Old AOL trial discs, scratched music albums, and obsolete software CDs usually sit in closets gathering dust. You do not need to throw them into the trash. These plastic discs work surprisingly well for simple weekend projects. With basic supplies, you can turn unwanted media into home decor, garden accents, and simple gifts.
These 26 simple CD crafts show how you can reuse old media at home. Grab a hot glue gun and boil a pot of water to soften the plastic before cutting.
1. DIY mosaic disco ball
Snip unused compact discs into small square tiles using heavy-duty kitchen shears. Glue these reflective tiles onto a lightweight styrofoam sphere, working from top to bottom. Hang the sphere near a sunlit window so it casts light across your walls each afternoon.
2. Iridescent CD coasters
Protect your wooden tabletops with handmade coasters. Apply decorative paper, yarn, or felt directly to the printed side of the disc using waterproof Mod Podge. Add a thick top coat of clear sealant to guard against liquid spills and hot coffee mugs.
3. Reflective garden wind spinners
String several compact discs together vertically using fishing line or weather resistant twine. Place glass beads between each disc for weight. Hang the strand from a tree branch or porch overhang. As the breeze spins the discs, flashes of sunlight keep hungry birds away from your vegetable garden.
4. Mosaic CD mirror frame
Cut old CDs into small triangular shapes. Glue the plastic shards around a wooden or plastic mirror frame. Fill the small gaps with black tile grout to set the mosaic design in place.
5. Bright CD sun catcher
Paint designs directly onto the shiny surface of a disc using glass paint or paint pens. Drill a small hole near the top edge, thread a ribbon through, and hang it in front of a window to catch the afternoon light.
6. Upcycled CD wall clock
Buy a basic quartz battery clock kit online or at a craft store. Push the center spindle through the hole of a music CD, attach the clock hands, and add numbers using vinyl stickers or permanent markers.
7. CD flower pots
Cut reflective discs into small rectangular tiles and attach them around terra cotta flower pots with outdoor craft glue. These planters reflect sunlight and pair nicely alongside scrap wood crafts on a patio.
8. Holographic CD picture frame
Cover a flat wooden photo frame with overlapping CD chips using craft glue. The reflective material changes color under different room lighting, creating a unique display for family photos.
9. Reflective CD bird feeder accent
Glue curved CD pieces along the sloped roof of a wooden birdhouse in overlapping rows. This creates a waterproof roof that sheds rain. Read safety tips about backyard bird environments from the National Audubon Society before putting up new outdoor feeders.
10. Geometric CD wall decor
Arrange whole CDs into a grid or honeycomb pattern on a large canvas. Spray paint the canvas matte black around the discs to create contrast against the mirrored surfaces.
11. Shiny CD Christmas ornaments
Cut old CDs into small fragments and drop them inside clear plastic ornament bulbs. These ornaments fit right in alongside traditional vintage Christmas crafts on a holiday tree.
12. Upcycled CD guitar picks
Use a guitar pick punch tool to cut custom picks straight out of old compact discs. The rigid plastic holds up well when plucking guitar strings.
13. Mosaic CD jewelry box
Decorate the lid of a wooden jewelry box with mosaic CD pieces arranged in diamond shapes. Paint a coat of clear high gloss resin over the top to seal the shards under a smooth finish.
14. CD mosaic tile accents
You can add mosaic accents to serving trays and tabletop coasters. Craft guides at Martha Stewart Crafts note that soaking discs in warm water before cutting prevents the plastic from cracking, giving you clean edges for mosaic designs.
15. Reflective CD candle holder
Glue glass gems around the outer rim of an intact disc, leaving the center clear. Place a pillar candle holder in the middle to reflect the candlelight across your table.
16. Animal CD crafts for kids
Compact discs make sturdy circular bases for children’s art projects. Kids can make animals by gluing paper ears, felt, and craft eyes onto the discs. See our guide on jute crafts for more simple home project ideas.
17. Mosaic CD serving tray
Line the bottom of a flat wooden tray with cut CD shapes in a geometric grid. Pour clear epoxy resin over the pieces to create a flat, washable surface for serving food or drinks.
18. Upcycled CD desk organizer
Mount three or four CDs vertically on a wooden base using small wooden spools as spacers. Use the slots between the discs to sort incoming mail, envelopes, and papers on your desk.
19. CD crescent moon wall hanging
Trace a crescent moon onto an old CD with a permanent marker and trim away the excess plastic. Hang metallic stars below the moon using thread to finish the wall piece.
20. Iridescent CD door wreath
Glue dozens of whole CDs onto a wire wreath frame in overlapping rows. The finished wreath reflects porch light during the evening.
21. Mosaic CD tissue box cover
Glue angular CD fragments across a wooden tissue box cover. Fill the spaces between pieces with dark grout or craft paint to hide plain cardboard boxes.
22. Upcycled CD bookmarks
Cut thin plastic strips from undamaged CDs using a utility knife. Punch a hole near the top end, tie a yarn tassel through it, and draw designs on the bookmark with permanent markers.
23. Mosaic guitar wall art
Turn an unplayable acoustic guitar into wall art by tiling the front face of the instrument with cut CD pieces. Mount the finished piece in a music room or office space.
24. CD dreamcatcher
Weave tapestry yarn through the center hole of a disc to build a web pattern. Tie hanging ribbons, beads, strings, and feathers along the bottom rim to finish the hanging decoration.
25. Reflective CD lamp shade
Connect unused discs together with small metal jump rings around a bare lamp frame structure. Switching on the light inside casts geometric light patterns across the room.
26. DIY CD scratch art
Coat the silver side of a CD with black acrylic paint and let it dry completely. Use a wooden stylus or paperclip to scratch off custom designs, revealing the shiny plastic layer underneath. This project works well for both kids and adults.
Key takeaways and crafting tips
- Safe cutting: Warm plastic CDs in hot water or with a hair dryer before using scissors. Soft plastic cuts smoothly without shattering into jagged pieces.
- Adhesive selection: Use hot glue for quick indoor items. Choose clear silicone or craft epoxy for projects heading outdoors.
- Surface sealing: Coat indoor tile surfaces and coasters with clear Mod Podge or resin to shield your work from daily wear.
Conclusion
Before throwing away old software discs or scratched music albums, consider upcycling them into home decor or garden pieces. Reusing plastic media cuts down on household waste while turning junk drawer items into practical household objects.