Remember listening to CDs, way back when? The music listening method of choice in the 1990s, CDs were prized for their sturdiness (more difficult to scratch than a conventional LP) and small size. Audio technology changes quickly, however. Fast forward to today, and they're usually found taking up entirely too much space in drawers and on bookshelves. Between the advent of wireless music streaming and a retro return to records and turntables, the CD is all but obsolete.
There is a use for dusty CDs, whether just a few or an expansive collection – even those “Best of the '80s” compilations. CDs are making a triumphant comeback in the crafting world. Repurposing them in creative ways lessens the guilt of owners who just don't have the heart to throw them away, and the projects brighten their homes – a win-win if there ever was one.
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Earth shattering
Broken CD shards can instantly dramatize a surface’s appearance. Just remember that they’re not too flexible, so it’s best to use scissors to cut up into random angular pieces as opposed to throwing them around. Placing CDs into a bowl of boiled water for about five minutes makes them easier to cut, but do this in a well-ventilated area. The pieces create an elegant mosaic covering for everything from a plain plastic Christmas ornament or a simple terra cotta flower pot, to a mirror frame or even a beautiful privacy panel for a bathroom window. The rainbow iridescence of the CD pieces infuses any object with a glittery elegance.
Broken CD shards can instantly dramatize a surface’s appearance. Just remember that they’re not too flexible, so it’s best to use scissors to cut up into random angular pieces as opposed to throwing them around. Placing CDs into a bowl of boiled water for about five minutes makes them easier to cut, but do this in a well-ventilated area. The pieces create an elegant mosaic covering for everything from a plain plastic Christmas ornament or a simple terra cotta flower pot, to a mirror frame or even a beautiful privacy panel for a bathroom window. The rainbow iridescence of the CD pieces infuses any object with a glittery elegance.
Drink up
A standard CD is just the right size for a drink coaster. It can be left plain and unadorned as a conversation starter about whatever music genre it represents or, with a bit more time invested, it can be spray painted or covered with contact paper or fabric to harmonize with the room. Either way, it will serve a new but admirable purpose by keeping tabletops pristine.
A standard CD is just the right size for a drink coaster. It can be left plain and unadorned as a conversation starter about whatever music genre it represents or, with a bit more time invested, it can be spray painted or covered with contact paper or fabric to harmonize with the room. Either way, it will serve a new but admirable purpose by keeping tabletops pristine.
Ersatz roofing
It’s been proven throughout the ages that kids will play with a refrigerator box far longer than the hottest toy-of-the-moment. Next time they’re in the fort or playhouse building mood, supply them with a store of old CDs. When layered in a fish scale pattern and glued to a large box, they become glowing “roof” tiles, appropriate for many a child’s creative play.
It’s been proven throughout the ages that kids will play with a refrigerator box far longer than the hottest toy-of-the-moment. Next time they’re in the fort or playhouse building mood, supply them with a store of old CDs. When layered in a fish scale pattern and glued to a large box, they become glowing “roof” tiles, appropriate for many a child’s creative play.
Petite picture frames
For parents who find themselves with a surplus of wallet-sized school pictures of their kids, CDs can be turned into picture frames for them. Simply apply paint, glitter or stickers to one side of the CD, and position and tape the photo to the other side, so it shows through the center opening. For a vertical group, make two or three and tape a length of ribbon to the backs of the CDs, after the photos have been placed. Nail to the wall or cut a hole into the top of the ribbon and hang anywhere.
For parents who find themselves with a surplus of wallet-sized school pictures of their kids, CDs can be turned into picture frames for them. Simply apply paint, glitter or stickers to one side of the CD, and position and tape the photo to the other side, so it shows through the center opening. For a vertical group, make two or three and tape a length of ribbon to the backs of the CDs, after the photos have been placed. Nail to the wall or cut a hole into the top of the ribbon and hang anywhere.
Telling time
Turning a CD into a clock transforms the unused into useful in the blink of an eye. Small clock kits are easy to find at big box home stores and arts and crafts stores. They include the clock hands, a quartz movement mechanism and a few other essential components. Simply affix the mechanism to the back of the CD, make sure the hands go through the center hole, and position the hands in the front. Before assembly, CDs can be painted or covered or left plain to show the world the owner’s love of No Doubt.
Turning a CD into a clock transforms the unused into useful in the blink of an eye. Small clock kits are easy to find at big box home stores and arts and crafts stores. They include the clock hands, a quartz movement mechanism and a few other essential components. Simply affix the mechanism to the back of the CD, make sure the hands go through the center hole, and position the hands in the front. Before assembly, CDs can be painted or covered or left plain to show the world the owner’s love of No Doubt.
Efficient earring organizer
An organized jewelry collection can be a serious timesaver in the morning. Puncturing small holes continuously around the outer edge of a CD and mounting it on a base creates an efficient earring keeper. A container of CDs or DVDs includes a spindle that can serve as the base – positioning the CD at the top of the spindles allows earrings to be hung from it. Or, if a spindle or other type of base material isn’t on hand, simply put thin ribbon through one of the holes to hang on the wall and use the remaining holes for hanging earrings.
