Turn your handwriting into a custom keepsake with the xTool M2! These DIY Name Keychains are a surprisingly easy laser craft and make the perfect gift.
This is a fantastic craft to enjoy on your own or with kids. I recently taught an introductory laser class for elementary students where we made these exact keychains. The kids had a blast, especially when they saw their own handwriting come to life as a physical object!
Write your name in block letters on copy paper using a pencil. If you need some help, check out this block letter writing tutorial. Once you are happy with the lettering, trace over the pencil lines and fill them in with a black Sharpie then erase any remaining pencil marks.
You now have an editable vector sitting right on top of your original image. Just drag the vector away, and then go ahead and delete the image!
I love using up material scraps for quick projects like this! Since the project is ready to cut, place the wood piece right on the honeycomb bed inside the xTool M2.
Apply small dots of adhesive inside the scored letter outlines on the base. Do NOT add too much, or it will seep out and make a mess! Carefully align the cut letter pieces with the outlines and gently press them into place.
New to laser cutting? Be sure to check out how to get started with the xTool M2 laser machine!
To make your own Handwriting Name Keychains, you will need these supplies:
- Copy Paper
- Pencil
- Black Sharpie
- xTool M2 laser cutting machine
- 3mm Basswood
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Strong Adhesive
- 10mm Jump Ring
- Keyring with Chain
Snap a photo or scan your handwritten name, then open it in any photo editing software you like. Convert the image to black-and-white and crank up the contrast so your lettering stands out in deep black. Once that's done, just import the image into xTool Studio!
Click the black "Edit" icon in the top menu bar, then select "Trace" from the Image Tools menu that opens on the left.
A trace preview will appear showing a fine outline around your letters. Make sure that "Auto-trace" is selected and adjust the parameters if necessary (the default settings usually work well). You can ignore any small interior traces for now, such as the loop inside the "L". Click "Save" to return to your project.
Click the "Edit Compound" icon in the top menu bar. From here, you can select and delete or reposition any small cutouts inside the letters (like in the "L"), as well as adjust the spacing and layout of the text.
Group the letters together, then set them to "Cut" using the menu on the right. Next, duplicate the name and drag the copy away from the original.
Next, create the keychain base by selecting your copied name and clicking the "Offset" icon in the top menu bar. Adjust the offset distance slider to create a border around the letters (a setting of 6 to 7 works best for this project), then click "Confirm".
If any random tiny cutouts pop up (like the spot between the "L" and "i"), just select the offset piece, click "Edit Compound", and delete them.
Now, select the inner name text and switch it to "Score". This engraves a subtle outline on the base, making it super easy to line up and attach your letters later on!
Next, select both pieces of text and scale them so they're about 90mm (or 3.5 to 4 inches) wide.
Create a circle that measures about 4.05mm (0.16in). Keep it selected and use the "Offset" feature to add a larger border circle. Select both circles, set them both to "Cut", and then click "Align" to make sure they're perfectly centered on each other.
Select both the outer circle and the base piece. From the top menu, open the "Combine" dropdown and click "Union" to merge them into one solid single piece.
In xTool Studio, select 1/8" (3mm) basswood as your material setting. The software features built-in processing presets to make sure your cuts, scores, and engravings turn out perfectly every time.
Once you close the lid of the machine, the built-in camera will pull up a live picture of the bed. Use that image as a guide to arrange your keychain pieces right on the wood. I always recommend clicking the "Framing" feature to double-check your placement since it will show you exactly where the machine is going to cut.
Click "Process" to move on to the cutting and scoring of the keychain pieces. It's always so cool to watch the laser in action through the lid of the machine!
With all your pieces cut out, you are ready to assemble the keychain - just be careful not to lose the tiny letter cutouts! Select 2 to 3 contrasting colors of acrylic paint (1 or 2 for the base, and 1 for the letters). I couldn't decide between purple and teal, so I used both for my base layer. Grab a small to medium brush and paint both sides of the base piece.
Depending on your paint color, you may need 2 to 3 coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, then set the finished piece aside to dry completely.
While you wait for the base to dry, start painting the letter pieces. A small brush works best, and luckily, you only have to paint the front side! I wanted mine to be solid white, which ended up taking three coats for full coverage. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Once the adhesive has set, I highly recommend giving your keychain a quick coat of clear sealant. This will protect the paint and keep it looking brand new for much longer! Allow the sealant to dry completely.
Use pliers to open a jump ring and thread it through the hole in your base piece. Slide the keyring chain onto the jump ring, then use the pliers to securely close it.
If you prefer not to paint, you can make this keychain out of acrylic instead! Pick two contrasting colors (like the black and white I used here) and follow the previous steps until you reach the material selection. Choose opaque black cast acrylic instead of basswood, then click process.
Using a strong adhesive designed for acrylic, attach the letters to the base. Carefully align them with the scored outlines, press firmly into place, and let the adhesive set completely.
To finish up, use your pliers to open a jump ring and slip it right through the hole in your acrylic base. Hook the keyring chain onto the jump ring, then pinch it tightly closed to secure your new keychain!
I am honestly still blown away by how quickly and easily these handwriting keychains came together! The xTool M2 laser machine takes all the intimidation out of laser crafting! From automatically tracing the handwriting in xTool Studio to flawlessly cutting out those tiny, intricate letters, it truly does all the hard work for you. It turns what could be a complicated custom project into a fun and stress-free afternoon craft. I am so excited to make more of these customized keychains, and I hope you feel inspired to fire up your laser and give it a try!
As always, I would love to see what you're making! Share your creations on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #AFMCrafts.
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