Every time I walk into the craft store…every.single.time…I always check out the aisles that carry the wood shapes and die-cut embellishments. I’m not really sure why! They’re just kind of my “thing” right now, and my brain is always churning up fun and unexpected ways to use them. In the past, I’ve used them to make gift tags, basket labels, toy box labels, “sentiment sticks,” wine charms, and cake toppers (flowers and stars!)…and my latest project has been to transform them into a variety of personalized key chains for Henry and his little friends as back-to-school gifts! I couldn’t really decide what I wanted to do using the variety of shapes and letters I’ve accumulated over the years (which is a lot!)…but after some playing around, I came up with three different (yet all equally as easy!) ideas. I’ve shared two of them as contributor projects on other sites already, but wanted to share the final tutorial here because they turned out too cute not to! Let’s get to it!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a good little stash of wood shapes and letters. I pick them up for projects here and there and then always end up with leftovers. Even though I’ve had most of my supplies for a while, I am pretty sure all of them are still available now. If you want to do a similar project, I recommend just going to your favorite craft store (they all have slightly different offerings) and picking out the things you like the best! For these three key chains, I started with wooden tags, three different sizes of letters, and a thin piece of craft wood.

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Wooden Name Key Chains

Henry is at an age where he gets a kick out of things with his name on them. Additionally, I loved these itty bitty letters and thought they would produce a neat 3D effect on a key chain. Using just some slats of wood, the wood letters, paint, and a key chain clasp…

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

…I was able to pull together some adorable name key chains. These are certainly best for shorter names, but can be painted and decorated in any colors and styles you wish. To make your own, check out the full tutorial HERE!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Simple Monogram Key Chains

For longer names, a monogram key chain might be better. I really liked the way these medium letters fit onto the wooden tags and decided to dress them up with some simple paint and patterned paper.

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

These are super quick to pull together, making them something easy to make for the entire class, troop, or team! This same concept could also be used to make gift tags for packages at holiday and birthday time! See how they come together using the full tutorial HERE!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Patterned Monogram Key Chains

This last key chain is my personal favorite! I love the chunky wood letter combined with the patterned papers…and since the raw wood edge remains exposed, it’s a fun contrast of materials and textures!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Here is what you need to make this key chain:

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Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Start by coating one side of the wooden letter with Mod Podge…

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Then place the wooden letter (Mod Podge-covered side down) onto the WRONG side of the patterned paper. NOTE – my paper is patterned on both sides, so what you see below is actually the “wrong” side.

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Using a very sharp craft knife, carefully trim away all the excess paper along the edge of the wooden letter. Take care to get as close to the edge as you can so that no paper hangs over the wooden letter.

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Next, you will repeat the process on the other side! Coat the non-papered side with more Mod Podge, place it down onto the WRONG side of your patterned paper, then trim away all the excess with the craft knife. Once complete, you will have a nice big letter with patterned paper adhered to each side with the raw wooden edge exposed in between!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

To make the key chain a bit more durable and weather-proof…coat the entire thing with several more coats of Mod Podge (allowing ample dry time between coats).

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

Once dry, use a drill to make a hole in the wooden letter. If the paper tears away, clean it up and add more Mod Podge to seal the edges. Finally…add the key chain hardware!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

These are so fun, quick, inexpensive and easy to make! Henry loved surprising his best little friends with them!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

These are great attached to any backpack, lunchbox, purse, or gym bag…and would also be great to adorn birthday/holiday presents. If you need a quick and fun little gift for any occasion, give these key chains a try!

Ever see all those fun wood shapes and letters at the craft store and wonder what you could do with them? Learn how to easy it is to transform them into personalized key chains!

These personalized wooden key chain projects are a great way to unwind and have a little crafty fun! I’d love to hear if you have you come up with any fun or clever uses for these fun yet inexpensive craft supplies?

See you back here Thursday with a mini command center project!

Megan Signature

See You Soon!
Megan