Steampunk QR Code Necklace

I wanted to design a necklace that had a QR Code in it. I figured it would be an awesome conversation piece and also a great way of giving my information out at a jewelry show or at a party. I wanted to have a steampunk feel to the piece and that is why I went with the octopus leg with gears as the suckers. I debated on having the octopus leg curl around the QR Code but I decided to go with the leg holding up the QR Code. I figured this way would also allow me to also easily change the QR Code later.

I originally wanted to do this project out of wood. Unfortunately, I'm not very well good with using the wood burning iron. It would also been a wonderful project for laser cutter. Instead I was able to find some chipboard that I had from some brochures, so I decided to try it out.

Items I Used:

Chipboard
Glue
Embossing Powder (sterling silver & Pirate Gold)
Embossing Ink Pen
Heat Gun
Paper
Laser Printer
Head Pins
Chain
Toggle Clasp
Czech Fire-Polished Beads (4mm & 6mm)
ecraft (but you can use scissors)
Scissors
Rosary Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers
Tablet (or computer)

Step 1: Create a QR Code

I used our tablet with android to create and test my QR Code. For the information on it, I used my website for jewelry. There are also a bunch of websites dedicated to creating QR Codes if you search online. I made mine a little smaller in inkscape and printed it out with my laser printer.

I didn't want the paper to be too bright so I aged the paper by using a tea bag (that I already used for tea) and swiped it over the QR Code. Then I let it dry.

Comments

[mr monoply33]

I did this a while ago, but couldn't post it in the comments for fear of it being found before I had the chance to surprise her with it.

I found a local store that specialized in trophies and plaques. They happened to have a laser engraver that was capable of writing a QR on a tolerably small level. I liked the idea more as a bracelet charm over a necklace, just so it's a bit more subtle.

[sandgurl]

It turned out really good! Hope she liked it!

[jimdhaem]

GREAT (I am shouting) piece. Added a post to my qrcartist at blog about it
http://www.qrcartist.com/2011/steampunk-qr-code-necklace/

[ScottyAlmanjoy]

This. Isn't. Steampunk.

[Crabby]

What is? Or do you not know and just wanted to chime in about some personal gripe

[sandgurl]

Sorry that you feel that way.

[ScottyAlmanjoy]

Those who do feel that way are sheeple, believing anything that says "steampunk" is steampunk. Steampunk, as an aesthetic type, usually includes some sort of pseudo-steam or pseudo-clockwork mechanism, as well as often brass and/or leather material, and based on Victorian-era fashion. This has none of those facets.

[sandgurl]

What’s not steampunk about an Antiqued brass colored necklace with garnet colored beads that has a focal as an octopus leg with gears as suckers? I think you are missing what Instructables is about. It is not only to share our ideas but also to help us improve upon our ideas. I think for a lot of us we use what we have to make our projects. Just because some of us can see potential in a project doesn’t mean that we are “sheeple.” I’ve stated very plainly that I wanted to use a different medium but it didn’t work out. The great thing is that the community has now helped me with a few ideas that would definitely help me to change my project for the better. What is even more wonderful is that there are instructables to help me with it. Even if I didn’t want to change the project, I’m sorry you can’t think out of the box. I think one of the beauties of steampunk is that it’s not clearly defined in a set of rules and it is open for imagination. Creativity is the beauty of seeing beyond what something currently is or may have been to make something new.

[Savernal]

Great use of embossing powder, the only mod I'd make would be to round the corners of the QR code charm (for comfort).

FYI for you builders: kickstarter has a cheap(ish) 3D printer kit going right now, if you're confident in tech building abilities.

[2900CC]

Always remember the girl model, muuuuack so cute.

[sholtomaud]

love it! I'm surprised the US marines don't use it on their dog tags.

[sokamiwohali]

im not suprised...they dont usually use an idea thats not theirs and get pissed when someone tries to use their ideas.

[sandgurl]

Thank You! That's a good point on the dog tags. I'm curious how long before everything has a qr code on it.

[whisperonthewind]

What's a QR code?

