Introduction: Keyboard Domino Pendant
This project takes a steady hand and some patience, but it's inexpensive and requires no special tools. It takes about an hour and a half of work, plus an overnight to dry.
I made this project at TechShop San Francisco.
I made this project at TechShop San Francisco.
Step 1: Materials
You will need:
-Miniature dominoes - a pack of 28 can be purchased at a game store for $3.95
-Black thread*
-Black cardstock/paper
-X-acto knife
-Mod Podge or other decoupage
-3D Crystal Lacquer
-Aanraku jewelry bails - found at stained glass shops and online
-E-6000 adhesive
-Chain
* Synthetic thread will not fray and will give you sharper lines between your white keys. Cotton thread simply looks like thread and has a more DIY look.
-Miniature dominoes - a pack of 28 can be purchased at a game store for $3.95
-Black thread*
-Black cardstock/paper
-X-acto knife
-Mod Podge or other decoupage
-3D Crystal Lacquer
-Aanraku jewelry bails - found at stained glass shops and online
-E-6000 adhesive
-Chain
* Synthetic thread will not fray and will give you sharper lines between your white keys. Cotton thread simply looks like thread and has a more DIY look.
Step 2: White Keys
-Prime the domino with a substantial coat of decoupage.
-While it's still wet, wind the thread a few times around on the left side of the domino to keep the thread anchored.
-Then cross the thread along the back of the domino (photo #3) to the right side to start the wrapping that will become the white keys.
-Keep winding at about 1/16 inch increments until your even white keys reach the anchor winding. Unravel the anchor and continue wrapping until you have even white keys along the entire domino.
-Wrap the thread around the domino a few extra times to keep the thread in place and apply a thin layer of decoupage. Set aside and allow to dry.
-While it's still wet, wind the thread a few times around on the left side of the domino to keep the thread anchored.
-Then cross the thread along the back of the domino (photo #3) to the right side to start the wrapping that will become the white keys.
-Keep winding at about 1/16 inch increments until your even white keys reach the anchor winding. Unravel the anchor and continue wrapping until you have even white keys along the entire domino.
-Wrap the thread around the domino a few extra times to keep the thread in place and apply a thin layer of decoupage. Set aside and allow to dry.
Step 3: Cut Black Keys
-To cut the black keys, set a straight edge along a piece of paper and cut a long thin strip of black paper. You may be tempted to cut it wider than it should be.
-Cut into segments longer than you will want the keys to be. You'll be trimming the black keys off the top of the domino so don't worry about their exact length.
-Cut into segments longer than you will want the keys to be. You'll be trimming the black keys off the top of the domino so don't worry about their exact length.
Step 4: Place Black Keys
-Apply some decoupage on the top half of the domino where the black keys will be placed.
-To place the keys, I find it best to just stick them with the X-acto knife and place them on the still-wet decoupaged threads. You'll be able to straighten and adjust them once they're all on before the decoupage dries.
-Once they're all where you want them, let them dry for a few minutes, then coat the domino with another layer of decoupage.
-To place the keys, I find it best to just stick them with the X-acto knife and place them on the still-wet decoupaged threads. You'll be able to straighten and adjust them once they're all on before the decoupage dries.
-Once they're all where you want them, let them dry for a few minutes, then coat the domino with another layer of decoupage.
Step 5: Trim the Keys
-Be sure that the piece has dried completely before you trim the keys - about 15 minutes. Then come in with the X-acto knife at a 45 degree angle against the upper edge of the piece. Push into each key to cut it off - it's easy to slip or get ragged edges of paper if you try to drag the knife across the side of the piece. They will pop off in a way that is extremely satisfying. Don't worry about cutting into the domino itself - it won't show.
-Cut the threads on the bottom of the piano also one by one.
-Turn the domino to the wrong side and remove the free threads.
-Cut the threads on the bottom of the piano also one by one.
-Turn the domino to the wrong side and remove the free threads.
Step 6: Lacquer
Apply a generous layer of lacquer. Start by laying a ribbon of lacquer in a rectangle around the edge of the piece as shown, then fill the middle. If any bubbles occur immediately after application you can drag them off to the edge with a needle. If bubbles arise after it has started to dry I'd recommend convincing yourself that they add character to the piece. Allow to dry overnight. If you find you desire a higher volume of lacquer after it's completely dried you can repeat the step and again allow to dry overnight.
Step 7: Glue Bails
Apply a small amount of strong adhesive such as E-6000 to the textured front of each bail leaf. Press onto the wrong side of the domino on either side being careful to set them evenly. Only use E-6000 in a well ventilated space. Set aside and allow to dry.
Step 8: Finished!
Put your pendant on a chain, and you're done!