Reunion Key Fobs
- Category: Stones
- Technique(s): Cutting, Filing / Finishing, Making Loops, Oxidizing / Antiquing, Sawing, Stamping, Texturing, Tumbling, Butane Torch Techniques, Design, Finishing
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Judy Larson highlights a heartwarming hometown tradition of high school reunions. For the 25th reunion in 2025, attendees will receive unisex key fobs crafted from recycled materials, featuring stones from the local lake and tiny keepsakes from their old school, bringing together memories of childhood and community in a truly unique way.
Materials
28 Gauge 3/16" Fine Silver Bezel Wire
H9-28BZL
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $17.23
- Gold Club Price: $12.92
24 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H19-24SM6
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
- Price: $64.47
- Gold Club Price: $48.35
14 Gauge Square Dead Soft Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-14SQD
- Lesson Quantity: 3.00 inches
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $27.17
- Gold Club Price: $20.38
Silver Solder Paste Hard SS75 - 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $19.95
- Gold Club Price: $14.96
Silver Solder Paste Medium SS70 - 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.15
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $18.95
- Gold Club Price: $14.21
Silver Solder Paste Soft SS65- 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.10
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.95
- Gold Club Price: $12.71
E6000 Adhesive Glue 3.7 oz. - Pack of 1
G16-18
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $8.99
- Gold Club Price: $6.74
Sterling Silver Swivel Lobster 8x22mm - Pack of 1
K3-148
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $15.94
- Gold Club Price: $11.96
Rocks
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Tools
Deluxe Soldering Kit
G15-5
- G15-5
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $116.97
- Gold Club Price: $87.73
12x12 Inch Rubber Mat
MAT-500.00
- MAT-500.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $24.95
- Gold Club Price: $18.71
10 Piece Diamond Needle Files - 140mm X 3mm
G14-8
- G14-8
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $13.57
- Gold Club Price: $10.18
WET/DRY PAPER 9 X 11 ASST- 20PC- 2EA GRIT 180-3000
ABR-500.90
- ABR-500.90
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $24.95
- Gold Club Price: $18.71
SANDING SPONGES ASST- 5PC- 1EA GRIT 100-400
ABR-600.90
- ABR-600.90
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.95
- Gold Club Price: $7.46
Basic Sawing Kit
G15-7
- G15-7
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $34.95
- Gold Club Price: $26.21
Xuron Flush Cutter - Pack of 1
G2-504
- G2-504
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
Bench Blocks - 130 X 130 X 20
DUR-1187
- DUR-1187
- Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
- Price: $66.67
- Gold Club Price: $50.00
Dead Blow Brass Hammer - 2 lb. Brass Hammer
HAM-456.20
- HAM-456.20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $32.97
- Gold Club Price: $24.73
Euro Tool Metal Hole Punch Pliers, 1.8 Millimeters
PLR-133.50
- PLR-133.50
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $11.98
- Gold Club Price: $8.98
Wubbers X-Large Round Mandrel Pliers
G2-1304
- G2-1304
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $35.97
- Gold Club Price: $26.98
retractable fine nose Sharpie
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
WireJewelry Pro-Series Single Barrel Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound
G25-1-KITSS
- G25-1-KITSS
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $173.27
- Gold Club Price: $129.95
Liver of Sulphur Gel, 1 Ounce Bottle
SOL-610.01
- SOL-610.01
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.95
- Gold Club Price: $7.46
7 Annealing Pan with Pumice
SOL-520.00
- SOL-520.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $36.97
- Gold Club Price: $27.73
Instructions
Step 1
Choose the stones to use. This key fob, as well as other designs like the necklace in the photo, have been made for people retiring using rocks found near their homes or in the parking lots where they worked.
It is amazing what shapes you can find everywhere just by looking down.
Stone Setting Bezel Tips is a helpful read before choosing rocks to set: Click Here
It is amazing what shapes you can find everywhere just by looking down.
Stone Setting Bezel Tips is a helpful read before choosing rocks to set: Click Here
Step 2
Make bezels for the stones. Here, the bezel wire was made with recycled fine silver.
I probably won't be making bezel wire again, as it is too futsy, but it is rewarding.
Find a Basic Bezel Wire Tutorial here: Click Here
Some stones may not sit flat inside the bezel.
