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or outdated computer keyboard, make yourself some fun accessories and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.
