Weekend Workshop
To make wood burned keychains and jewellery, use small untreated wood blanks, keep designs simple, steady the piece so it cannot move, burn short light strokes and add holes and hardware while the tool is cool and unplugged. Finish with a suitable sealer and let it cure fully before assembling and wearing or carrying.
In this article
What you need
- Small, untreated wood blanks such as tags, discs and ovals, plus spares
- A pyrography pen with a fine or pointed tip, and its manual
- A heat-proof stand and surface, safety glasses and good ventilation
- A clamp, non-slip mat or other way to hold small pieces steady
- Keyring hardware, jump rings, cord or chain, and pliers
- A finish suited to the piece, with its label instructions
Why small projects are great practice
Small pieces are quick, inexpensive and low risk. You can make a dozen in one sitting, try new designs without worrying about wasting a large board and give them away easily. Because the surface is tiny, you naturally learn to simplify designs, and you practise precision.
They also pair nicely with other skills in this craft: a keyring is a good first lettering exercise, and a pendant teaches fine control. If you are new to burning, start with the basics in wood burning for beginners.
What you need
- Blanks. Look for small, smooth, untreated wood shapes, often pre-drilled. Basswood and birch are popular.
- Hardware. Keyrings, jump rings, lobster clasps, cord, leather strips or chains, depending on the piece.
- Tools. Small pliers for hardware, and a clamp or mat to hold the work.
- A fine tip. A pointed or fine writing tip gives clean small lines. See wood burning pen tips.
Buy spare blanks. Small pieces are easy to over-burn, and spares let you practise.
Design ideas for tiny surfaces
On a small surface, less is more.
- A single initial in block capitals.
- One leaf or a tiny sprig.
- A small moon, star or sun.
- A ring of dots near the edge.
- A simple geometric shape, such as a triangle or diamond.
- A tiny mountain outline.
Keep lines fairly thick and spaces open, because delicate lines fill in when the piece is small.
Step by step: burn a wooden keyring
- Choose a blank that is untreated and smooth. Sand lightly if needed and brush off dust.
- Make sure the hole is in the right place. If you need to drill one, do it now, with the pen unplugged and the blank supported.
- Plan a simple design that fits comfortably with a margin around it.
- Transfer the design lightly in pencil, or draw it freehand.
- Set up a heat-proof stand and surface, ventilate the room and put on safety glasses.
- Secure the blank with a clamp or non-slip mat, keeping your fingers well away from the tip.
- Practise on a spare blank to check heat and speed.
- Burn the design in short, light strokes, lifting the tip cleanly.
- Switch off, unplug and let the pen cool, then erase pencil marks gently.
- Finish the piece, let it cure and then attach the hardware.
Working on small pieces safely
Small pieces bring a particular risk: your fingers are close to the hot tip. A few habits keep you safe.
- Always secure the piece with a clamp, a non-slip mat or a holder, not your fingers.
- Keep your supporting hand well clear of the tip and the path of the pen.
- Rest the pen on its stand whenever you stop.
- Make holes and attach hardware only when the pen is unplugged and cool.
- Work in good light so you can see where the tip is.
Read wood burning safety before you start.
Adding hardware
Attach hardware after you finish and cure the piece, so that you do not scratch it or work near the finish. Use pliers to open jump rings sideways, thread them through the hole and close them firmly. Add a keyring, a clasp or a cord. For a necklace, choose a cord or chain of a length that suits the wearer, and test the loop for strength.
Check that all hardware is secure and has no sharp edges, especially on items for children.
Sealing
Small pieces are handled a great deal, so a finish matters. Choose a clear sealer suited to decorative items, test it on a burned scrap first and apply thin coats. For pendants and jewellery worn against the skin, allow the finish to cure fully and choose a product whose label is suitable for the use. Some people are sensitive to certain finishes, so check the label and consider a patch test. See how to seal wood burning projects.
Packaging and selling ideas
Small items are easy to package. Use small kraft boxes, organza bags or a card with a hook. Include a tag with a short care note, such as keeping the piece dry. If you plan to sell, use your own designs or patterns licensed for commercial use, price to cover your time and materials and check the local rules for craft sales. See wood burned gift ideas for packaging ideas.
Planning a matching set
A matching keyring, bookmark and pendant make a charming set. Choose a single motif, such as a leaf, and scale it to each piece. Make a paper template of each shape, burn the same stage on each piece before moving to the next, and finish them together. For items that will be worn, consider the weight and size, and keep pendants light.
Caring for wooden jewellery and keychains
Wooden pieces last longest when kept dry. Avoid wearing them in water, take them off for washing and store them flat in a dry place. A keychain that lives in a bag or pocket will wear faster, so a durable finish helps. Include a small card with these instructions when you give a piece as a gift.
Troubleshooting small pieces
- The piece split when you made the hole. Keep the hole farther from the edge and use thicker blanks.
- Lines filled in or merged. Simplify the design, use a finer tip and a lighter touch.
- The piece moved while burning. Use a clamp or mat to hold it steady.
- Hardware will not attach. Check that the hole is big enough and the jump ring is the right size, and use pliers carefully.
See wood burning pen tips if you need a finer tip.
Next steps
When you are comfortable with small pieces, try a matching ornament set or personalise gifts with name signs. The wood burning techniques guide helps you improve fine control.
Frequently asked questions
What wood is best for small pieces?
Solid, untreated basswood or birch blanks with a smooth surface are common. Choose pieces that are thick enough not to split and avoid anything painted or sealed.
How do I add a hole?
Use pre-drilled blanks if you can. Otherwise, make the hole with a small drill bit while the pen is unplugged and cool, a little way in from the edge, with the blank supported on a scrap board.
Are wood burned pendants durable?
With a suitable finish and gentle use, they can last well. Wood can crack or warp if it gets wet or is dropped, so keep them dry and avoid rough handling.
How do I keep tiny pieces steady?
Use a clamp, a non-slip mat or a small holder, so that your fingers stay away from the tip. Work in good light and rest the pen on its stand whenever you stop.
Can I sell wood burned keychains?
Many people do. Use your own designs or licensed patterns, check local rules for craft sales and make sure the hardware is secure and safe, especially for items for children.
Your next small step
Choose one technique to practise before starting a finished piece. Read the linked guides for the material, transfer and finishing questions that apply to your project.
