21 Creative Uses for Old CDs in Crafts

Old CDs often end up forgotten in drawers, but they hold great potential for creative projects. Exploring creative uses for old CDs in crafts can breathe new life into these shiny discs, transforming them into eye-catching decorations and useful items.

Whether you have cracked, scratched, or simply outdated CDs, these ideas will inspire you to recycle them in fun and artistic ways.

I once stumbled upon a box full of old CDs and decided to experiment with their reflective surfaces. The variety of creative uses for old CDs in crafts amazed me, from mosaics to jewelry, proving that even discarded objects can spark imagination and add charm to everyday life.

DIY Mosaic Art Using Broken CD Pieces

Transform broken CDs into shimmering mosaic pieces to decorate frames, trays, or flower pots. The reflective surfaces catch light beautifully, creating a captivating effect.

This craft is budget-friendly and allows for endless design possibilities depending on the shapes and colors of the CD fragments you use.

Steps:

• Carefully break the CD into small pieces using pliers.
• Arrange the pieces on your chosen surface in a pattern or randomly.
• Use strong glue to fix the pieces in place.
• Fill gaps with grout if desired and let dry.

Create a Sparkling CD Sun Catcher for Windows

Old CDs can become dazzling sun catchers that reflect sunlight and brighten any room. By adding beads, strings, or other ornaments, your sun catcher can look festive and unique.

Hanging these near windows creates a playful atmosphere when sunlight hits the reflective surfaces.

Steps:

• Drill a small hole near the edge of the CD.
• Thread a string or fishing line through the hole.
• Add beads or charms on the string above the CD.
• Hang the sun catcher in a sunny window.

Turn Old CDs into Unique Coasters

Old CDs can easily be turned into practical and stylish coasters. Adding cork or felt on the back protects surfaces from scratches and moisture.

Decorating the top with paint, decoupage, or markers personalizes your coasters and makes them a fun conversation piece at gatherings.

Steps:

• Attach cork or felt pads to the back of the CD.
• Decorate the shiny side with paint or decoupage.
• Seal the decoration with a waterproof sealant.
• Allow to dry completely before use.

Make a Reflective Garden Ornament

Add sparkle to your garden by hanging old CDs from trees or garden stakes. Their reflective surfaces deter birds while adding visual interest.

You can decorate the CDs with outdoor-safe paints or leave them plain for a natural gleam.

Steps:

• Punch a hole near the edge of the CD.
• Tie a durable string or wire through the hole.
• Optionally paint or decorate the CD with weatherproof materials.
• Hang the CD in your garden where it catches sunlight.

Craft a Stylish CD Wall Clock

Old CDs make a great base for a wall clock with a modern twist. Attach clock hands and a mechanism to the center hole.

You can customize the clock face by painting numbers, adding stickers, or layering other decorative elements for a personalized touch.

Steps:

• Purchase a clock mechanism kit compatible with CD size.
• Attach the clock mechanism through the CD’s center hole.
• Decorate the CD surface as desired.
• Insert batteries and hang your new clock.

Design a Shiny CD Mobile for Indoors

Combine several CDs to create a mobile that reflects light and adds movement to a room. This project works well in nurseries or creative spaces.

Use strings and a frame to suspend the CDs at different lengths for an eye-catching effect.

Steps:

• Gather several old CDs and clear fishing line.
• Attach strings of varying lengths to each CD through punched holes.
• Tie the strings to a circular frame or embroidery hoop.
• Hang the mobile from the ceiling near a light source.

Create a Glittering CD Jewelry Organizer

Use an old CD as a base to organize and display earrings or rings. Attach small hooks or pins around the edge, turning it into a compact and shiny jewelry holder.

This project keeps your accessories visible and easy to access.

Steps:

• Decorate the CD surface with paint or glitter if desired.
• Attach small hooks or pins evenly around the CD edge.
• Mount the CD on a wall or stand it upright.
• Hang earrings or place rings on the hooks.

Fashion a Colorful CD Wind Chime

Combine old CDs with beads, shells, or metal pieces to create a wind chime that produces gentle sounds and shimmering visuals. This project blends sound and light, perfect for patios or balconies.

Each CD can be decorated or left plain for a varied texture.

Steps:

• Drill holes near CD edges for hanging.
• String CDs, beads, and other charms on fishing line.
• Attach strings to a sturdy base like a wooden ring.
• Hang the wind chime outdoors where it can catch the breeze.

Build a Reflective CD Picture Frame

Old CDs can be cut into small pieces and glued around a plain frame to create a sparkly border. This adds a modern and eye-catching look to your favorite photos.

The reflective fragments catch light beautifully and highlight the pictures inside.

Steps:

• Break CDs into small pieces with safety gloves.
• Apply glue to the frame edges.
• Stick CD fragments evenly around the frame.
• Let the glue dry before inserting your photo.

