Hi friends,
So a while back, Erlene, from My Pinterventures, asked the other hosts of Merry Monday if we’d like to participate in an blogger ornament exchange. We all thought it was an awesome idea, so we began promoting it at the Merry Monday parties and asking other bloggers to participate. Little did we know that 80+ bloggers would be interested! 80! That’s completely insane but super duper awesome. A huge thank you for Erlene for pairing up all of the partners and putting this whole thing together!
The rules for the exchange were pretty simple: create or buy an ornament for under $10 to exchange with a brand new blogging buddy, based on their Christmas decor / style. Pretty awesome, right?! I love it because, not only do I get a new ornament for my Christmas decor but, I get to make one for my new blogging friend, Janet over at Try It – Like It.
Janet’s Christmas decor colors are silver or green, depending on what they put up that certain year. I knew right away that I wanted to incorporate both colors so that it could be put up any year! Janet used to be a graphic design professor, before having kids, and her husband is a computer programmer. Because they both have backgrounds with computers, and because I wanted to use both green and silver, I decided to make an ornament from old computer parts.
Supply List
- motherboard piece
- keyboard keys
- hack saw
- drill & small drill bit
- hot glue gun & glue sticks
- silver spray paint
- pencil
- black sharpie
- silver sharpie (optional)
- silver embroidery string
Instructions
1. First, I had to find the computer part pieces. I headed to my local thrift shop to see if they had anything I could use. I found this old, electronic typewriter for $0.99 so I snatched it up. Being electronic, it had a motherboard piece already inside. Score! If you found a regular computer keyboard I’m assuming it would have a motherboard piece as well because it’s electronic, but I’m not 100% sure. I’m techy, but not that techy and I didn’t have time to consult my personal geek squad. :)
2. Tear that sucker open! I unscrewed what I could, but I had to use the strength of He-Man for some bits. It finally was all apart though, and I had my keyboard pieces and my motherboard.
3. Take your keyboard, and pop some keys off. I took off way more than I needed, so that I could have extras just in case. Spray paint them silver. Let dry.
4. While the keys were drying, I had to decide what I wanted the ornament to say. I decided on “XMAS”, so I would need the motherboard piece to fit 4 keys. I popped off 4 more keys to use as a template, and measured where I would need to cut the motherboard. Use a pencil to mark where you will need to cut.
5. I researched how to cut motherboard pieces, and read that you can use a hack saw. I wish they had said miter saw so that it would go faster, but oh well. Put on a good movie, binge watch some Netflix, basically find something to entertain yourself while you cut. It’s tedious, time consuming, and a very good workout. Once done, sand the edges so that they are smooth.
6. The pieces are cut and the keys are dry, woo hoo! Now it’s time to take a nap.
7. After napping, I grabbed my motherboard piece and my drill with the 1/16 bit, and drilled a hole in 2 of the corners. This is where the string will be tied at the end.
8. I took 4 of the best looking silver keyboard keys, and spaced them evenly on the motherboard piece. One by one, I applied a bit of hot glue to the center and edges of the key, and stuck back in place.
9. Once the glue was completely dry, I wrote “XMAS” in all caps with a black sharpie.
10. Take about 6 – 8 inches of silver embroidery string, thread one end through one of the holes you drilled, and tie off. Repeat for other side and snip off any excess string.
11. This step is completely optional, but if you’re making this for someone or even if it’s for you, this is a nice touch. I took a silver sharpie and wrote my name and the year on the back for Janet and her family to remember this awesome exchange. :)
I’m really hoping Janet and her family like this Christmas ornament! This was such a fun experience, I hope it becomes an annual thing!
Want to check out more ornament DIYs? Get inspired by the other super talented bloggers who posted today!
Tiffany | The House Down the Lane
Still want more?! Be sure to come back Saturday, November 14th for the Ornament Exchange Link Party, where you can see all of the ornaments that were created and you can even share your own!
Very creative and cute! Great Christmas ornament for computer geeks!
Linda at Mixed Kreations recently posted…Fall Mason Jars
Yes, absolutely!
