What you need
Broken or discarded computer keyboard
Flat head screwdriver
Pliers
Candle
Small nail
Safety glasses
Dish soap
Jump rings
Fishhook earrings
Dremel tool with grinding attachment (optional)
Jewelers glue (optional)
Instructions
This recycle or up-cycle project shows you how to make some fab keyboard earrings. Don’t throw out that broken or outdated computer keyboard, make yourself some fun accessories and re-use, recycle, and re-create! Prepare Keyboard Keys 1. Begin by removing the keys from the keyboard. This is easily done on most older keyboards by prying each key upwards with a flat head screwdriver. Some of the newer keyboards use small metal spring arms and require each key to be pushed in a certain direction to be removed. If you are having trouble with your keyboard Google the brand/model and ‘key removal’. Some keys, like the ones pictured, are attached to the keyboard via four plastic pieces on the back of each key. You may or may not wish to remove them depending on their size, appearance, and how you would like them to lay or hang when being worn. To remove the plastic pieces twist each one separately with the pliers until it snaps off. Most of the pieces should break neatly at the base but for those that don’t you can use a dremel tool with a grinding attachment to quickly smooth rough edges. 2. Next, you will need to make holes for stringing or attaching jump rings. If the keys are to be strung you will need to make a hole on each side of the key, if they are to be hung as pendants or earrings you will need to make only one hole at the top of each key. The following step should be done outdoors or in a well ventilated area! Don’t forget to wipe the nail with a rag between each hole you make. Doing so will help ensure each hole is as clean as possible. More importantly though, it will minimize the amount of plastic you are burning, keeping this an earth-friendly recycled project! To make each hole: Use the pliers to hold the tip of the nail in the candle flame for approximately thirty seconds then quickly pierce the key from the back side. To smooth the edges around the hole, re-heat nail and insert again starting from the front side of the key. 3.When all necessary holes have been made thoroughly wash and dry each key. Earrings: For each earring – Attach one jump ring through the hole at the top of a keyboard key. With a second jump ring, connect the end of a fish hook earring and the jump ring holding the keyboard key.
Thanks for the steps! I decided to do the for my metalwork project and had no idea how to do it!! This helped heaps!! Thanks a bunch!!
What a great idea,Now must keep an eye out for a key board to use for taking the keys off of it. Thanks for the info
Rose
..I have a box of scrabble letters this has given me inspiration to use! thanks
This is absolutely great!!! I’ve had keys that I have wanted to recycle and this is the cutest way to do it! Thanks so much!
Awesome!!! Thanx! I’ll shureley try it )))
I found a Japanese keyboard and had fun making these and necklaces from the unique keys. Thank you for the tips.
Awesome! My brothers laptop just broke beyond repair. I’m gonna ask Him if I can have some of the keys!
kool. I like theswe cuz im going to make Fish bobber earings!! i WOULD tottaly wear these there kool!!
i know a few people who might wear these ,but really i never would.
This is an awesome idea! I am gunna make my own!
Very cool! So glad I checked this out. I have a kids(primary colors) keyboard that has never been used. I think I’ll give this a go!
Made me laugh, and I know someone these would be perfect for. Thanks
I’m going to make some calculator keyboard earrings! 😀
I never would have thought of melting the hole. Ingenious!
Great idea!
didn’t care for it.to complicated for younger children. this is only a adult project. and little out in left field for me. 🙁
Terrific gift for computer nerds!
great recycling idea
Great idea, great instructions. Thanks… it generated more ideas.