How To Make Typewriter Key Bracelets
Featured in publications such as "Time" and "Reader's Digest" as well as on television's "Today Show," typewriter jewelry is considered art as much as it is jewelry. In an age of tiny text messenger keys, the look and feel of old-time typewriter keys is refreshing and nostalgic. They appeal to those who remember using typewriters, to those who love the written word and to those who just like eclectic style and innovative ideas. Try unlocking your creative potential and make your own typewriter key bracelet.
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Things You'll Need
- Typewriter keys Disk-and-loop bracelet form Sandpaper Rubbing alcohol Cotton balls Epoxy glue Cardboard Tape
Instructions
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Prepare the disks on your disk-and-loop bracelet form by using sandpaper to slightly roughen the surface of the disk. Glue adheres better to coarser surfaces.
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Wipe the backs of the typewriter keys and the bracelet disks clean with rubbing alcohol using cotton balls. This removes dirt, debris and oil from the two surfaces.
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Tape the ends of the disk-and-loop bracelet form to a piece of cardboard and pull it taut. This will enable you to glue the typewriter keys to the disks without worrying the bracelet will move.
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Determine which typewriter keys to use and in what order to place them on your bracelet.
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Following the manufacturer's instructions, glue the typewriter keys to the disks on the bracelet. Drying times will vary depending on the glue.
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Tips & Warnings
Standard disk-and-loop bracelet forms range in length from 7 to 8 inches and come in a variety of finishes. The number of disks depends on the size and shape of the disks and the loops. When purchasing your bracelet form, explain your project to the seller to determine if the disks and typewriter keys are compatible. There are several ways to acquire typewriter keys. You can purchase an old typewriter from a yard sale or thrift shop. You can also purchase vintage typewriter keys on eBay. Look for keys from typewriters dating from the early twentieth century.
Always work in a well-ventilated room while working with rubbing alcohol and glue.
- Photo Credit Photo courtesy of Benjamin Earwicker at stock.xchng.
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Comments
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majoraltorff
Aug 27, 2010
Please put down this article. Even if well intended... Keychopping is a crime, and death to old typewriters! -
jayboxer
Aug 25, 2010
This is THE WORST possible way to show your "love" for the written word!!! It's NOT nostalgic... it's poaching! You wouldn't brag about how to turn the skin of a baby seal into a shawl. You wouldn't rip the cover from a rare 1st edition novel and frame it, just because it's pretty. This is the same thing. Collectors, like myself, search out these old antique pieces. We sometimes spend hundreds of dollars to obtain a nice one. Then we invest days, sometimes weeks, sometimes longer to obtain the necessary combination of parts, detailing, determination and elbow grease to make them like new again. Then some hot shot snips off the keys of a completely useable/collectible/beautiful typewriter that could have been loved, used and enjoyed... it's just shameful! We hold these old typewriters, with their curvy lines, detailed styling, preserved decals, intricate machinery, delicate snap, soft...
