There's something especially geeky but beautiful about old circuit boards. Their colorful, intricate designs almost seem too pretty to be trapped inside of a computer. Check out these five products made from recycled circuit boards. They're cute, creative, and eco-friendly.
I've already come across a circuit board necklace and a circuit board eyeglasses holder, but this Circuit Board Clutch takes the cake in terms of style, usability, and geeky-flair. Each silver metallic clutch features a circuit board on its front, and inside you are able to store up to nine credit cards and your ID. There are also two extra pockets, with one including a zipper for your change. All this for only $26 — the ultimate geek chic accessory — for you, or for someone else this holiday season.
I think this creation of geeky goodness, tops my list for ways to reuse old circuit boards. Etsy seller DebbyAremDesigns got really resourceful when piecing together this one of a kind recycled circuit board ID badge/eyeglass holder (which I'm naturally calling a necklace — hee hee). The artist says:
A funky badge holder made from recycled vintage circuit boards, vintage lucite and glass beads from the 1950's as well as recycled colored "bell" telephone wire from the 1950's! I've also taken very old capacitors from the 1940's and repurposed them into additional decorative components.
I just love how every piece is so unique and different — not to mention, the colorful beads and wire which make it all come together so nicely! Now if only I had to wear a badge at work, I'd be one sexy geek! You can purchase one online for $67.
I'm always in for a unique way to recycle and reuse circuit boards, but usually the novelty look of the boards makes for something that's fun-looking, like this necklace, but not objectively cool-looking.
This Circuit Board Pencil Cup, however? Definitely an exception. Check out that color! The neon apple-y green is a refreshing hue that would brighten your whole desk area. And it's green in the other, more important way!
It's so hot it's sold out for now, but similar recycled computer goodies are available from the seller in the meantime.
Be eco-geek-chic with this recycled printed circuit board necklace. Considering circuit boards account for three percent by weight of the total amount of electronic waste, you are not only getting a geekilicious piece of jewelry, but you're helping the environment as well! Each necklace is totally unique and measures over 1.5 inches wide. Pick one up from ThinkGeek for $20.
Now that you've got a pink Christmas tree covered with digital photo ornaments why not add a Circuitboard Ornament Set into the mix?! So I may be getting out of control with my geeky Christmas theme, but how adorable are these green circuit board ornaments?
I envision them hanging on a white tree with a string of white lights twinkling behind them. The set comes in a cute gift box and includes a tree, bell and a star with each being looped with a silver thread for hanging. Priced at $20 each.
What do you think of them? Love or leave? Let me know below! Thanks for sharing Calamari!
A circuit board may simply be a small, insulated board where interconnected circuits and components are mounted, but it has come to represent something much larger. In fact, circuit boards have been a source of inspiration and a material staple for designers and artists of all sorts since the widespread use of the personal computer.
I like circuit board pieces because they seem to embody the complicated and ongoing workings of a computer, but at the same time seem natural and almost organic because of their subtle, earth colors. While tech inspired art and design isn't for everyone, I've seen a real emergence of circuit board designs that are sophisticated, thoughtful — and dare I say — even geek chic.
The selection seems endless, ranging from larger pieces like the Circuit Board Lamps, which are made from reutilized computer circuit board and are stunning with the light shining through them, simple Circuit Board Luggage Tags to these cute Circuit Board Coasters, which are $19.99 from ThinkGeek.
To see some of my favorite items scroll through the widget below.
