If you have been scrolling TikTok wondering how everyone is making those gorgeous chunky beaded keychains, today is the day you learn. This is one of the easiest beadable projects to start with, and once you get the hang of it, you will not want to stop.
Grab your supplies and let's make something beautiful together.
What You'll Need
- A keychain blank with attached ring
- Your favorite bubblegum beads in 14mm, 16mm or 20mm
- A handmade clay focal charm or pendant
- 1.5mm or 2mm nylon cord
- A pair of scissors
- A lighter or bead glue to finish the ends
All of these are available in our Bubblegum Beads, Clay Focals and Craft Supplies collections.
Step 1 — Choose Your Palette
Before you thread a single bead, lay out your color choices. This is the step most people rush and it makes the biggest difference in how your finished piece looks. Pick 3-5 colors that work together rather than grabbing one of everything. If you are not sure where to start, browse one of our curated collections like The Rose Garden or Farmhouse Morning — we have already done the color matching for you.
Step 2 — Plan Your Layout
Lay your beads out in the order you want them strung before you start threading. This sounds like an extra step, but it saves you from unthreading a bead three beads in because the pattern feels off. A simple, balanced layout usually looks best: a few smaller beads, your focal charm in the center, then mirror the pattern back out.
Step 3 — Thread Your Cord
Cut a length of cord roughly twice the length you think you will need — it is always easier to trim extra than to come up short. Tie a secure knot at one end, leaving a small tail, and thread on your first bead to hold the knot in place.
Step 4 — String Your Beads
Thread your beads in your planned order, sliding each one down snugly against the last. Take your time here. This is the relaxing part.
Step 5 — Add Your Keychain Hardware
Once all your beads are strung, thread the cord through your keychain ring and tie it off securely with a double knot. Trim any excess cord and use a lighter to gently melt the very tip of the nylon cord, or dab a small amount of bead glue on the knot for extra hold.
Step 6 — Step Back and Admire Your Work
That's it. You made something beautiful with your own two hands, and now it gets to go everywhere with you.
A Few Tips From Us to You
Mixing bead sizes adds visual interest — try alternating a 20mm focal with smaller 12mm spacers on either side. And do not be afraid to let your clay focal be the star. It is handmade right here at Prickly Petal, and it deserves to be the centerpiece.
Tag us @pricklypetalboutique when you finish yours. We would love to see what you made.