Placing a piece of heavy-gauge scrap wire inside the bezel to help level the stone can alleviate the problem (denoted by arrows in the photo).
Minnesota is known as the state of 10,000 lakes.
Besides being surrounded by water, we are also surrounded by pine trees.
Imprint tree rings on the backs of each 24-gauge sheet made with recycled Argentium silver.
Cut pine tree silhouettes from another 24-gauge recycled sheet to complete the theme.
The tree shapes can be textured if desired.
Find a variety of sizes of Pine Trees, Animals, and Mountains Templates here.
I probably won't be making bezel wire again, as it is too futsy, but it is rewarding.
Find a Basic Bezel Wire Tutorial here: Click Here
Some stones may not sit flat inside the bezel.
Placing a piece of heavy-gauge scrap wire inside the bezel to help level the stone can alleviate the problem (denoted by arrows in the photo).
Minnesota is known as the state of 10,000 lakes.
Besides being surrounded by water, we are also surrounded by pine trees.
Imprint tree rings on the backs of each 24-gauge sheet made with recycled Argentium silver.
Cut pine tree silhouettes from another 24-gauge recycled sheet to complete the theme.
The tree shapes can be textured if desired.
Find a variety of sizes of Pine Trees, Animals, and Mountains Templates here.
Step 3
Working from the coil, use Wubbers extra-large bail-making pliers to form loop shapes with 14-gauge square wire for the top of each stone.
Use a heavy-duty flush cutter to cut each wire slightly longer than needed.
Melt scrap Argentium wire or sheet to make decorative ball embellishments.
A Decorative Granulation and Beads tutorial is found here: Click Here
Use a heavy-duty flush cutter to cut each wire slightly longer than needed.
Melt scrap Argentium wire or sheet to make decorative ball embellishments.
A Decorative Granulation and Beads tutorial is found here: Click Here
Step 4
The tree ring images roller-printed on the back of each recycled 24-gauge sheet telescope to the front.
The design did not cover the entire back on two of the pieces.
On the front of each backplate, use an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie to mark where the design edges are
The design did not cover the entire back on two of the pieces.
On the front of each backplate, use an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie to mark where the design edges are
Step 5
Determine where each bezel should be placed on the backplates.
It may help to make a few marks around that area with an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie.
Sharpie ink acts as a slight solder resist, so do not mark any areas where solder will be placed.
Place medium paste solder around the bottom of each bezel and position the bezels on the front of each backplate.
Place a little medium paste solder on any piece used to level the stone and push them into place inside the bezel.
Try to keep the leveling pieces just a hair away from the bezel wall.
Place each assembly on a Solderite board. If the torch flame is too close before the flux burns away, it will bubble and embellishments may move.
Use a solder pick to push the balls back into place if needed.
Until there are no more flames from the burn-away process, move the torch flame around the assembly about half an inch away (as shown by the blue circle in the photo).
When the flames stop, move the flame in and around the assembly until the solder flows, then immediately remove the heat.
Repeat the process for the other pieces and allow the assemblies to cool before moving them.
Hint: Since all excess metal around the key fobs will be filed away, don't worry about using too much paste solder in this step or in Step 10.
It may help to make a few marks around that area with an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie.
Sharpie ink acts as a slight solder resist, so do not mark any areas where solder will be placed.
Place medium paste solder around the bottom of each bezel and position the bezels on the front of each backplate.
Place a little medium paste solder on any piece used to level the stone and push them into place inside the bezel.
Try to keep the leveling pieces just a hair away from the bezel wall.
Place each assembly on a Solderite board. If the torch flame is too close before the flux burns away, it will bubble and embellishments may move.
Use a solder pick to push the balls back into place if needed.
Until there are no more flames from the burn-away process, move the torch flame around the assembly about half an inch away (as shown by the blue circle in the photo).
When the flames stop, move the flame in and around the assembly until the solder flows, then immediately remove the heat.
Repeat the process for the other pieces and allow the assemblies to cool before moving them.
Hint: Since all excess metal around the key fobs will be filed away, don't worry about using too much paste solder in this step or in Step 10.
Step 6
Anneal and cool the square wire loops made in Step 3.
Center a loop on one bench block and place another bench block centered on top of it.
One or two hits with a brass mallet will flatten any twist in the wire loop.
