Your old printed circuit boards should not be put out to pasture yet. Recycle these pieces into useful and eye-catching items. You will find no shortage of these intricately designed boards, because more become available every day. Call your local municipal disposal area and ask if the recycled ones are available. Most towns and cities have a separate area for disposal of electronics.
Necklace
A necklace made from these printed boards is not just for the high-tech minded. Cut shapes of squares, triangles and squares out of the boards and hang them on black waxed cords to wear around your neck. The jewelry cord can be found in any craft store. These pendants will start a conversation with everyone you meet.
Faux Gem Stones
The circuit boards can be cut in the size of stones and be set in rings or cuff links, just as you would a thin gemstone. A charm for a charm bracelet is another idea when making small delicate jewelry pieces from these recycled boards. These pieces are a must for every computer technician, engineer and programmer on your gift giving list.
Clock
Circuit boards are the perfect size for a clock face. This is a simple project to do. Craft stores sell kits for clock making, or you can also use the inner workings from a cheap store clock for an inexpensive alternative.
Wall Tile
Tile a small wall behind the computer desk in your family room or teen's bedroom with the printed circuit boards. These light boards will adhere to the wall with just a few pieces of tack putty on each tile. This makes the techno wall temporary and can come down at any time without damaging the wall.
Beaded Curtain
Cut shapes out of the circuit boards and put them on strings to assemble into the equivalent of a beaded curtain for your window or doorway. This high-tech beaded curtain can be the finishing touch to any office, either at home or at your place of work.
Coasters
Make a set of coasters for your living room or family room. Cut the pieces to coaster size and simply glue felt on the bottom as a scratch guard for your tables. Bundle a set of four or six with a decorative ribbon and give them as gifts.
Mosaic Items
Cover flower pots, waste paper baskets and even canisters with mosaic size pieces of old circuit boards. Cut the boards into small pieces and use the same technique that you would for tile mosaic projects.
