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Make
a Key Rack |
If you want to make something attractive and useful for your family member with Alzheimer's disease, consider making a key rack or keeper if they don’t already have one.
Materials:
- wood scrap (e.g., 10 x 25cm or 4" x 10")
- nails
- markers/paints/stickers
- picture hanger
Directions
Decorate the wood. Hammer 4 nails spaced evenly apart into the wood. You will need to attach a picture hanger to the back for hanging.
Voila`!
My
friend’s grandfather has a giant key hanging beside the door of
his garage. It hangs vertically on the wall just like this one. It’s
the last thing he sees on his way out the door and on his way in, it’s
hard to miss when he closes the door. Hanging up his keys has become a
habit. He always puts them in the same spot so he never has to look for
them. That’s “a good thing”.
The giant key was made out of wood with the use of a jig saw. Then it was sanded, varnished, and made to look pretty. Small brass cup hooks screwed into its face hold the keys and key rings. To hang the key rack itself, there’s a piece of wire on its underside that has been threaded between two screw ‘eyes’ at the top of the key. Store bought picture hangers can also be found in most craft and hardware stores. Follow the directions on the package for installation.
You can change this project by:
Turning the wooden key so that it hangs horizontally instead of vertically- Mark the key rack in some fashion so that each key goes on its own hook (e.g., picture/word/model of a car/truck; house; mailbox). A hook should be below each category.
- Use the process of decoupage. You cut out pictures and glue them
onto the key shape making sure that there are no bare spots. If time
is limited, cover the front of the key rack only. Apply a few coats
of glue/decoupage medium to protect it and you’re in business.
- What about using a Tie Rack for hanging up keys?
 |
- What about screwing some cup hooks into an existing wall decoration or sign (with permission of course)?
Assorted Tips
- Consider fancying up your key rack by using Shaker pegs (wooden pegs) or golf tees instead of cup hooks or nails. An adult would have to use a drill to make the holes and glue would be needed to hold the pegs or tees in place.
-
Green
Chalkboard Paint is available where paint products are sold and could
be used to turn a key rack/keeper into a message holder as well.
