I got the idea for this map rock keychain after sorting out my kitchen drawer. You know the one that you stuff full of things you don’t know where else to put, but you think it will be useful.
The one drawer in the kitchen you can hardly shut. As it’s full to the brim of loose batteries, old keys, plugs, elastic bands, etc…
One of the many odd things I did come across in the drawer was a set of pebble tablecloth weights. They had never been used and were still in the original packaging.
Why I had them I don’t know as I never use a tablecloth. The weights did look kind of cool as they were simply smooth flat pebbles with a clip. That’s probably why I bought them in the first place.
Printing Maps Onto Rocks To Make A Unique Keychain
I decided to keep them but not as tablecloth weights but to revamp them into a unique map rock keychain. They look even cooler now as I printed maps onto them.
A map rock keychain would make a lovely gift especially as you can print any kind of map on them. You can use a street map of where you live or a map of your favourite holiday destination. They are so simple and easy to make.
I’ve printed maps on to wood before to make a printed map picture frame and an IKEA hacked Mapbox map table. This time I thought I would use the same method to print maps onto a rock keychain.

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What You Need To Make A Map Rock Key Chain
- Flat pebble tablecloth weights – The ones I used were from FlyingTiger stores. But you should be able to find them in your local discount store or even on Amazon.
You can of course just find some flattish pebbles at the beach or river. Then use a rotary tool, such as a Dremel with a diamond-tipped drill bit to drill a hole.

- Montana Gold Universal Primer
- Matte Mod Podge
- Sponge and water
- Acrylic Spray Varnish
- Keychain rings
- Maps – Mirror printed with a laser printer.
How to Make a Map Rock Keychain
1.. The first time I tried to print a map onto the pebbles it wasn’t very successful. The maps came off too easily. The second time I used a primer first and the map stayed on.
Therefore what you need to do first is to spray the rocks/pebbles with a universal primer.

2. The maps that are to be printed onto the rocks need to be a mirror image. Also just print them onto normal copy paper with laser ink.
Simply scan in any map you want to use. Maps can also be printed from the internet. There is a great selection of free antique maps on Pictureboxblue.
I don’t have a laser printer. I got my local copy shop, to print my maps for me on to a sheet of A4 paper for a very small cost.
3. Next, cut out 2 pieces of map one for each side of the stone. If using table weights remove the metal clip from the pebble and then cover liberally with Mod Podge and stick the maps to it, face down.

4. Next, leave the paper covered pebbles until the glue has dried thourghly.
Once dry, wet the pebble either under a running tap or in a tub of water and rub away the white paper. As you rub away the paper, you will see that the map has printed onto the stone. Carry on rubbing until all the paper residue has been removed.

5. Finally, to finish off the map rock keychain, spray with a protective varnish and then add a metal keyring.

I just love anything with a map on it so I made a few of these keychains. One with a road map of Bedford where I currently live. The other one with a map of Cardiff for my son who is currently studying there.

Homemade Gift Ideas
A made a cute personalized wall key holder of my street for my map rock keychains.

These map rock keychains would make a lovely housewarming gift or even for Father’s day. You could try printing other images on the rocks. Such as photos or even the logo of your favourite sports teams.
Since making this map rock keychain, I’ve had another clear out of my kitchen drawers. Where I found some old eyeglasses. This time I turned them into a world map necklace.

I have some other Father’s day homemade gift ideas on Pillarboxblue. If you like the map theme, check out the map decoupage glass trinket dish. Or the handy nightstand caddy.
For non-map themed but still personalized gift ideas, you could make a lego photo frame. Or even something for the den-like a personalized lightbox sign and denim storage ottoman.
Rachel
These are gorgeous! I’m seeing Christmas gifts in the future for some of these. 😀 Question: when you put the map on the rock does it need to be face down in order to transfer the image? Thanks!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. Yes, that is why you print a mirror image.
Tina
I found your site from Hometalk. I like the key chain idea, but what I really want to know about is the wooden round with the blue dots next to your sink? Did you make this? If so, do you have a link to the tutorial? Thanks~
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Tina. The think you are talking about is actually a tray from IKEA.
Lydia
What did you use to drill the hole
Claire Armstrong
I used table weights that had pre drilled holes. But you can easily drill holes into pebbles with a rotary drill like a dremel with a diamond tip drill bit.
Hannah
Hi Claire,
I love this idea!! I’m having a hard time finding the rock tablecloth weights, though. Do you have any other suggestions of where to find them?
Thanks,
Hannah
Claire Armstrong
Not sure if you are in the US or UK, I got mine from Tiger in the UK. Amazon.com has some heart shaped ones at the moment http://amzn.to/2hZjIeO. You can however just get some flat pebbles and using a diamond tipped drill, drill a hole into them. Hope that helps.
Lillian
Love all your projects.. You’re an inspiration to get started on Christmas crafts!! Love the many ideas with Denim…
I’m in love with this font!! Can you tell me what it is & where to find it?
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Lillian. Pleased to hear you like my projects and have had a look around. The font is called Pompiere and I think it’s readily available.
gigi
I absolutely love your map keychains! I’ve been putting off trying to transfer images on to objects, but you have inspired me! Thank you!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Gigi, map transfer is a simple fun technique you should give it ago.
IOANNA
Ι love it!!!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Mia
What a clever and beautiful creation, Claire! I love these map keyrings! Kisses!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Mia.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
These are so clever! I’ll be featuring your fabulous key chains tomorrow night at Best of the Weekend!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I can’t wait to see them.
Laurie
Claire, These are awesome! I would love to have one of these hanging from my keychain 🙂 Pinning to share!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and thanks for the share.
Sandra L Garth
You hold the title for most unique maps and denim projects. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story and we hope you will join us again next week.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Sandra, and thanks for hosting see you next week.
Amber Harrop
I love these Claire they are so clever
Claire Armstrong
Ah thank you Amber.
Julie
These are ridiculously cute! They would make such great presents for those hard to buy for people. Everyone has keys to something!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Julie. I’ve already had a few requests from family to make them as gifts.
Cecilia
So fun, Claire! Thanks for sharing @ Vintage Charm!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ?
Michelle
Your creativity always inspires me Claire. I love how these “mapped” keychains turned out. Such a neat idea
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Michelle. The feelings mutual I love your creative makes too!
Debrashoppeno5
This is a fabulous idea. They are so cute.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much ?
m(i)e
Nice idea!!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Medina
Love these claire!
Claire Armstrong
Cheers Medina.
Kim
These are adorable! I have a new driver who has been looking for a unique keychain. I think I just found it. 😉
Claire Armstrong
Sounds like a plan to me.
Carolann
Super cute idea! I love the maps details. What fun!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much!
Lins @ Boo & Maddie
Claire there is literally no end to your talents and ideas! I wish I was half as inspired as you. These look great and I think are such a good idea for little stocking filler pressies too. Thank you for linking up to #HomeEtc
Claire Armstrong
Ahh thank you Lins. Yes I’ll be making a few as stocking fillers.
Sarah | A Few Favourite Things
What a great idea, would make a fun home warming gift too
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Sarah, housewarming gifts are a great idea.
Ivory
Wow, I love these. You did an excellent job here. I can’t wait to make this project for my family.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Ivory they will make a lovely gift.
Trish
I’ve never been to your blog before, but I love it! These are so clever and so easy to customize. Thanks for the great ideas!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Trish and hello! It’s lovely to get a new visitor.
Jill
Your rock keychains are fab, such a clever idea 🙂
I referenced your blog in mine this evening, another map craft, where you made paper roses 🙂
Jillxo
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Jill. I’ve just visited your blog and the flowers are gorgeous!