Craft a CD-Based Decorative Mirror

Surround a small mirror with broken or whole CD pieces to create a shimmering border. This decorative mirror can brighten up any room by reflecting light in creative ways.

Use a strong adhesive and arrange the CDs in a pattern or randomly for a unique look.

Steps:

• Select a mirror with a flat border.
• Break CDs into small, manageable pieces.
• Glue CD pieces around the mirror frame.
• Allow to dry completely before hanging.

Assemble a CD Clock with a Vintage Design

Combine old CDs with vintage clock hands and distressed paint techniques for a retro wall clock. The glossy surface contrasts beautifully with aged elements, creating a stylish blend of old and new.

This project adds character to any room with a nostalgic vibe.

Steps:

• Paint the CD with a distressed or vintage pattern.
• Attach vintage-style clock hands to the center.
• Add numbers or markings as preferred.
• Install the clock mechanism and hang it up.

Design a CD Pendant Necklace

Cut old CDs into small shapes and decorate them to create unique pendants. Attach a jump ring and chain to wear your recycled art.

This lightweight jewelry option is a fun way to reuse materials and express personal style.

Steps:

• Cut the CD into desired pendant shapes using scissors or a craft knife.
• Decorate with paint, markers, or stickers.
• Attach a jump ring through a drilled hole.
• Thread a chain or cord through the ring.

Create a Festive CD Christmas Ornament

Old CDs can be transformed into shiny Christmas ornaments by painting or gluing festive decorations on them. Add ribbons for hanging and enjoy the sparkle this recycled decoration brings to your holiday tree.

Steps:

• Decorate the CD with holiday-themed paint or stickers.
• Attach a ribbon or string through the center hole.
• Add glitter or small embellishments.
• Hang on your Christmas tree.

Build a CD-Inspired Wall Art Installation

Arrange multiple CDs on a large canvas or directly on a wall to create a modern art piece. The reflective surfaces and circular shapes add dimension and light to interior spaces.

Experiment with patterns, colors, or layering for a personalized look.

Steps:

• Gather several old CDs with varying colors.
• Plan your design layout on the canvas or wall.
• Secure CDs using strong adhesive or nails.
• Add paint or other decorative elements if desired.

Make a CD-Based Keychain with Personal Touch

Turn small pieces of CDs into custom keychains by adding initials or designs. Use resin to coat and protect the surface for durability.

This quick craft makes a useful item from recycled materials and a great gift idea.

Steps:

• Cut the CD into small, keychain-sized shapes.
• Decorate with permanent markers or paint.
• Apply a resin coating for protection.
• Attach a keyring through a drilled hole.

Assemble a CD Desk Organizer Tray

Stack and glue CDs together to form a small tray perfect for holding office supplies or jewelry. The reflective sides add a modern look to your workspace.

Customize with paint or washi tape for extra flair.

Steps:

• Stack several CDs to desired tray height.
• Glue the CDs securely together.
• Decorate the outer edges if desired.
• Use the tray to organize small items.

Create a Fun CD Frisbee for Outdoor Play

Old CDs can be repurposed into lightweight frisbees for casual outdoor fun. Smooth any rough edges and decorate with bright colors or patterns.

This is a simple way to reuse CDs while enjoying active playtime.

Steps:

• Sand edges of the CD to remove sharpness.
• Decorate with waterproof markers or paint.
• Allow decoration to dry completely.
• Use as a frisbee in open outdoor spaces.

Make a CD Table Centerpiece with Candles

Arrange old CDs as a reflective base for candles or flower vases to create a sparkling table centerpiece. The CDs’ shine enhances candlelight ambiance and adds elegance to your decor.

Steps:

• Lay several CDs flat in a circle or square pattern.
• Place candles or a vase in the center.
• Ensure candle holders are stable and heat resistant.
• Light candles and enjoy the shimmering effect.

Design a CD Bookmark with Tassel

Cut old CDs into slim shapes to make unique bookmarks. Decorate with paint or stickers and add a tassel through a hole for easy use.

This craft turns recycled materials into a functional reading accessory.

Steps:

• Cut the CD into bookmark-sized strips.
• Decorate the strips as desired.
• Punch a hole at one end.
• Attach a tassel or ribbon through the hole.

Build a CD-Inspired Clock with Nature Elements

Combine old CDs with natural materials like twigs or leaves to create a mixed-media clock. This blend of shiny and organic textures makes a distinctive and artistic timepiece for your home.

Steps:

• Decorate the CD with natural elements glued around the edge.
• Attach clock hands and mechanism through the center hole.
• Paint or mark numbers if desired.
• Hang the clock in a prominent spot.

Create a CD-Inspired Cat Toy with Bells

Use old CDs to make a fun, shiny cat toy by attaching bells and feathers to a string tied through the CD’s hole. The reflective surface and sounds will keep your pet entertained for hours.

Steps:

• Drill or punch a hole in the CD center.
• Tie a string through the hole.
• Attach bells and feathers to the string ends.
• Supervise playtime to ensure safety.