Buzz
These outdated CDs can be repurposed to create a wide array of enjoyable and imaginative crafts.
iStockphoto.com/JobHopperCompact discs are an excellent choice for crafting with recycled materials. They boast a shiny appearance, are lightweight, perfectly round, and simple to hang. Their smooth surface is ideal for attaching photos, gemstones, fabric, or any other decorative elements you prefer. So, what can you do with the numerous old CDs cluttering your home and workspace?
Innovative craft enthusiasts have transformed CDs into everything from stylish evening attire to eye-catching wall decorations. For instance, you could turn heads by wearing a sleeveless cocktail dress crafted from CDs connected with gold jewelry hooks. Alternatively, you could enhance your living space with a unique lamp featuring a base made of stacked CDs or wall art created by linking shiny CDs to bamboo rods [source: HGTV].
Old CDs have been repurposed into a variety of creative items, including disco balls, sun catchers, wreaths, mosaics, mobiles, party invitations, and even bird feeders. Simply coat the disc with peanut butter or bacon grease, roll it in birdseed, hang it from a tree with yarn, and enjoy watching birds gather in your yard.
The complexity of CD crafts varies based on your desired level of intricacy. Some projects require more effort than others. For example, a basic Christmas ornament can be completed in 15 minutes, while a mosaic picture frame might take hours of cutting and gluing CD pieces. CD crafts are not only affordable and enjoyable but also adaptable for all ages, from children to adults. However, always supervise young children when they use scissors or other crafting tools.
Discover how to transform your old CDs into ornaments, photo frames, candleholders, coasters, bowls, and even clocks in the following sections.
Recycled CD Ornaments
The reflective surface of a CD makes it an ideal base for crafting dazzling ornaments. You can embellish one side of the disc or create a more intricate design by gluing two CDs together with their shiny sides facing outward, ensuring a glittering effect from every angle.
You can adorn your ornament with a variety of materials, such as ribbon, lace, beads, gemstones, sequins, glitter, or acrylic paint. Customize the outer edge with any design you prefer, then attach a ribbon to the back or drill a hole at the top to hang it on a door, wall, or Christmas tree branch. With enough time, CD ornaments can become incredibly elaborate.
A common craft idea involves cutting out an image from a newspaper, magazine, or the internet and gluing it onto the shiny side of the CD, covering the original label. For Christmas, consider using images of snowmen, snowflakes, Santa Claus, or even cutouts from old holiday cards.
For Valentine's Day, you can decorate your CD ornaments with hearts or angels. Halloween-themed ornaments might feature pumpkins, witches, or black cats. For the Fourth of July, try adding stars or the American flag to the center. These festive CDs can also be customized for St. Patrick's Day or Easter.
At holiday parties, you can embellish the edges of the CD with glitter glue, take instant photos of your guests, and place them in the center. Simply drill a small hole at the top, thread a 10-inch (25 cm) piece of string or ribbon through it, and you have a memorable party favor [source: Make-Stuff].
Another creative option is to trace shapes like stockings, bells, trees, stars, or snowmen onto the shiny side of the CD and cut them out using a small electric scroll saw. Smooth the edges with a dremel, punch a hole at the top for hanging, and paint the CDs with acrylics. Add children's names using a metallic permanent marker for a personalized touch [source: Make-Stuff].
Feeling motivated? Continue reading to discover how CDs can enhance your photo projects.
Ready to celebrate? A disco ball, one of the most imaginative CD-based ornaments, is the ultimate party accessory. To create your own, you'll need six to eight CDs cut into random ½-inch (1.3 cm) pieces, a 5-inch (12.7 cm) Styrofoam ball, tacky glue, and a wire. Wrap the wire around the Styrofoam ball twice, as if wrapping a gift, and form a loop at the top. Then, glue the CD pieces onto the Styrofoam. Hang it using the wire. Whether you don your bell-bottoms and dance to the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack is entirely your choice [source: Making Friends].
