Most of us have at least one old computer keyboard stashed away somewhere, right? Maybe it's broken, or maybe it's just an old and outdated one kept as an emergency spare. Well, here are five easy craft ideas that repurpose useless old keyboards into fun and unique accessories. Hint: These are nice end-of-summer rainy day activities for bored kids/teens!
1.
Turn old computer keyboard keys into stylish thumbtacks. This inspired Instructables post shows you how. You will need keys that already have a hole in the back to hold the pushpins. You'll also need to do a little drilling and trimming of the plastic to get a perfect fit. Then it's just a matter of gluing the pushpins into the keys. Beautiful.
2. More notice board fun awaits, this time
converting keyboard keys into magnets. This is way easier than the thumbtack idea, but just as cool lookin' – and all you really need to buy is a strip of magnetic tape and some glue. Trim the underneath side of the keys, affix the magnets (cut to size) with glue, and you're done!
Kids' Turn Central, the source for this idea, also suggests painting the keys and either leaving them blank or relabeling them with words of your own choosing – for a little word-doodling when you're bored.
3. Borrow Esprit Cabane's idea for
a very cute necklace from old keyboard keys. Trim the backsides of the keys so they lay flat, then sand them where they'll be touching the skin. Then use your creativity: choose keys to form a word, then pierce each key on both sides with a needle and string them up, mixing in beads as you wish.
4. This so-amusing Howcast video clip shows you how to
turn old computer keyboard circuit sheets into a wallet. The vid is inspired by an Instructables project, but no matter that it's not totally an original endeavor: the video format is so easy to follow. You'll be toting that homemade wallet around town in no time ... and this craft needs no special tools or equipment, either. A big plus!
5. Finally, how about using your old keyboard as a
seed sprouting tray?
Check out this example from Raw Living Foods. Hmm. It's certainly an original use for an ugly old beige Compaq keyboard. On the other hand, it doesn't seem very hygienic. Let's file this one under tongue-in-cheek ideas, shall we?
Source
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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
Actually, I saw an idea, using Scrabble tiles, but it would work with these too.
ReplySimply hot-glue tiles to drawer fronts, or smooth-backed drawer pulls, to spell words. Great idea for a child's room, as the drawers can be labeled- shirths, pants, etc.
You could also label pensil holders, storage bozes, shelving and canisters in the same way. I saw canisters done in a black, yellow and white kitchen- sugar, flour, tea, coffee. This would be a good idea too.
I suppose they could be used to alphabetize the front of file cabinets etc. as well.