hook to the eraser, then glue the eraser back onto the cap.
- Add glitter to the pencil, and fill about ⅓ full. Use a funnel if desired.
- Mix a 50:50 mix of water and vegetable glycerin in a separate container.
- Then, use a plastic syringe to carefully fill the pencil up with the liquid.
- Using e6000 glue, glue the cap onto the pencil and allow it to dry.
- Attach the keychain hardware and any preferred charms or tassels.
These cute, liquid keychains make such a thoughtful gift idea! They’re a fun way to celebrate the beginning or end of the school year. Make this fun back-to-school project now, or any time of year! Pin this project for later so you’ll always have this cute gift idea to reference.
If you’re looking for even more cool crafts and DIYS, check out our collection of easy crafts anyone can make! And, if you’re in need of more, fresh back-to-school ideas – see our Back to School category for even more fun!
Check Out These Other DIY Gift Ideas!
Don’t Forget to Pin This Keychain Project for Later!
Heidi Kundin has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With over 15 years of experience, Happiness is Homemade has become a must-visit destination for those seeking quick and easy creative ideas and last-minute solutions. Heidi’s warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s fun, rewarding, and achievable. Heidi is also the author of Homemade Bath Bombs & More and DIY Tie-Dye.