Recycled CD Photo Frames
Struggling to find the perfect Mother's Day gift for grandma? Consider a photo of the grandkids smiling brightly against a glossy CD background.
Creating photo frames from CDs is just as simple as crafting holiday ornaments. Cut a photo into a 2-inch to 3-inch (5 cm to 7.5 cm) circle, glue it to the center of the CD's reflective side, and cover the back with felt. Drill a hole at the top, thread a string or ribbon through it, and you've got a quick and thoughtful Mother's Day present.
Another option is to add a magnet strip to the back of the CD photo, allowing it to be displayed on the refrigerator. You can also experiment with cutting the photo into unique shapes. Rather than sticking to traditional squares or circles, trace the outline of the children and attach the trimmed photo to a border made of construction paper, felt, or fabric. Secure the fabric-covered photo to the CD using glue.
To create a freestanding CD photo frame, you’ll need to craft a base. This is simple: mix flour, water, and a bit of salt. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius), then combine 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of salt, and ½ cup of water. Shape the dough into a base of your desired form.
You can design the base in a square, rectangle, or oval shape, but ensure it’s at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and 2 inches (5 cm) wide to securely hold the CD. Use cardboard or a knife to carve a slot into the base, adjusting it until the CD fits snugly inside.
Place the base on a cookie sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for up to two and a half hours. After baking, let the base dry overnight. The next day, use acrylic paint to add color and embellish it with glue and glitter for a decorative touch [source: Family Corner].
Once the decorations are fully dry, slide the CD into the slot and display it on a bookshelf or mantel as a cherished family keepsake.
Continue reading to discover how CDs can enhance the glow of your candles.
For centuries, mosaics have been crafted using glass shards and colored pottery fragments. Now, you can incorporate CD pieces into the mix. Break the CDs into ¼- to ½-inch (.63 to 1.27 cm) pieces and arrange them in a mosaic pattern. Combine different colored CDs, such as silver and gold, and mix them with other shiny items like stones or old jewelry. Use a glue gun or spray adhesive to attach the pieces to a flat-surfaced frame [source: Squidoo].
Recycled CD Candleholders
Candlelight, like infrared light, pairs beautifully with CDs. Using a CD as a candleholder is an effortless way to add warmth and brightness to any room.
The easiest method to use a CD as a candleholder is to place a small pillar or votive candle in the center of the disc with the shiny side facing up. As the candle burns, its flame will reflect off the CD's surface, creating a cozy ambiance. Once the candle has burned down and the disc is coated with wax, you can discard it or repurpose it for another craft. Removing the wax might damage the CD's reflective surface, so consider transforming it into a photo ornament as described earlier.
Another option is to secure the candle to the center of the CD's shiny side and attach a piece of felt or foam to the back for cushioning. Surround the CD with decorative elements like a wreath, potpourri, flowers, leaves, or tree branches. Alternatively, for a more elegant touch, glue beads or lace around the edge. Ensure there’s enough space between the candle and any flammable decorations.
CD candle arrangements also make excellent centerpieces for buffet tables. They are affordable and simple to create, making them ideal for parties or cozy evenings at home. Let your creativity shine through your lighting choices.
If you’re intrigued by table decor, read on to learn how CDs can prevent water stains on your coffee table.
Beyond decorating your tree, CDs can enhance your Christmas display by reflecting multi-colored lights. Insert c-7 bulbs through the center of a CD with the shiny side facing outward. String the lights along outdoor stakes or sidewalks to create a dazzling effect that will impress your neighbors [source: Make-Stuff].
Recycled CD Coasters
While CDs are typically safeguarded from harm, they can serve as protectors in this scenario—functioning as beverage coasters. Their ideal shape and size make them perfect for placing your coffee mug or water glass on top, shielding your table from unsightly drink rings.
