How to Make Cute & Creepy Bates Motel Keychains for Your Small Business

Making Cute Bates Motel Keychains for Your Small Business ASMR

Welcome to my ASMR video where I walk you through the process of making super cute bates motel keychains for my small business! If you enjoy listening to soothing sounds while learning a new craft, then you've come to the right place. Grab your materials and let's get started.

For this project, you'll need some basic jewelry making supplies: metal keychain rings, jump rings, lobster clasps, wire, pliers, and charms. I chose to make bates motel keychains because I love the creepy retro vibes of that show. You can customize them however you'd like though!

First, take your pliers and open up one of the keychain rings. Make sure to open it wide enough to attach your lobster clasp later. I like working with these silver oval keychains - the metal is smooth and they have a nice weight to them. Listen to that metal clinking sound as I twist it open. *tink tink*

Attaching the Charms

Now for the fun part - picking out and attaching the charms! For my first bates motel keychain, I chose a little motel room charm, a Bates motel sign, and a creepy knife charm. Doesn't that just scream Norman Bates? The possibilities are endless when it comes to mixing and matching charms.

I'll attach each charm using a small jump ring. Take one of the jump rings and use the pliers to gently pry it open. Be careful not to distort the shape. Slip on the first charm, close up the jump ring and attach it to the keychain ring. *clink clink* Listen to that nice crisp metal sound as it closes. Let's repeat that for the other two charms, hearing each one connect to the keychain.

Adding Decorative Touches

To give my bates motel keychain an extra special touch, I'll be using this dark green wire. I'll cut a couple lengths using my handy wire cutters here. Feel free to use any color that fits your aesthetic! I think the green adds some nice creepy ambiance.

Bend the wire with your fingers into a little spiral shape. Then use the pliers to attach one end to the keychain ring and the other end to a charm. The wire lets them dangle a bit for some added visual interest. I attached wires to the Bates sign and knife charms. Hear that light tinkling sound as they move against each other.

Finishing Touches

Almost done! The last step is to attach the lobster clasp so the keychain can actually be used. Pry open the keychain ring again and slip on the open end of the clasp. Now squish it closed - it should be a snug fit. Give it a little tug to make sure it's secure. *jingle jangle*

And there we have it - a custom creepy Bates motel keychain ready to go! The quirky charms and decorative wire give it so much personality. I can't wait to make more in different styles and colors. They'll be perfect for conventions and gift shops.

Tips for Making Your Own Small Business Keychains

Looking to make keychains for your own small business like I did? Here are some helpful tips I've learned along the way:

Pick a Theme

The keychains you make will really stand out when they revolve around a central theme or aesthetic. It makes it obvious at a glance what your brand is all about. Some examples are location-based keychains for tourist shops, fandom keychains for conventions, or motivational keychains for yoga studios.

Choose Durable Materials

Since keychains get a lot of wear and tear, you'll want to select durable materials built to last. Metal charms and chains tend to hold up better than plastic over time. Consider brass, silver and stainless steel options.

Add Interesting Textures

Mixing up textures makes keychains pop visually. Consider combining smooth metals with more organic materials like leather or wood beads. Or add sparkle with rhinestones and crystals. Contrast makes a big impact!

Include Personal Touches

Custom lasering, stamping, or hand-bending wires and metals allows you to add special personal touches to your keychains. This makes them feel more meaningful as gifts and souvenirs.

Offer Variety

Having an assortment of keychain styles, colors and themes will appeal to more customers. Consider making seasonal designs as well as perennial best-sellers.

Price Accordingly

Handmade keychains have intrinsic value from being unique creations. Price yours based on materials, time and skill level. But also consider the market - tourist shops may prefer lower price points while galleries can charge more.

Improve with Practice

Like any skill, you'll get faster and more confident making keychains the more you practice. Set goals to streamline your process while still allowing creativity to flourish.

Enjoy the Process!

Most of all, relax and have fun making each keychain one-of-a-kind. Customers will be drawn to pieces made with obvious care and love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good beginner supplies for making keychains?

Great starter supplies include: jewelry pliers, jump rings, key rings, lobster clasps, beads, charms, jewelry wire, and ribbon. You can find these affordably at most craft stores.

Where can I buy unique charms for my keychains?

Etsy is a wonderful source for unusual charms you won't find in chain stores. Browse for charms made by independent artists to find truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

What tools do I need to get started making keychains?

Basic tools include two pairs of pliers (flat nose and round nose), wire cutters, jump rings, lobster clasps, keychain rings, and crimping pliers. Useful extras are bead organizing trays and a jeweler's vise.

How can I come up with my own keychain designs?

Inspiration can come from nature, favorite fandoms, personal memories, color combinations, cultural symbols, current trends and more. Collect images and objects that speak to you for reference.

What types of packaging should I use for my keychains?

Can I sell my handmade keychains online or do I need a physical store?

One of the easiest ways to sell keychains is through Etsy or your own website. This allows you to reach customers all over without needing a physical storefront.

How much should I charge for custom keychain designs?

Consider your time and materials cost, then add a profit margin. More complex designs featuring rare materials or stones can command higher prices. Offer commissions for truly bespoke pieces.

What's the best way to display keychains in my store?

Acrylic displays that allow customers to see both sides are perfect. Use risers to showcase lots of options. Group by theme or color for visual impact. Let people touch and interact with them.

Can I sell keychains wholesale or as promotional products?

Absolutely! Many businesses love ordering custom keychains in bulk as swag or branded promos. Reach out to local companies and event planners to offer wholesale pricing.

FAQs

What's the best metal for making keychains?

Stainless steel is ideal because it's durable, affordable, and comes in various colors. Other good options are brass, copper, and nickel.

Can I sell keychains on Facebook or Instagram?

Yes, you can easily sell keychains through Facebook shops or Instagram product tags. Social media is great for reaching potential buyers.

What trendy themes make for popular keychains?

Some hot themes right now are astrology/zodiac signs, motivational words, boho-chic, mermaids, and minimalist or modern designs.

Should I include care instructions with my keychains?

Yes, include a small tag or insert with tips like avoiding prolonged water exposure, using polishing cloths on metals, and being gentle with small charms.

Can keychains be engraved or stamped?

Absolutely! Add engraved text or images to metal keychains for a personalized touch. Or use a stamping kit to imprint slogans and symbols.