Learn how to make an easy but quirky DIY wall key holder with magnetic tiles using wood and colorful epoxy. It also makes a great mask holder.

DIY wooden key holder with text overlay
How to make the wooden key holder

There are essentially two steps in making this keyholder – the magnetic hexagons and the epoxy pour.

Step 1 – Cut the wood

I used a miter saw to cut the hexagons. I explain exactly how to do this in the video above. The process is straightforward and needs only a couple of measurements to set up before you can cut all the hexagons.

woman holding a hexagon cut on a miter saw

For the large board, I used a 1×10 board cut at 20″.

Step 2 – Embed magnets

Using a Forstner bit that matches the magnet’s size, make holes about three-fourth way deep in the hexagons.

making hole in the hexagon with a forstener bit

Glue the magnets with a strong adhesive.

Step 4 – Prepare for burning

Sand all the surfaces with 150 grit to get it ready for Shou Sugi Ban.

Set it up on a non-flammable surface away from anything that can catch fire easily. I set up on my concrete driveway.

Step 5 – Torch the wood

  • Using the Bernzomatic BZ4500HS Heat Shrink Torch and the Bernzomatic propane tank, torch each piece of wood.
wood burnt boards and Bernzomatic torch

I torched the various pieces to varying degrees to get an ombre look – I went over a few one time, some a couple of times, and some 4-5 times till they were nice and dark.

torching wood using a blow torch

Also, make sure to torch all sides of the hexagon pieces and the board.

Tip – Keep the Torch moving slowly across the surface for a uniform look.

Step 6 – Add the magnets

hexagon tiles with magnets attached in the back

Step 7 – Put everything together

Arrange the hexagons in the pattern you like and glue them down using wood glue.

glueing hexagon times on board using wood glue

I staggered them and made sure that the wood grain for each was oriented in various directions.

Step 8 – Epoxy pour

  • Prep the boards by covering the bottom edge and all the hexagons with masking tape.

I mixed up epoxy with black, pink, orange, and gold pigments and poured them one by one to create a gradient pattern. Ending in a clear epoxy pour.

woman pouring epoxy on the keyholder

Give the bubbles a couple of minutes to rise and use a Bernzomatic detail torch for popping them.

popping bubbles in the epoxy using the Bernzomatic detail torch

Step 9 – Finish

  • Once the epoxy is cured, remove all the masking tape. The tape easily lifts away any stray epoxy drops.
  • Make holes and attach hooks.
  • Add hangers at the back and hang it up on the wall!
another view of the wood and epoxy key holder

I love the quirkiness of the colorful epoxy coupled with the gorgeous charred wood grain.

It is beautiful and extremely functional with the hooks for the keys (or masks) and the magnetic tiles.

woman hanging keys on the keyholder

If you have been thinking of trying out the Bernzomatic blowtorches, I highly recommend them! Using them to create unique projects is kind of addictive!