Ten Minute Craft Time

I saw (on Pinterest, of course) a super cute wine cork keychain. Following the link to this Etsy page, I thought "Hey, I can do that!" (Or at least something like it.) Well, the danger in this thought - which I have often - is that it doesn't always turn out so well. Exhibit A: This braided hex nut bracelet, though super cute, was WAY harder than it looked. You've been warned.

I went though our rather large collection of wine and champagne corks saved over the last couple of years. A collection of memories...vacations, holidays, big events, group dinners and quiet evenings at home with a book. I sifted through the real and synthetic corks, pulling out the ones in bad shape/too dried out for recycling, and made sure to separate out and store the ones with writing on them from specific events. (The one from the day we got engaged is packed safely now.) Here's how it works, and how it turned out in the end...

A cork, #10 zinc plated screw-eyes and some sort of ring with a tag. A regular key ring will work too.

Center the screw in the undamaged end of the cork and turn it just like you would a cork screw. The threads on the screw keep the metal anchored in the cork. Twist the screw in until the eye part is tight up against the cork. I discovered at this point that you have a better chance of accuracy with synthetic corks. (Ecologically sound too :)

Attach the tag. I'll add a cute seasonally appropriate ribbon loop to the the ones that will be given as gifts and use the tiny tag as a To/From label. I've got quite a large bag of these going, so you'll probably see one heading your way soon. They aren't any fun to make if you're not going to give them away!

TADA! I'm going to be careful with it until I see how much everyday bouncing around in my purse abuse it will take, but it's certainly more interesting and prettier than anything else on my keyring.

 I put these together one stormy Sunday night with a cup of tea and a restful CD. It's really a Zen sort of activity. Peace may be found in the strangest places. (My yoga instructor would be thrilled.) Happy Monday, everyone.

Sweetest Thoughts,
Sara