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Area 49

This guide provides information on how to use technology within Area 49, as well as guides for digital technologies and physical projects. Area 49 is available for use by all current students, faculty, and staff.

Introduction

Recycle your soda tabs into fun keychain buddies! You will need:

  • Soda can tabs
  • Jewelry wire (24 Gauge)
  • Seed beads
  • Large/accent beads
  • Keychain hardware
  • Wire cutters
  • Needle-nose pliers (optional but helpful)

 

four soda tab buddy keychains laid out on a table, surrounded by supplies

Head and Neck

It is recommended to wear safety glasses when clipping the wire to prevent eye injury.

  1. Select a soda tab and a large bead for the head.
  2. Cut a small piece of wire (about 4 inches) and fold it in half. Twist the folded end of the wire to form a loop.

small piece of wire that is folded in half and twisted

  1. Slide the large bead onto the two "loose" ends of the folded wire, then over the twisted part.
  2. Split the two ends of the wire and thread them through either side of the hole in the soda tab, then bend them both upwards.

head and neck attached to soda tab

head and neck attached to soda tab

  1. Bend both wires to one size, then wrap them around the "neck." Cut off excess wire.
 

wires wrapped around neck/head piece

wires wrapped around neck/head piece

Limbs

  1. Cut about 4-6 inches of wire and thread a bead onto it. Fold it in half, with the bead at the fold.
small folded wire with small bead threaded onto one side
  1. Thread seed beads onto both "loose" ends of the wire and push them down towards the end bead.
folded wire with small beads threaded onto it
  1. Split the two ends of the wire and thread them through either side of the hole in the soda tab, then bend them around towards the limb.

limb attached to soda tab body

  1. Bend the ends of the wire towards one side, then wrap them around the base of the limb. Cut off excess.

soda tab buddy with head and arm

Finishing

  1. Repeat the "Limbs" section for all limbs.
  2. Use a jump hoop to attach your desired hardware (keychain, safety pin, charm clip, etc).

completed soda tab buddy without hardware

completed soda tab buddy