An organized jewelry collection can be a serious timesaver in the morning. Puncturing small holes continuously around the outer edge of a CD and mounting it on a base creates an efficient earring keeper. A container of CDs or DVDs includes a spindle that can serve as the base – positioning the CD at the top of the spindles allows earrings to be hung from it. Or, if a spindle or other type of base material isn’t on hand, simply put thin ribbon through one of the holes to hang on the wall and use the remaining holes for hanging earrings.
Statement necklace
Skip the trip to a high-end jewelry store for one of those gorgeous multi-leveled, organically shaped necklaces. Instead, grab a CD (or two), cut it into different sized chunks and bake it in the oven – 350 to 400 degrees F should work – for a short time. This will rough up the edges and make the metallic surface more space-inspired and modernistic. Dremel-drilled holes and some low-cost jewelry crafting hardware are all it takes to create a one-of-a-kind chandelier piece with drama to spare.
Skip the trip to a high-end jewelry store for one of those gorgeous multi-leveled, organically shaped necklaces. Instead, grab a CD (or two), cut it into different sized chunks and bake it in the oven – 350 to 400 degrees F should work – for a short time. This will rough up the edges and make the metallic surface more space-inspired and modernistic. Dremel-drilled holes and some low-cost jewelry crafting hardware are all it takes to create a one-of-a-kind chandelier piece with drama to spare.
Kids’ Room Name Banner
A festive wall banner with a child’s name or passion – whether puppies or painting – is an easy, fun way to individualize a bedroom or playroom. CDs that are painted or covered can be clipped to a length of ribbon, yarn or colored string. Then letters can be added to spell out a word using anything from magic markers to pieces of construction paper.
A festive wall banner with a child’s name or passion – whether puppies or painting – is an easy, fun way to individualize a bedroom or playroom. CDs that are painted or covered can be clipped to a length of ribbon, yarn or colored string. Then letters can be added to spell out a word using anything from magic markers to pieces of construction paper.
Room stylizer
Dozens of CDs can be repurposed into a striking room divider or wall hanging. By drilling four holes – one each into the “12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock” positions of every CD and looping them vertically and horizontally with silver binder rings from an office supply store, the maker creates an attractive piece with many uses. The only limit to the piece’s size is the number of CDs in the collection. A CD “wall” can also provide privacy when hung from a porch ceiling, and the shimmery movement makes for a pretty visual outdoor element.
Dozens of CDs can be repurposed into a striking room divider or wall hanging. By drilling four holes – one each into the “12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock” positions of every CD and looping them vertically and horizontally with silver binder rings from an office supply store, the maker creates an attractive piece with many uses. The only limit to the piece’s size is the number of CDs in the collection. A CD “wall” can also provide privacy when hung from a porch ceiling, and the shimmery movement makes for a pretty visual outdoor element.
Beautified bag
Use cut-up CD pieces to bedazzle the front flap of a handbag. Glue is the only other needed supply, and the result is fabulous. Not only will the simple craft up the accessory’s style quotient exponentially, but it also will be noticed. And think what this treatment could do for a pair of seen-better-days sneakers!
Use cut-up CD pieces to bedazzle the front flap of a handbag. Glue is the only other needed supply, and the result is fabulous. Not only will the simple craft up the accessory’s style quotient exponentially, but it also will be noticed. And think what this treatment could do for a pair of seen-better-days sneakers!
Artsy Advent Calendar
Looping seven lengths of green and red ribbon or yarn around a thin, wall-mounted horizontal dowel forms the basis of this holiday-themed CD craft. Twenty-five CDs will represent the 24 days leading up to Christmas, plus the big day. The CDs already sparkle, so cover the bottom half of each one. Partially glue a half-moon-shaped piece of felt to the bottom of each CD (just apply glue to the bottom edge of each felt piece). A pocket is created to hold a small treat or fortune.
Looping seven lengths of green and red ribbon or yarn around a thin, wall-mounted horizontal dowel forms the basis of this holiday-themed CD craft. Twenty-five CDs will represent the 24 days leading up to Christmas, plus the big day. The CDs already sparkle, so cover the bottom half of each one. Partially glue a half-moon-shaped piece of felt to the bottom of each CD (just apply glue to the bottom edge of each felt piece). A pocket is created to hold a small treat or fortune.
Retro fun
Whether made for one-time use at a dance party or as an everyday accessory for a disco lover, CDs are the main ingredient for a disco ball redux. Glue CD pieces on a large Styrofoam ball, hang from the ceiling, and the party's made. Grab the Donna Summer and Bee Gees – records, of course – and disco dance until the wee hours.
Whether made for one-time use at a dance party or as an everyday accessory for a disco lover, CDs are the main ingredient for a disco ball redux. Glue CD pieces on a large Styrofoam ball, hang from the ceiling, and the party's made. Grab the Donna Summer and Bee Gees – records, of course – and disco dance until the wee hours.
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Magnetic personality
This project allows the maker to customize a CD and transform it into a commonly used tool. Far better than a store-bought magnet set, CDs can be embellished with foam letters, buttons, sequins or photos. All that’s needed is the addition of a small magnet hot glued to the other side. A CD magnet can hold a grocery list on the fridge or add style to a school locker.
This project allows the maker to customize a CD and transform it into a commonly used tool. Far better than a store-bought magnet set, CDs can be embellished with foam letters, buttons, sequins or photos. All that’s needed is the addition of a small magnet hot glued to the other side. A CD magnet can hold a grocery list on the fridge or add style to a school locker.