Creators
Reflections from creators of keychains and charms
About you
I started polymer clay sculpting when I was around 9 years old. I’ve always been interested in different forms of art, but clay was always my favorite. I love to create things from scratch and make them into keychains to take them with me wherever I go. This craft brings me a sense of joy and peace. When I’m making things I feel fulfilled. There is something very special about creating something by hand yourself, something that no one else has created before. I feel very proud of my work and seeing how far I’ve come from when I first started.
About your creations
I make handmade polymer clay charm keychains. My art style is simplistic and cute and designed to bring happiness to those around. Most of my pieces combine animals and food or animals with funny or cute facial expressions. Each piece is handcrafted carefully and can take up to multiple hours to make. My main tools are an X-acto knife, pliers and ball tools. Though my work, I hope to bring smiles to other people’s faces and to find joy in small things. All of my charms are keychains so that people can feel free to take them with them anywhere they go. Not only is it something cute to take around, but it adds personality and uniqueness to your bag and subsequently the user. I hope that my charms act as a beacon of joy, a conversation starter or just a tiny companion for the customer.
Other thoughts
I personally have always been a huge fan of keychains. I love to put them on my bags and keys and more. At art fairs, customers always come up to my stand and smile. Often times they tell me how cute or creative my ideas are and it makes me happy that they enjoyed them and that my hard work is appreciated. One important thing for me to note is that I think there is a misconception that cute or colorful things are meant for children. I strongly dislike this sentiment because I believe that people of all ages can and should enjoy cute and colorful things. Often times, when men approach my work they say they “want something manly”, however I don’t see how cute things can’t be for men too. It’s makes me appreciate more, the few men or adults in general that don’t limit themselves by their internalized bias and embrace the small colorful charms. Over time I have observed which pieces are more beloved than others. These include my frogs with purses charms, angry frog charms, and my duck charms. All 3 have been a big success on social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok, with millions of monthly views. I’ve very appreciated for all the support I have received and am happy to spread a bit of joy to people’s day.
By: Natalie, 24, United States
IG: happily.charmed
Submitted on: 22 June 2025
Happily Charmed
About you
I fell upon this design almost by accident, inspired by Ancient Talismans and my love for Silver, Precious Stones and Protective Stones i was just playing around one day and made one.. I did not realise at the time i stumbled upon something people would love and appreciate. My mail goal with Ogma was to design Silver Jewellery which i also love. I deal with chronic illness and spend a lot of time at home, Ogma has become a passion project and a way to pass the time alongside my main business. Its meditative making the charms and provides me with income as i have two businesses that i create my own income from, i am self employed.
About your creations
I made precious stone bag charms for protection, guidance, really anything the owner needs it for. I collect the stones from different places so no two are the same. I prefer when the stones looks more eclectic which is harder to do as the demand grows, so i would love to come back to this idea more. In a world of plastic and disposable items i am obsessed with the idea of special objects, winding back time to when things were more precious and had more meaning. Things we would hold onto for a long time.
Other thoughts
I am so grateful for the love these little pieces have been receiving they continue to sell out which i was absolutely not expecting. It has been surprising but a pleasant one. I hope and think they will outlast the "Bag Charm" trend. But also offer those who prefer a more meaningful piece to participate.
By: Tessa McGregor, 35, Melbourne, Australia
IG: ogma_
Submitted on: 23 June 2025
Ogma
About you
I was born in Moscow and studied graphic design at the British Higher School of Art and Design. I’ve spent 10 years working in the field of contemporary art, but I’ve always been most drawn to street art. Later, I became passionate about ceramics and chose porcelain as my primary material. What I love about ceramics is that you can make virtually anything from it — from jewelry to door handles. It gives me a sense of creative freedom.I currently live and work in Ljubljana.
About your creations
I started making keychains because I wanted to have them myself. I see them as accessories that reflect your mood — and sometimes even help shape it. In a world where people have become so alike, a keychain is a fun and non-aggressive way to stand out. It’s like a new kind of brooch — something that catches the eye and can become a conversation starter. In my street art, I create similar little figures and attach them to walls — this is the same idea, just worn on a bag or a pair of pants.
Other thoughts
People often buy things they can identify with. These keychains are a kind of shortcut — a way to tell something about yourself without using words
By: Dasha Kuznetsova, 36, Slovenia, Ljubljana
IG: dashak_dashak
Submitted on: 24 June 2025
Dasha K
About you
When I started my 3d printing hobby I was open to any possibility. I made hairpins, kids toys, even press-on nails. But as I go further, I realize one of the reasons I love designing and making things with 3d printing is I hope those things I create can be together with people always. Then I think if I add a hook on them then people can hang them on a lot of things, like bags and clothes, and of course, with keys. Keychain is an ideal medium that turns my creation into an EDC (aka Every Day Carry). A keychain is not a keychain, it's a friend that you can go everywhere hand-in-hand. It's somebody you love that you want to see 24-7. Whenever I look at my creations, I am happy. I am proud of myself. I truely love them. I belive the deeper I love them, the more people will like them too.
About your creations
I want to let my keychain designs reflect my personality. I want people, or myself, to feel comfortable when they hold my keychains. That's why I try to give them some function. Then I decide to turn a keychain into a fidget toy - you can press or shake it to make sound in order to relief stress. As a former enthusiast of mechanic keyboard, I know I can put a key switch inside the keychain to make clicky sound. That becomes one of my fidget keychain category, called "Pressliez". The other category is called "Flexiez", which is a set of keychains using an articulated structure, so when you shake it, it will wingle and make sounds. ( I am sure you've seen lots of 3d printed dragons, same structure ) I hope one day when my customers are looking for something original, peculiar, unexpected and out-of-box, they will think of me and PrintBabe.
