DIY Network

Keyboard Signage and USB Jewelry Craft with the treasures hidden in an old computer keyboard. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-206

A humble USB port becomes a charming pendant necklace.

Michele Beschen has already shown how easy it is to make mod jewelry from old computer keys. Now, she fillets the rest of her old keyboard to supply more fun projects.

The B. Original host brings back some of the keys she popped off the keyboard to create a fun and funky sign. Then, she pries loose the keyboard's USB port and uses it as the base for a beautiful techie-inspired pendant. Both projects are quick and easy, and both make use of the bounty found inside an old keyboard. Scroll down for Michele Beschen's how-to.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Keyboard Signage

• If you haven't already done so, unscrew the screws holding the keyboard together and disassemble. THis project uses the keyboard's back plate—the piece the keys originally attached to.

• Finish popping the keys off the back plate if you haven't already done so.

• Decide whether you want to leave your keyboard its original color or change it. Michele Beschen painted hers a rich brown color, which provided a strong contrast to the letter keys, which stayed their original off-white.

• Lay out your compute keys to spell out whatever message you desire (figure A). You'll probably want to use letters from other keyboards as well, unless your message uses only one of each letter.

• Use contact cement to glue the letters in place on the keyboard back (figure B).

• Also glue down glass gems, rocks and other embellishments as desired (figure C). You also can do some decorative painting on the keyboard plate.

• Add a thin rope or small-gauge hardware chain to hang.

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

USB Pendant

Keys aren't the only craft fodder found in a keyboard: Michele Beschen's included a couple of USB ports, which are as handy for crafting as they are for computing. Here's how to turn one into a small pendant necklace:

• Detach the USB port from the rest of the keyboard and snip off any pieces you don't want to use, such as wires or couplings (figure D).

• To smooth out any rough patches—such as where bits were snipped off—brush on a little Plastic Dip. Designed as a coating for tool handles, it gives a nice, rubbery coating; use just enough to cover the holes or trimmed spots and let dry completely.

• The front of the USB port has a silvery panel that can be engraved with a Dremel rotary tool using an engraving bit. Engrave an initial or design if desired (figure E.)

• String leather cording through the back of the USB port. Add a clasp to the cord.

• Add whatever additional decorative touches you like, securing embellishments with contact cement. Michele Beschen filled her USB port with small glass flowers, making it look like a tiny vase (figure F)