[sandgurl]

QR Code, aka quick response code, is a type of barcode that can be read by a cell phone. The QR code can have text or commands encoded into it. Mine has my jewelry website address encoded into it :)

[IncrediblyCondensedBlackMatter]

yeah, but now you've given nerd guys an excuse to stare at/take pictures of your chest XD

[anvil_man]

Nice...I Like this Idea. Would you mine sharing what site you used to print the code.

[sandgurl]

http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/ I used our tablet to create mine but for our online webstore we used this website. It allowed us to encode a little more information in the QR Code.

[cbraden-williams]

Cool project! I can't wait to try my own version with shrink plastic. You make your pattern almost twice as big as the finished pieces will be, which makes it easier to cut out. You can trace the pattern through the shrink plastic. Use a hole punch to make the holes and apply the ink and powder before shrinking the plastic pieces in the oven. The plastic shrinks and becomes thicker and harder and the embossing becomes concentrated and smooth. You can also paint, draw or stamp on the shrink plastic before curing it and it becomes a permanent part of the cured plastic. I would make a stencil for the gears and carefully use it to stencil on the silver embossing powder. You could also make the gears seperately and then glue them on after curing. Shrink plastic can even be curved and shaped while it is still hot. Wear thick gloves to handle the hot plastic. Once it's cool, you can drill it and sand or file the edges smooth. I'll post a picture when mine is done.

WARNING: Shink plastic is fun and very addictive!

[sandgurl]

Very good idea! I had never thought about embossing shrinky dinks. I'm excited to try it ou when I get some time.

I would love to see your version! :)

[mjursic]

Wow, this is awesome! good on ya!

[sandgurl]

Thanks!

[lafnbear]

@sandgurl: Don't know if anyone else has tried this, but thought you might be interested to know: even scanning the picture of the code in the 'ible works...

[sandgurl]

I was wondering about the actual distance someone would have to be away from the piece but never had any idea that it would work from the instructable. Interesting!

[lilith79]

I just scanned it and it worked. :)

[mr monoply33]

Now i just need a laser engraver.

[sandgurl]

Me Too!!! I need to go around the house singing, "I'm dreaming of a laser engraver." But then I think I will be told I need to get a new boyfriend or that I better win a contest!

[mr monoply33]

If I ever get one, and you find your self with a spare 3D printer, We can share.

[sandgurl]

We are still looking for the extrusion head so that we can start building our RepRap. We have most of the other parts! Although, I think casting is on the books first.

[mr monoply33]

Any chance I can get you to print me some parts? :D haha


I looked in to making one years ago, 2008 or '09. The only tutorials were for the Darwin build. I put it on the back burner until I recently got a copy of some software I can use to render 3D images.

Best of luck, if you get it working, drop me a line, upload some pictures!

[pop88]

thank you clspy

[sandgurl]

Thanks for checking it out!

[traciy2]

Love love love this!!! Great job on everything. The embossing is just the right color and the beads on the necklace are perfect. I have a glass locket that I can use to house the QR code for my website. Thanks for the awesome idea :)

[sandgurl]

Thank you! The locket is a wonderful idea!

[KreaKatri]

Very cool!
Really nice way to give out your information :)

You could also put a necklace/bracelet lock on it, so you can change the piece of jewelry you put it on, depending on the occasion, making different styles of jewelry to put it on. That way you aim the "advertisement" specifically on the audience.

[sandgurl]

Thanks! It would be nice to make it interchangeable. Great Idea!

[DrHoppe]

This would be a very cool real world item if you could get one made in etched metal with favorite sayings and things like that. You should consider doing this more professionally and making some money on it!

It's like making geek and chic meet up somewhere in the middle...and for the record your photo is the perfect middle ground. ;)

[sandgurl]

I agree with you about the etched metal! If not etched maybe a two-toned color by using brass and copper?

Thank you about the middle ground.... I was starting to wonder! :)

[JoeStrout]

I love it. It really does give guys (and girls?) an excuse to take a picture of your cleavage, but as long as you're OK with that, why not?

I wonder if you could do something similar with earrings, too.

[sandgurl]

I don't really see a problem with anyone taking a picture of my cleavage when I have the QR Code hanging in that area. It's just part of it.

I originally wanted to do a bracelet but figured a necklace would get a little more attention. Earrings would also be a great option and I believe most people on average would feel more comfortable taking a photo of earrings. I guess it depends on where you are and who you are trying have take a photo.