Beaded Lanyards


Beaded Lanyards with Black Swarovski
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Beadtastic Colored Wood Bead
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Beaded Lanyard Amethyst Beads 087
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While you may not necessarily know what lanyards are, as the term is not commonly used, you most likely either wear or use one yourself or see people wearing them on a daily basis.  A lanyard is a cord that is worn either around the neck or the wrist that is used to carry an object such as an ID card, a whistle, or a set of keys for example.  A neck lanyard is perhaps one of the more common lanyards that you will see, as many workplaces now require that their employees wear id lanyards. Lanyards are also in common use nowadays to keep track of electronic devices such as MP3 players, flash drives and mobile telephones.

Originating centuries ago in the military, lanyards were once used to attach weapons especially in situations where there was a good likelihood that the weapon could get lost. Cavalry soldiers often wore their swords or pistols attached to a lanyard and officers and soldiers commonly wore them at sea.  While they were at first a more functional item, eventually lanyards became a more decorative part of an officer or soldiers’ formal attire. Today badge lanyards are still worn by employees in many different institutions such as hospitals and schools.

Typically, lanyards are made from either braided or flat material in a variety of colors with a clip attached to the end where a small plastic pouch or other object can be attached. The nylon lanyard is a very popular choice. They can be bought in bulk at many office supply or sports stores.  Office depot, GBC and Sport Supply Group are common brands that offer bulk supplies of lanyards for cheap prices. There are also many brand specific lanyards available which are aimed particularly at the younger crowd such as the Disney “High School Musical” themed lanyards.

As more employees are being required to wear ID lanyards these days, women especially are searching for a more decorative style neck lanyard. A very popular replacement to what is often termed ‘shoelace lanyards’ is beaded lanyards.  Many women employees are beginning to trade their company issued lanyard with a lanyard that is made from fashion beads. Naturally, beaded lanyards are quite a bit more expensive than the regular type but it seems that they are definitely preferred over the drab ones that are normally given to employees. A plus with beaded and individualized lanyards are that they can also be color coordinated to wear with any outfit, thus women no longer need to worry if their bright yellow fabric lanyard is going to clash with their red outfit. Instead, they can choose to wear a neutral colored, or even red beaded lanyard instead.

It appears that fashion is catching up to the world of lanyards.  You are now able to buy lanyards made out of many different materials online. Beaded lanyards are a big seller amongst women shoppers but people are also going for denim lanyards, tie-dyed lanyards and even strobe LED light-up lanyards! There are also many cool lanyards sold with special designs marked on the cord itself, such as pirate lanyards that are marked with skulls and crossbones; Snoopy Joe lanyards; Halloween lanyards and animal prints.

Lanyards are not restricted to only being worn around the neck either.  The lanyard keychain is commonly worn strapped around the wrist, as are lanyards used to attach small cameras, mobile phones and other small electronic devices.  Lanyards have become a very familiar site both in the home and especially in the workplace where they are used for ID purposes, or to hold access cards to different sections of the workplace and of course to keep hold of those small items that have become essentials in the average workplace such as USB flash drives.

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How to Make Your Own Lanyards

Lanyards, simply described, are a way of securing small items to the body, to avoid misplacing or dropping them. A lanyard is generally a woven extension of string or other material that most often is secured about the neck or wrist on one end, and to the small items in question on the other.

Among their many uses, lanyards are popular for holding keys, nametags or identification badges, cell phones, whistles, and countless other items. Depending on the intended item, and the intended style, each lanyard will likely have small variances. For instance, a lanyard keychain will hold a key ring, while a badge lanyard will feature a plastic housing in which the badge or identification will be carried.

Although multiple types and styles of lanyards are available to be purchased, including generic designs and personalized ones, the best way to find personalized lanyards is by creating them yourself, and because of the multiple materials and styles that lanyards can come in, the amount and variety of designs available to you is limited only to your imagination.

You will always have the option of purchasing cheap lanyards at any corner store; with a homemade lanyard however, it is no longer just an unimportant and easily replaceable accessory, it is a one-of-a-kind designer item. Suddenly, custom lanyards can make a unique and heartfelt gift that is also inexpensive and relatively easy to construct. Consider the following ideas and tips for making your very own personalized lanyards:

For a standard lanyard for around the neck or wrist, you can use multiple types of material. Consider using craft lace, which is a plastic material that is flexible and durable, and available in multiple colors, or friendship bracelet string. Choose colors that you think would go nicely together, and then begin to weave. With three strands, a simple braid pattern is an easy option for starters, and with fours strands, use a simple weave similar to one that would be used for a friendship bracelet.

