Making Typewriter Key Jewelry
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Why Typewriter Keys?
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Typewriter key jewelry has become popular since typewriters have become almost obsolete. Now that computers have taken over word processing, typewriters have been rendered pretty much useless and are abundant at yard sales and at online auctions. You can purchase a broken typewriter much more cheaply than a working one, and you can purchase the keys of a typewriter for even less. Because typewriter keys are small and durable, they make excellent necklace pendants, rings, bracelet adornments or cuff links. Best of all, typewriter keys usually have letters printed on the front, which can correspond to your initials, making a personalized gift.
How to Purchase Supplies
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Find typewriter keys at yard sales, flea markets and online auctions like eBay. You can buy them as part of a typewriter or already pulled off the typewriter. If you buy the keys, you can start making jewelry immediately. You can also find inexpensive, non-working typewriters. If you are going to remove keys from a typewriter, use needle-nose pliers with the tips wrapped in packing tape. Grip the entire key tightly and apply firm pressure to separate the key from the typewriter. If necessary, grease the underside of the key to make it easier to remove.
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Making Typewriter Key Jewelry
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After you have removed the typewriter keys, glue them to your jewelry. You can glue them onto the front of a pendant or a disk-and-loop bracelet or necklace. Superglue works well for this. You can purchase jewelry supplies at a local hobby shop, jewelry-making store or craft store. You can also purchase pendants and disk-and-loop materials on eBay (see Resources). Allow the superglue to dry for at least 4 hours before wearing the jewelry. There are many retailers of vintage typewriter-key jewelry who make necklaces, bracelets, cuff links and rings, and sell them online. If you want to sell your items online, you may want to try Etsy, an online marketplace for crafts (see Resources).
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.sxc.hu/profile/hisks
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Comments
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jostylist
Aug 19, 2009
I implore you to not cut the glass keys from working portable typewriters in the future, using the keys is a passing fad that will contribute to making these gorgeous machines extinct in years to come. They have stood the test of time for up to 90 yrs which is amazing! Please only use standard desk top models that are broken.