If needed, turn the wire over and repeat the process.
Center a loop on one bench block and place another bench block centered on top of it.
One or two hits with a brass mallet will flatten any twist in the wire loop.
If needed, turn the wire over and repeat the process.
Step 7
Place the loop corresponding to the bezel on top of the bezel.
Use an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie to mark the angle of the cuts needed to make the loop fit flush against the bezel.
Cut away the excess square wire along the drawn line.
Use an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie to mark the angle of the cuts needed to make the loop fit flush against the bezel.
Cut away the excess square wire along the drawn line.
Step 8
Use files to refine the cut until the wire fits perfectly flush against the curve of the bezel.
Mark the outside edge of the loop on the backplate to help place it back in the correct position in Step 10.
Mark the outside edge of the loop on the backplate to help place it back in the correct position in Step 10.
Step 9
Place a dot of medium paste solder on the bezel where indicated inside the drawn lines.
Step 10
Place medium paste solder on the back of each hanging loop.
Push each loop into the paste solder on the corresponding bezel, positioning it between the two drawn lines on the backplates.
Push each loop into the paste solder on the corresponding bezel, positioning it between the two drawn lines on the backplates.
Step 11
Follow the soldering directions in Step 5, using a solder pick to push the loop flush against the bezel for a strong connection.
Remember, too much paste solder is not a problem, as it will all be filed away during finishing.
Remember, too much paste solder is not a problem, as it will all be filed away during finishing.
Step 12
Pickle the key fobs.
If using Sparex pickle, neutralize the fobs in baking soda and water after removing them from the pickle.
Rinse and dry the fobs before continuing.
If using Sparex pickle, neutralize the fobs in baking soda and water after removing them from the pickle.
Rinse and dry the fobs before continuing.
Step 13
Saw each key fob out close to the outer edge of the loops, bezels, and embellishments.
Step 14
Level the top of each bezel.
Use a 1.8mm hole punch to make a hole in the backplate inside each loop. Insert a saw blade into the hole and cut away the excess metal.
Repeat on the remaining key fobs.
Use a 1.8mm hole punch to make a hole in the backplate inside each loop. Insert a saw blade into the hole and cut away the excess metal.
Repeat on the remaining key fobs.
Step 15
Place a key fob on a bench block. Use a line stamp or a lower-case letter "L" to make lines around the hanging loop, if desired.
Repeat on the remaining key fobs.
File and refine around each key fob so the backplate is flush with the bezel, loop, and embellishments.
Repeat on the remaining key fobs.
File and refine around each key fob so the backplate is flush with the bezel, loop, and embellishments.
Step 16
Place the fobs face down in pumice in a rotating pumice pan.
Butter the back of each tree and press them into place on the back of each fob.
Since I am giving these away and not selling them, I stamped my initials and .925 on a small disc added to the back of each fob in the same manner.
Follow the soldering directions in Step 5.
Butter the back of each tree and press them into place on the back of each fob.
Since I am giving these away and not selling them, I stamped my initials and .925 on a small disc added to the back of each fob in the same manner.
Follow the soldering directions in Step 5.
Step 17
Pickle the key fobs.
If using Sparex pickle, neutralize the fobs in baking soda and water after removing them from the pickle.
Rinse and dry the fobs before continuing.
If using Sparex pickle, neutralize the fobs in baking soda and water after removing them from the pickle.
Rinse and dry the fobs before continuing.
Step 18
Check all the connections.
Make any adjustments necessary.
Make any adjustments necessary.
Step 19
Tumble the fobs for several hours
Step 20
Key fobs will get lots of dings and scratches when jostled with keys.
Giving them an aged patina using your preferred patina will help disguise this.
Giving them an aged patina using your preferred patina will help disguise this.
Step 21
Mix any small bits of dust, sand, or other debris into e-6000.
If moisture gets under the stone, this will help prevent mold from forming on any organic elements inadvertently mixed in.
Put a bit of the mix inside the bezel where there is a void under each stone.
Set each stone.
If moisture gets under the stone, this will help prevent mold from forming on any organic elements inadvertently mixed in.
Put a bit of the mix inside the bezel where there is a void under each stone.
Set each stone.
Step 22
Attach a swivel clasp to each key fob loop.
A well-made swivel lobster clasp, so the open side of the lower loop is not visible.