To Braid:

-Attach and secure the strands on one end with a knot, tape, or both-

-Separate the three strands so that they fan out from the knot at the top-

-Grip the right hand strand and pass it over the center strand, so that it is now in between the others-

-Grip the left hand strand and pass it over the new center strand (formerly the right hand strand)-

-Continue this process from right to left, and watch the braid begin to form

More complicated weaves are hard to describe without pictures or demonstrations, but if you are interested in interesting and challenging weaving patterns for lanyards, consider visiting the following site, which offers step-by-step instructions, along with photographs illustrating each step: http://www.bluemoon.net/~dotoran/

Once you have reached the desired length for your lanyard, consider what it will be used for. If you want to hold keys, then work a simple and inexpensive key ring onto the lanyard, by bringing it to the middle of the cord and tying a knot to keep it in place. For a more attractive securing feature, run both end of the cord through a bead, to punctuate and keep the ring in place without a knot.

You can use this key ring for other types of lanyard as well. Attach a small hook or clip to the ring, which can be used to attach name cards, carabineers, and countless other small items. Secure the loose ends of the woven cord with a simple knot or with a clasp. Clasps, beads, and key rings can all be purchased in bulk at arts and crafts or beading stores.

For a classier design of lanyard, ideal for holding eyeglasses or other delicate items, consider constructing beaded lanyards. The possibilities for patterns, textures, and designs are limitless, and the supplies can be purchased at the same location where you would buy the other necessary accessories for making homemade lanyards.

If you do not achieve the result that you want immediately, remember that practice makes perfect, and as with any skill, it may take a few attempts to create the perfect lanyard. Enjoy the creative process, and watching your own designs come to life.

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Lanyards For Keys


Leopard Lanyard Key Chain Holder
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Nike Black Lanyard Keychain Holder
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White And Pink Zebra Lanyard
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Lanyards are everyday objects that have a plethora of uses, some commonly known and others more obscure.  Lanyards are often used as straps to secure important documents and identification cards, such as security cards, ID cards and sets of keys.

While key chains accomplish the basic task of organizing keys, a lanyard goes a step further by allowing you to keep your keys ready thanks to a hands-free cord that is worn like a necklace. Lanyards are so popular as additions to key chains that many are sold with specific logos, such as University names and sports team monikers, which attract consumers who want to keep a reminder of their alma mater or a favorite team at hand.

Lanyards can also be imprinted for promotional purposes for businesses of all sizes; as one of the rules of effective advertising is widespread exposure, giving away lanyards printed with your corporate logo can be an inexpensive supplementary form of advertising.

While lanyards are such diminutive objects that most people do not even notice when they have one in use, they are also quite ubiquitous. Any promotional item or identification card, in use at a place of work or a conference of some sort, can be combined with a lanyard to be made more accessible to its user. Especially for people who have an unreliable short-term memory, the lanyard is an essential mini-accessory that keeps some of your most important items close without unnecessary worry.

Nylon lanyards are a resilient and attractive option, as they can withstand considerable use and come in a variety of vibrant colors. People with a flair for fashion and an appreciation of detail will enjoy beaded lanyards, which upgrade the basic form by adding a beautiful twist.

A retractable lanyard is the perfect choice for people who want extra security for their possessions but do not want the lanyard to catch on objects, for example, when the lanyard is attached to a keychain that is stored in a purse. Retractable lanyards are not only used for keys and cards, but for other tools to be kept readily available, including whistles, pens and digital media.

Breakaway lanyards are an incredibly useful variation on the standard form. As a breakaway lanyard makes it easier to remove objects when they need to be transferred, it is ideal for people working in fields where safety is a first priority. If you work in proximity to powerful machines, such as factor or construction equipment, the use of a breakaway lanyard can literally save your neck in the event of objects getting caught on a moving part.

Safety lanyards can also be imprinted with corporate and promotional logos as with any other style. Because lanyards are so versatile, their varying functions can also be combined depending on whether they will be used in a work or advertising capacity. An id lanyard with breakaway capabilities is an essential item for any workplace, while a retractable nylon lanyard is a great way to secure promotional items, such as complimentary USB drives or other products.

Simple lanyards can be customized as an arts and crafts project work children, giving them the opportunity to express their creativity to upgrade an accessory they will use on a daily basis. Lanyards can be purchased in bulk online, whether you choose to stock up on standard, imprinted, or more elaborate versions of this everyday staple. A lanyard is also a thoughtful gift, especially for students going away to college who will have their own set of keys and ID cards to organize for the first time. Lanyards of all sorts are a great gift, the accessory that everyone can use.

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