My Little Football Chain Clip Project
Alright, so I was looking around for something to jazz up my game day gear. You know, something small, not too flashy, but still showing a bit of team spirit. And man, some of the official stuff, or even the crafty bits you see online, they can cost a pretty penny. I just wanted a simple chain clip, something to hook my keys or a tiny pouch to my bag. Nothing fancy.
So, I thought, why not just make one? I’ve got bits and bobs lying around. How hard could it be, right? Famous last words, sometimes, but this time it wasn’t too bad.
Getting Started – The Scavenger Hunt
First thing I did was rummage through my old craft box. You know, the one where good intentions and half-finished projects go to die. Found some old keychain bits, a length of sturdy-ish chain from a necklace I never wore, and a couple of those little swivel clasps. Perfect. I also had a tiny football charm that came off a Christmas cracker years ago. Score!
- Old chain
- Swivel clasps (like for lanyards)
- Jump rings (those little metal circles)
- A football charm (or any small doodad)
- Pliers – two pairs are best, needle-nose ones are great
Putting It Together – The Fiddly Bit
Okay, so I grabbed my pliers. This is where you need a bit of patience. I decided on the length I wanted for the chain, probably about six inches. Used the pliers to carefully open a link at one end of the main chain. Then, I hooked on one of the swivel clasps and closed the link back up. Squeezed it tight so it wouldn’t come apart.
Then, I did the same at the other end, but this time, I attached a sturdy jump ring. To this jump ring, I attached my little football charm, and then another swivel clasp. So, clasp on one end, charm and clasp on the other. That way, I can clip one end to my bag and the other to my keys or whatever.
It took a couple of tries to get the jump rings closed neatly. The first one I did was a bit gappy, and I just knew something would snag on it or it would pull open. So, I redid that, making sure the ends met up perfectly.
Why Bother? A Little Story Time
You might be thinking, all this for a little chain? Well, let me tell you. A few seasons back, we were at this absolutely crucial game. Nail-biter from start to finish. Anyway, final minutes, score is tied, and our team is driving down the field. My phone buzzes, probably an update from another game, so I reach into my bag. My keys, my wallet, a pack of gum, everything just jumbled together. Took me ages to find my phone, fumbling around like an idiot. By the time I looked up, I’d missed the game-winning field goal! Just saw the very end of the celebration. I was so mad at myself, and at my disorganized bag.
After that, I swore I’d get more organized for game days. I wanted my essentials easy to grab. Couldn’t find a clip I liked that wasn’t ridiculously priced or just plain ugly. So, that little bit of frustration, missing that play, that’s kind of what planted the seed. It’s not just about the clip, it’s about not missing the important stuff, you know?
The Finished Product and How It Works
So, back to the clip. After a bit of fiddling, I had my football chain clip. It’s pretty simple, really. The chain is robust enough, the clasps are secure. I clip one end to the zipper of my bag or a belt loop, and the other holds my keys or a tiny cardholder. No more digging around in panic.
What I reckon makes it good:
- It’s custom. I made it, so it’s exactly the length I wanted.
- It’s cheap. Used stuff I mostly already had.
- It’s got that personal touch with the little charm.
- Most importantly, it works! Keeps my stuff secure and accessible.
So yeah, that was my little project. Took maybe half an hour, saved me some cash, and solved a small but annoying problem. Plus, it’s a nice little reminder of that game, and a reminder to just make things yourself sometimes. It’s usually not as hard as you think. Now, every time I grab my keys using that clip, I feel a tiny bit smug. And I haven’t missed a crucial play due to fumbling in my bag since!
