Old Typewriter Keys for Jewelry



Posted: Thursday, October 14, 2010

by Ray Sherman

Many crafters have discovered the art of using old typewriter keys for jewelry creations such as bracelets, necklaces and cufflinks. These vintage keys have a nostalgic look and are quite a converstaion piece for those wearing them. In fact, this jewelry is so popular that finding enough of these old keys to keep up with demand can be difficult! So where do you find them?

In the summer months, yard/garage and estate sales are a great place to look. Taking a Saturday or Sunday to visit a few of these sales can usually yeild an andtique or vintage typewriter or two with some nice keys on it for a good price. Don't be afraid of a rusty or dirty looking machine! The keys on an antique typewriter are usually of great quality and even though the machine is broken and rusted, the keys remain in great shape. A little cleaning and you can end up with a beautiful set of old typewriter keys!

Another place is your local thrift stores. The prices here will almost always be low, but finding a typewriter can take time. Most of these stores will not put out a rusty old machine or one that appears broken. These get thrown out and it limits your success in finding keys for your jewelry making needs. Still, if you live near one of these stores, stopping in when you can only takes 10 minutes and is well worth a quick walk-through if you have the time.

Craigslist is another place. On CL, there seems to always be a typewriter for sale. Be ready to wheel and deal! Most of the typewriters listed are overpriced for jewelry making because they are in working order. Still, I've found people will come down a lot if you sound ready to meet with cash & buy right now!

The online auction houses like eBay are my favorite. The selection is great, the prices low and there's more choice. Unlike a garage sale, Craigslist or a thrift store, these online auction houses have both the entire typewriter or just the keys! I usually go for just the keys and prefer the listings with key pads only, no stems. This way I can get right to my jewelry making without wasting time cutting them or tearing apart a typewriter.

However, if I see a nice old typewriter with some colored keys or the hard to find tombstone keys, I'll often buy the whole thing and dismantle it myself because I can't keep up with the demand of those keys. People seem to love the old colored function keys on their typewriter jewelry and there's never enough to go around! Buying the whole typewriter can sometimes be cheaper too, especially if it's in very poor condition.

Are you finding yourself in short supply of vintage typewriter keys for your jewelry making needs? Your time spent searching for supplies could be better spent making jewelry. Time is money. Save yourself both time and money by visiting http://www.VintageTypewriterJewelry.com right now and learn where the best deals and biggest selection for all your typewriter jewelry making needs are hiding out.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 226 days ago.
153 fans.
I've heard about unusual niches, but I think yours wins the prize!
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