Other thoughts
Due to the previous working experience in advertising as a creative director. I hate any form of copying and stealing ideas. I design my own ideas. Everything on my website is my own juice of brain cell. Meanwhile, I love to talk to anyone who share the same interest with me, I can talk all day.
By: David Zhen Chen, 44, Canada
Submitted on: 27 June 2025
PrintBabe
About you
I majored in craft, and I’ve always loved creating with my hands. Through my work, I hope to share the messages that matter to me. I deeply value children and the purity of their childhood innocence. That’s why I started my brand, Momello—to capture and express those gentle, heartfelt moments through handmade products.
About your creations
I'm deeply interested in childhood memories and hold them close to my heart. In particular, I believe milk is a symbolic item that represents the innocence of Korean children. About ten years ago, nearly every elementary school in Korea provided milk to all students. We would drink it and play with the cartons, making it a fun part of our daily routine. Inspired by this, I created a milk-shaped keychain as a nostalgic symbol—something that can remind people of those shared memories whenever they see it.
Other thoughts
I believe keychains have recently emerged as a popular form of accessory that goes beyond the traditional metal pieces we used to wear. They offer a more personal and creative way for people to express their individuality. Inspired by the shape of a milk carton, I designed this keychain not only as a visual symbol of childhood, but also as a functional item that can hold small objects. Just like opening and closing a real milk carton, the user can interact with it in a playful way—bringing back memories of childhood innocence.
By: Junmo Lee, 27, Republic of Korea
IG: momello.kr
Submitted on: 28 June 2025
momello
About you
Would you mind sharing your age and where you are from?
I'm 37 this year and I'm from Singapore.
Why do you make/design keychains?
Yes.
What led you to this hobby/interest/passion/business? Is it your pastime or your job?
It is our full-time job now.
What does this keychain-creating mean to you, and what does it bring to you?
It brings a lot of joy to see our customers talk about stories revolving around these items.
What does it make you feel?
Apart from the above, it is a job after all. It can be stressful at times.
What do you think about your creative work?
Relatable would be the right term to use.
About your creations
What are you conveying/ representing through your works? What values or meanings do you feel your creations provide (e.g. a sense of comfort, convenience, durability, sensorial nourishment.) It could be through the making process, or through the completed keychain.
We really wanna invoke a sense of nostalgia with our merch and have people share stories abut the items especially if they're fading sights.
What do you feel your creations bring to your customers?
Joy.
Could you share more about the creative processes you go through in the making/designing of your keychains?
We start with a brainstorm, looking for inspiration in our daily lives. Then it depends on the product.
What considerations do you have during the creating process (e.g. the assembly, the materials, keychain/charm components, aesthetics, functionality, durability, design, composition)
Assembly, production process, value, price point
How do you decide on the components and material you acquire?
They have to be affordable and durable
If you do not mind sharing, how do you design, make and produce your keychains and what are the equipment and tools you use for your craft?
I used an iPad for 3D modeling and we use SLA resin printers
What do you think about the characteristics of the keychains/charms that you make? (e.g. size, texture, colour, material qualities, durability, functions, design, aesthetics)
We hope to replicate most of the characteristics of the original in a smaller form. Colours are very important to us so it might take a few tries to get it right.
Other thoughts
What are your thoughts about keychains and bag charms in general? What matters to you in a keychain design?
I think we all want to carry some kind of representation for the things we like as a keychain.
If you do not mind sharing, what products are more popular and to whom and why? Any identified trends? (e.g. Occasions like Christmas and birthdays)
The more detailed ones like our SBS Ticket Machines and Orange Payphones are very popular as they're affordable and are more detailed. Many people may have interacted with these more in the past so they might be more relatable.
How is the reception of the public to your craft?
Many are surprised that no other brand has made keychains like us.
Do you have feedback from your customers about your creations?
Some may have mentioned that it is too expensive for them but we've tried to reduce the price once already so the barrier of entry is lower.
By: Shannon, 37, Singapore
Email interview on: 29 June 2025
Heng Suay Eating House
About you
The reason we created this Eco-Keychain is because we wanted to address the issue of discarded plastic bottle caps by recycling them into something useful, while ensuring the product remains beautiful, valuable, practical, and features a unique style.
About your creations
Eco-Keychains and Bespoke Charms made from upcycled materials, created in collaboration with Precious Plastic, Poonsook, and Yolo. These products are not only stylish and versatile but also help reduce waste and promote sustainability.Currently, we partner with communities to produce over 20,000 letters and beads each month — equivalent to creatively reusing more than 80,000 bottle caps.We are in the process of expanding our production line with molds to meet increasing demand, enabling us to produce up to five times more within the same timeframe.Each piece is unique, made from discarded bottle caps that would otherwise end up in landfills if not upcycled. Join us in living an eco-friendly lifestyle and show the world that style and sustainability can go hand in hand perfectly!
Other thoughts
Customers enjoy and have fun designing their own personalized keychains. Knowing that the products are made from recycled materials makes them feel even more special.
By: Panitta Okascharoen, Bangkok, Thailand
IG: mirren.crab
Submitted on: 2 July 2025