For a rock 'n roll vibe, repurpose old CDs from artists like the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, or the Beatles. Cut a piece of felt to match the CD's size and glue it to the bottom. Apply the same method to create themed coasters, such as children's movies (using DVDs) or jazz legends. Any CD with an attractive cover design works well. If you prefer not to use your personal collection, find used CDs and DVDs at yard sales or bargain bins.
To add a personal touch, use a CD labeling kit to print templates from the internet or design your own [source: DLTK]. Alternatively, let your kids use pens or paint to create unique artwork on each CD. You can also personalize coasters by printing labels with family members' names and decorating only the borders.
After completing the design, cover the CDs with a clear adhesive plastic sheet or contact paper to protect the artwork from moisture and stains. Don’t forget to attach felt to the bottom to prevent the coasters from sliding and scratching your furniture.
Continue reading to learn how to craft your own CD bowl and amaze your friends.
To create elegant table coasters, gather a few gold or silver CDs, white cotton lace, and glue. Spread glue along the outer edge of the CD with your fingers, then attach one end of the lace to the CD's edge, creating small pleats as you work your way around. Once complete, trim the excess lace, and your coaster is ready [source: Essortment].
Recycled CD Bowls
How can you turn something rigid and flat into something soft and curved? The answer lies in melting it.
To craft a CD bowl, preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C). Place a small, oven-safe bowl on a flat baking sheet. Position the CD shiny side up on top of the bowl, allowing it to overlap. Bake until the CD softens and molds to the bowl's shape. Carefully remove the setup using potholders, as it will be hot, and let it cool before painting [source: Associated Content].
Decorate the outside of the CD bowl with acrylic paints, either with a design or a solid color. To cover the hole in the center, glue a small piece of plastic or fabric inside the bowl. Alternatively, attach the bowl to a saucer or plate to create a sealed base. Use your new bowl as a decorative piece, or fill it with cotton balls for the bathroom, potpourri for the living room, or paperclips for your desk.
If you’d like to shape the bowl manually, remove the CD from the oven once it softens and use a spoon or chopsticks to mold it into your desired curves. Wear protective gloves and handle the CD gently to avoid cracking it [source: Associated Content]. To cover the hole, glue a small object to the center or attach the bowl to a small plate.
While your CD bowl can hold various items, avoid using it for food. The plastic and aluminum in the CD may contain harmful contaminants. Instead, use it as a decorative piece or for storing non-edible objects.
Continue reading to discover how CDs can help you keep track of time.
Curious about what a CD bowl looks like? Before starting this project, you might want to see examples of the finished product. Browse the internet, where numerous sites showcase photo galleries and samples [source: Hu93].
Recycled CD Clocks
What’s round, shiny, and reminds you when you’re running late? A CD clock. This easy and enjoyable craft project is both affordable and practical.
To create a CD clock, gather a CD, various art supplies (use what you already have at home), and a clock movement or clockwork, which can be purchased online or at a craft store.
Start by envisioning the design for your clock face. It’s a good idea to finalize your design before buying the clock movement, as they come in different sizes. If your CD surface is heavily decorated, you’ll need a thicker clock movement. The advantage of using a CD is that the center hole is already perfect for the clock mechanism.
Once you’ve gathered your materials, begin by painting a design on the CD or using stickers to mark the numbers around the edge. Alternatively, glue decorative items onto the CD to form your design and numbers. After the decorations are dry, follow the clockwork instructions to attach it to the CD, inserting the hands through the pre-existing center hole [source: eHow].
If you’re short on inspiration, print a clock face design from the internet onto card stock. Cut it out, create a hole in the center for the clock hands, and attach it to the CD using double-sided tape. Assemble the clock movement as per the package instructions.
Once your CD clock is complete, you can hang it on the wall using fishing line. Remember to insert the batteries to keep it running.
Numerous online platforms provide free clock face designs. Simply print their templates and attach them to your CD [Source: Hewlett-Packard]. Some sites even offer step-by-step guides for designing your own clock face and assembling the final product.