It is important to use two pliers to open and close the loop to prevent it from breaking off.
Been there, done that the first time I used this clasp!
A well-made swivel lobster clasp, so the open side of the lower loop is not visible.
It is important to use two pliers to open and close the loop to prevent it from breaking off.
Been there, done that the first time I used this clasp!
Step 23
The fobs make great unisex gifts for all ages!
What designs and stones will you use to make yours?
What designs and stones will you use to make yours?
Supply Detail
loading...
Change Metal:
This Pattern requires:
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
Judy Larson
Other Patterns by Judy Larson
Beaded Briolette Pendant
Snail Trail Spiral Earrings
Heart Link Bracelet and Earrings
Crazy Hoop Earrings
Double Delight Jade Bracelet
Swagged Pearl Pendant
Heart Earrings with Drops
Scarab Bracelet
Birthstone Heart Pendant
Pearl of the Sea Woven Pendant
Bead Charm
Coiled Rosette Link
Wire Jewelry Component and Swan Hook
Leaf Bail
Component Templates with Heart Earrings and Pendant
Ring Pendant
Calla Lily Earrings
Birdhouse Pendant
Clamshell Earrings and Pendant
Bracelet Component
Teardrop Earrings and Pendant
Tab Style Pendant
Coiled End Caps
Freeform Pendant
French Hook Ear Wires
Necklace Component
Triangle Shield Earrings, Pendant and Bail
How to Make a Wire Coil and Bead
Egyptian Coil Bracelet
Focal Bead Egyptian Coiled Bracelet
Sweetheart Round Cabochon Pendant
Making Cobblestone Cabochons
Cupcake Wrapper Earrings
How to Make Metal Washers
Baseball Skin Keychain
Pat's Silver Domed Earrings
Blaze Your Own Path Pendant
Semi Snap-on Bail
Interlocking Faux Twist Wire Bracelet
Fold Formed Cuff With Faux Roman Glass or Coin Cabochon
Steampunk Style Leaf Earrings
Stamped Saucer Beads
Kat's Wire Hoop Earrings
Simple Bail on a Coin Pendant
Wire Bangles
Rolling Mill - or not - Cuff Bracelet
Jen's Chain
Making Neckwires
Silver Scrap Wire Focals to Embellish
Splash Ring
Cobblestone Cab Earrings
Multi Gemstone Necklace
Southwest Style Pendant
Bezels Using Square Wire
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 1
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 2
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 4 - Words Matter
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 5 - River Walk
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelets Series PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 7 - Steampunk Space Oddity
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 8 - Fun Shapes
Jump Ring Fringe Bracelet
Easy Artisan Earrings
Making Chain with Wubbers and Wire
Heirloom Buttons and Beads Bracelet
Tiny Silver Charms part 1
Argentium Silver Scrap Chain
Sterling Lake Stone Pendant with Twisted Wire
Smashing Drop Earrings
Argentium Silver Scrap Nugget Cuff
Finish Them Your Way Earrings
Paddle Fringe Earrings
Seed Bead Earrings
Bracelet Links 1, 2,3
Stamped Saucer Beads
Chaos Scrap Wrap Jewelry
Maple Leaf Earrings
Child's Bracelet That Grows with Them
Mike's Surpirise Claire's Ripple Pendant
Angel Ornament
Diamonds, Emeralds, and Sapphires, Oh My.
