How to Make a Vintage Typewriter Key

Instead of destroying an antique typewriter, make your own vintage keys.

Vintage typewriter keys are becoming increasingly harder to find thanks in part to their popularity in Steampunk-inspired artwork and jewelry. Steampunk is both a literary movement and an arts movement. Artwork created in the Steampunk style often uses a mixed media approach, incorporating primitive mechanical pieces such as old fashioned typewriter keys or clock gears. The problem is that these vintage mechanical items must be destroyed in order to repurpose their parts. For those who don't want to destroy an old typewriter, making vintage style typewriter keys is a less destructive and more economical alternative.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with word processing software
• Printer
• Glossy photo paper
• Brass edged buttons
• Larger circle shaped hole punch
• Glue
• Clear lacquer
• Black permanent marker

Instructions

1. Open a document in your word processing program. Use a typewriter-style font such as Courier New and set the font size to 20 or larger. If you are unsure of the best font size, print a test sheet first on plain paper to see what size font will work best with the buttons you will be using. For an authentic look, set the background of the document to black and the font color to white.

2. Print out the letters on glossy photo paper. You can print only selected letters or the entire alphabet depending on how you will be using the reproduction typewriter keys. Punch out each letter using the circular punch. Darken the white edges of the punched-out letter with a black permanent marker.

3. Glue each letter to the center of a brass-rimmed button. Apply a coat of clear lacquer to the surface of each letter to protect the imitation typewriter key from damage, and to help give the key an antique look.

Tips & Warnings

• If your are unable to find brass-rimmed buttons, look for gem stones on brass brads. Remove the gemstones and replace with your letters. The brass brads are useful if you will be using your vintage style keys to replace the keys on a modern keyboard as the prongs can be inserted in the plastic casing that is designed to hold the modern key caps. (References, 3)

References

• Metalsmith; Steampunk Future Past; Karen Christians