Vintage Key Project Inspiration

I about tripped over myself with excitement when I realized the keys to our Irish house were old-fashioned.

It’s probably my favorite part of the house, even if it did take me two weeks to figure out how to unlock the back door. True story. Vintage locks are tricky!

We recently got a new back door with a boring modern key. Sure, the door is more energy efficient and secure, but couldn’t they make the keys just a little more interesting to look at?

Now I have two vintage keys that are of no use to anyone, but me!! That’s also why I feel okay sharing pictures of these keys on the internet.

I’d like to do something with them to commemorate our first year in Ireland. The what, how and when are still up in the air, but I’ve been wasting time scouring the web for inspiration.

There’s an Etsy shop called Symbolic Reflections that makes Christmas ornaments with keys.

The ornament idea is a great idea for a first time homeowner, by the way.

While I think this is clever, especially since I like music, I’m not sure I’d make it for myself.

I don’t know the original source of the music art, but the photographer is listed there.

I could always wear the keys as a necklace.

This one is also from an Etsy shop called Loving Lola.

How about a magnet? That’s a possibility. As long as no one expects me to put the magnets on the front of my fridge. I can’t handle the clutter.

The magnet is also from an Etsy shop. Way to go creative Etsy people, you rock! The shop is called Hoity Toity Designs.

I would not do this with my vintage keys, but I thought one of you out there might be inspired to make this key rack with bent keys. Step-by-step on Instructables.

I like the idea of incorporating a map of Ireland into whatever I end up doing. That was my first thought, actually. String art. Stained wood. The ideas are all floating around in there. The map of Ireland is a wee bit complicated though – at least for hand painting.

This home and key print is from a shop called Wandering Fables.

I have no idea how I’d work this particular design into my home or this project, but this map of Ireland is incredibly vibrant and happy.

The artist for this print is Micheal Tompsett.

Sorry the below picture is super tiny. Best I could do. It’s from a website called Harper Grayce Signs.

I could perhaps run with the adventure theme because that’s, in large part, how I encapsulate this time of our lives.

Simplicity calls to me. I could follow the lead of the girls from the DIY Playbook and put my vintage key(s) in a frame.

As you can see, I have a ton of ideas rattling around in the ol’ cranium. That’s kind of how this process works for me.

Eventually, there will be an eureka moment.

Until then, I’m going to “artfully” tie my keys around a vase or something design-y like that.

The best part of this whole process was when I stopped to take photos and realized the gold key was stamped with the name of the hardware store and the town where the key was made. I am super happy about that little discovery! That alone makes this whole brainstorming exercise worth it.

Thanks for stopping by today! Here are some other posts you might enjoy.

What Should I Do With This Junky Find?

Leather Map from Old Boots

Travel: The Louvre With Kids

Using Old Doors for Jewelry Display

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