Treasure Bezel Cups
Three Leaves Earrings
Silver and Gold Earrings
Make a Hidden Bail
Wire Links 4, 5, 6
Wire Links 7, 8, 9, and 10
Double Loop Ear Wires
Balled and Paddled Head Pins
Textured Stacked Rings
Cord and Bead Earrings
Bali Style Adjustable Closures
Organic Fused Silver Dust Earrings
Mobius Rings
Dainty Bead and Wire Bangle with Hook Closure
Seed Bead and Nugget Necklace
Love Locks Heart Charm
Traditional Southwest Style Hook Closures
Negative Space Earrings
Jumbled Lacy Chain
Easy Beaded Post Hoop Earrings
Rustic Silver Links
Make a Soldered Paperclip Chain
Make a Fused Paperclip Chain
Make Woven Metal Strips to Use in Your Designs
Leaf Wrap Metal Rings version 1
Leaf Wrap Metal Rings version 2
Snowflake Ornaments
Mitten Ornament
Gnome Ornaments
A Partridge in a Pear Tree Earrings
Two Turtle Doves Earrings
Three French Hens Earrings
Four Calling Birds Earrings
Five Golden Rings Earrings
Six Geese a Layin' Earrings
Seven Swans a Swimming Earrings
Eight Maids a Milking earrings
Nine Ladies Dancing Earrings
Ten Lords a Leaping Earrings
Eleven Pipers Piping Earrings
Twelve Drummers Drumming Earrings
Make Your Own Bracelet Button Clasps
Little Saucer Bells
Doodads - Fun Findings
No Measure Hearts, Any Size, Any Gauge
Cascading Drops Earrings
WIre Basics - Spiral Charms
Wire Basics - Wrapped Loops and Links
Wire Basics - Simple Swan Hook
Wire Crocheted Necklace
Wire Basics - Wire Garage Door Spring Link
Easy Post Hoop Earrings
Double Wrap Wire Bangle Bracelet
Organic Wire Pendant
Coiled, Beaded Slide
Cone and Chain Earrings
Embellished Sterling Cones
Classic Wire Wrap Bezelled Pendant
Wire Wrap a Coin
Viking Knit
Viking Knit Bracelet
Bead-Wrapped Hoop Earrings
Copper Feather Earrings
Soldering a Dome to a Backplate
Wire Heart Pendant with Gemstone Drop
Make Basic Wire Shapes for Jewelry
Make Simple Wire Slide Bails
Coiled Bead and Twisted Wire Bracelet
Wire Triangle Link
Bali Style Focal Toggle
Silver Nuggets
Fun Shapes Fish Hook Earrings
After the Rain Bracelets
Dangling Drop Earrings
Dangling Chain Sticks
Wire Heart Pendant with Gemstone Drop
Tropical Leaf Earrings
Basic Bezel Wire Tutorial
Dog Tag Style Necklace
Lacy Washers
8-Strand Kumihimo
Closed Loop Ear Wires
Simple Strip Bails from Scratch
Anti-tarnish Silver Cloth Bags
Cotter Pin Style Bail
Holiday Woodland Fairy Ornament
Happy Holly Days Wreath Ornament
Happy Holly Days Leaves and Berries
Happy Holly Days Bells Ornament
Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant
Twisted Wire Jump Rings
Two-tone Beaded Bangle
Sweetheart Pendant
Waves on the Beach Earrings
Any Size Wire Hearts - Any Size, Any Gauge
Just in Case Heart Pendant
Small Flower Embellishment
Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves
Spinner Fidget Bangles
Small Flower Bud Embellishment
Three Petal Bud and Layered Embellishment
Creating a Flower Stem
Stamped Tube Beads
Water Cast Scrap Cross
Sugared Grapes Pendant
Tourist Rock Cuff Bracelet
Gemstone Chains Reimagined
Checkerboard Faceted Earrings
Foxtail Chain aka Loop-in-Loop
Handmade Chunky Chain
Capture a Summer Memory
Stone Key Fob
Sprinkles Link
Ball Chain Embellishments
Handmade Ornament Hooks
Coin Focal
Branching Out
Broken AKA Bits and Pieces Dish Jewelry
Easy No Solder Hinges
Small Embellished Classic Cross
Closure Focal Necklace
Classic Cameo Pendant
Bali Style Earrings
Combine Druzy With Straw and Water Cast Components
Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel
Five Year Bracelet
Designer Stick Earrings Remodel
Hammered Luxury
Recycled Black Pearl Earrings
Disc Cutter Earrings Remodel
Show Your Colors Bracelet
CZ Explosion Necklace
Domed Stud with Drop Loop
Gemstone Stud Earrings With Hanging Loop
Split Bead Earrings
Ripple Bracelet
Double Foxtail Chain
Stretch Bracelets
Copper Feather Earrings Remodel Into Cuff
Summer Fun Necklace
Gnome Ornaments
Happy Holly Days Ornament
The premier place for all your jewelry making needs. The best in wire, tools, cabochons, gemstone beads and more. As well as a superior resource for educational support to help build your jewelry making skills and techniques.
Connect With Us
® 2007 - 2025 Wirejewelry.com Powered by ClaimTheWeb Cart