When I started traveling a lot for work, I decided to start collecting a keychain from each place I visited. Keychains are inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to carry around. I kept them in a plastic bag for years, so I thought it was time to display them in my office. Check out my video of this project, then follow this instructable to make one yourself.

Supplies: 1/2" Plywood, Axle Pegs, Wood Glue, Paint, 1/2" Aluminum Angle, Hanging Hardware

Step 1: Drill the Holes and Add Lettering

I used an Inventables X-Carve CNC Machine with the free EASEL software to drill the hole pattern in the plywood and carve the letters but you could use a regular drill and a vinyl cutter for the lettering to accomplish a similar result. You will want to buy the pegs first to know what size holes to drill. I drilled them about 1/4" deep. I spray painted the carved letters and sanded off the excess. I wanted some sort of travel-related slogan at the top, so I used the title of the Dr. Seuss book "Oh, the Places You'll Go!". I thought that was fitting.

Step 2: Glue in the Pegs

I used small wooden Axle Pegs from Hobby Lobby. There are different types of pegs to choose from. Just make sure the key chains will fit on them and you may want them long enough to hang 2-3 keychains on each one as your collection grows. I used a dab of glue to secure each peg in the hole. I used a small square to make sure they were standing straight.

Step 3: Trim the Edges

I thought about framing the plywood with a stained wood mitered frame, but decided to go with a simple metallic look. I bought some 1/2" aluminum angle pieces from Home Depot and used a hack saw to miter the corners. I drilled small holes and screwed the trim to the plywood. This gave it a school room bulletin board or white board look.

Step 4: Display Your Keychains

I attached two picture hangers on the back of the plywood and hung the display on the wall. It was fun hanging up each keychain and remembering the places where I got them. When I visit a new city, I like to go to a landmark or an event and grab a keychain. My favorites are from the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Birmingham Barons minor league baseball game, Kentucky Bourbon Flask, and an Elvis Guitar from Graceland in Memphis. I took my family to see KISS on their End of the Road tour, so I just ordered a KISS End of the Road keychain to add to my collection.

Thanks for checking out my project. If you have a collection stored away somewhere, I hope this inspires you to dust it off and make a display for it. Steve...