Bonnie Getchell
One of our awesome readers, Abby, asked if we had any projects for old computer parts. In response to her question, we put together a round-up of 5 cool crafts with old computer parts! Grab your keyboards, circuit boards, etc, and get crafty!
1. Upcycled Painted Keyboard Rocket Console by Doodle Craft
Especially in this generation, children love to pretend that they’re typing. If you have an old keyboard, or if you find one at a thrift store, turn it into a rocket console like Doodle Craft did! She painted small images on each key to make it look like the inside of a real rocket! To make this project even more eco-friendly, perhaps you could use Dick Blick’s green tempera paint instead of regular acrylic paint.
Next>> Keyboard Wallet by Howcast.com
[Photo credit: Stack of Old Computer Equipment via Shutterstock]
I love the circuit board wallet. I’ve created wrist cuffs out of the rainbow colored ribbon inside a computer. Here’s an example:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/68293208/wrist-cuff-made-from-rainbow-computer
Just be careful with computer innerds… There is lead and other toxic substances in there, which is why most municipalities require special recycling for electronics.
I wouldn’t let my kid touch the computer, in fact, I don’t, usually. Brominated flame retardants in the plastic are my first concern, and they come off in dust (which is why you should damp dust around your computer, frequently). Look up PBDEs. They are not to be trifled with. Also, PVC is commonly used to insulate cables, which often contains phthalates and lead. And finally, computer circuit boards will often (especially if they’re older) have lead solder. Monitors are also “great” sources of lead. So I’d steer clear and find an estewards-certified recycler to dispose of your old computer equipment—this will prevent the toxic waste (yes, it’s considered toxic waste and can’t be landfilled!!!) from being shipped to China where little children will break it down for us. 🙁