XO, Chelc
This has to be one of the most creative and custom-tailored ornaments I’ve seen in quite some time! It’s definitely too stinkin’ cute for words! I love your creativity (and persistence with that hacksaw) — I’m super happy that I got to participate in this exchange, too. You truly have me thinking outside of the box now! Thanks! :)
Lisa Diane at simpleprettylife.com recently posted…Cartoon to Classic DIY Ornament
Thanks so much, Lisa! The hacksaw nearly killed my arm but it was totally worth it!
XO, Chelc
How clever and cute are these ornaments?!!! Very cool upcycle!! :) Love it!!
Keri recently posted…Repurposed Sweaters and Telephone Poles
Thanks so much, Keri!
XO, Chelc
My inner geek is rejoicing! I love upcycled projects and anything that uses old computer components is a must-do.
Ellen recently posted…Tutorial: Clay Snowflake Ornaments
It was definitely a fun project!
XO, Chelc
This is so cool! Totally love how you used the inside of a computer to create this ornament. It’s perfect for the tech lover.
Erlene recently posted…Coastal Glitter Starfish Ornaments
Thanks, Erlene! I really lucked out on having all of the elements of the ornament in 1 piece!
XO, Chelc
This is so cool! My sister is very tech-y so this would be perfect for her!
Lauren Smith recently posted…We Received A Blogger Recognition Award Plus We Are Doing A Giveaway!
I’m sure she’d love it, Lauren!
XO, Chelc
This is such a cool idea for an ornament! Great for the computer hound!!
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom recently posted…Making Much of Jesus During the Holiday Season: My Guest Post
Thanks, Jennifer! You’re right, perfect for anyone techy!
XO, Chelc
I love love love it! I can’t wait to be able to put it on the tree. So perfect for us and I would have never thought of making it myself!
janet trieschman recently posted…Ornament Exchange :: Polygon Ornament Tutorial
Oh, I’m so glad you like it, Janet! I can’t wait until you get it!
XO, Chelc
These look like super cute ornaments for the computer and electronic lovers in our lives!
Yes, it’d be perfect for them, Erin!
XO, Chelc
That’s gotta be the Geek Gift of the year Chelc! Thanks for sharing at Five Star Frou-Frou. Love, Mimi xxx
Mimi recently posted…Why you, my love?
Thanks, Mimi! I’m so glad it turned out exactly how I wanted!
XO, Chelc
This is so SMART & innovative! As an engineer I super appreciate the nerdiness that is this ornament. SO cute. Also, so fun to participate with such cool bloggers on this exchange, I love all the friendships I have made this last year blogging. :)
Sam // DIY Just Cuz recently posted…The 2015 Ornament Exchange!
Thanks so much, Sam! So happy you were able to join us in the exchange!
XO, Chelc
What a neat idea! :)
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Jess recently posted…Cooking and Crafting with J & J Link Up #25 and Features
Thanks, Jess!
XO, Chelc
Hello I am a fellow ornament exchange participant popping by. Your ornament is so clever and cute!
Have a wonderful day.
Thanks for popping over!
XO, Chelc
So fun! I love this Chelc! Sharing on FB today!
Kim
Kim~madeinaday recently posted…Plaid Holiday FREE Printable Gift Tags
Thanks so much, Kim!
XO, Chelc
Girl you TOTALLY get the prize for the most creative ornament for the 2015 ornament exchange – never in a MILLION years would I have thought to do this. Excellent job woman!
Katie recently posted…Happiness Is Homemade Linky Party #98
Awe, Katie, you are too, too sweet! Thanks so much!
XO, Chelc
What a cute idea!! My husband is in IT…I’m afraid he’d take it apart to use each piece!!
Haha, I’d hope not, Bethany!
XO, Chelc
This is awesome, my husband has soo many computer parts lying around. I should take some of them and do something like this!
Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie recently posted…My Favorite Foodie Blogs
Yes, you absolutely should, Stephanie!
XO, Chelc
These ornaments are super cool! So creative. I love them!
Thanks so much, Anna!
XO, Chelc
This is so creative – I love it! I’ll be pinning this one for sure. I love an awesome upcycle! :)
Jenny @ Refresh Living recently posted…Wood Slice Chalkboard Banner
Thanks so much, Jenny!
XO, Chelc
So creative! Great idea for techies!
Julie @Life of Bliss recently posted…Colorful Kids’ Thanksgiving Tablescape
Thanks so much, Julie!
XO, Chelc