20 Things to do with CDs and DVDs
I love to find cool things to make with unique materials, especially those I have handy. If you’re looking to destash, you most one of the first things you probably do is get rid of CDs and DVDs. Here are some of my favorite things to do with CDs and DVDs after you’ve backed them up and stored them digitally. Disclosure: this post contains commissioned links. This article was originally published here on Moms & Crafters in June 2015 and was updated to make it fresh for you!
Got piles of old CDs sitting around? Time to purge!
CDs and DVDs are SO craftable – and such a cool, versatile craft supply!
I chose these projects out of the MANY I found for the way they really take advantage of the characteristics of a CD. Some make great use of the iridescent surface, others of the hole in the middle, and others of the plastic body…. Whatever it is, you’re sure to find something that you’ll want to try here!
You’ll want to learn how to cut CDs and DVDS for crafting before you get started – it’s quite easy!
If you don’t have CDs lying around, you can still pick up a pack before it’s too late… Look for colorful ones if you can grab those!
Decor Crafts to Make with Old CDs
These bloggers had the best ideas for repurposing CDs in fun and useful ways. Click through to each project to read the full tutorial!
1. First, check out this cool craft video featuring (and sponsored by) Wikki Stix! This is a fun activity my son and I did together. We then repeated it at a play date (his friend made a beautiful replica of my rainbow) and they spent hours at it!! Get Wikki Stix here!
2. Craft some gorgeous CD mosaics and turn it into an open-ended art project! I share two ways to do this, depending on the kind of crafter that you are.
3. Make some pretty doodle discs – it’s an open-ended craft for a huge variety of ages and skill levels. You’ll need some dish soap and black acrylic paint in addition to your CDs – that’s it!
See it in action in the video below:
4. I love these dreamcatchers by Pink Stripey Socks! What a productive and fun way to entertain children!
5. Growing up, I always loved wind chimes. But I never made them myself. This beautiful wind chimes craft by Happy Hooligans is something I would have loved to make back then (I may even try it today. I have yet to outgrow such crafts!)
6. CDs and DVDs are also great for mosaic projects. One of my favorites of all time is this birdbath by Me and My DIY. The original website seems to no longer be active, but you can find something similar here.
7. A lamp made out of CDs? Yes, please! Check out the how-to for this magnificent CD lamp by Photo Creations!
8. I absolutely adore the way Craft Your Happiness used CDs to make curtain pull-backs! This is simply genius and has a beautiful, polished look.
9. I saw many CD clock tutorials when I was searching because of the form of the CD. This one by Morena’s Corner stood out so I decided to share it here. Making clocks is one of my favorite things to do with CDs so this is spot on!
Kids Activities & Crafts with Old CDs
10. Craft a spectacular pair of pretend glasses using shiny glimmery iridescent DVDs to get you that glamorous look you’re aiming for! This sunglasses craft shows just how cool your CD and DVD crafts can look!
11. STEAM Powered family uses an old CD to make a super cool Thaumatrope for kids. They won’t want to stop at just one because it’s just so cool!
12. Did you know that old CDs and DVDs make the perfect scales for a Chinese New Year’s dragon? Well, you learn something new every day! The size is fabulous for large scale projects (pun-intended).
13. The reflective surface of a DVD is the perfect choice for some light science for kids! This STEM project from Little Bins for Little Hands teaches you how to make a DIY Spectroscope using an old DVD and other household items.
14. Learn a little science with this CD hovercraft by Hello Wonderful! It gives kids such a good feeling to see something they made actually work. It’s amazing how many things to do with CDs and DVDs involve science and learning – in the funnest way!
15. I saw so many animals made from CDs but chose this snail from Toddler Approved to feature, because of the glow the CD gives the snail’s shell. Click on the photo for instructions, and then scour Pinterest for more CD animal ideas!
16. Lalymom cleverly put together these “ring around the rosie” spinning tops using CDs! See how here. FYI CD tops spin FOREVER and make the absolute funnest DIY toys for kids who are past the choking hazard stage.
17. Want a cheap, easy, and FUN toy for your toddler? Check out how Best Toys 4 Toddlers makes amazing use of old CDs – I am running to grab mine out now to try it with M so that I can finish up this post…
More things to do with Old CDs
18. Turn them into beautiful iridescent guitar picks using a pick punch (affiliate link)! Yup, it works on CDs too, not just credit cards. Isn’t that clever?
19. Crafts by Amanda made use of the durable plastic on DVDs by turning them into beautiful stenciled coasters. Read the tutorial to see how she made them stand up to spills too. This is pretty cool and one of my top things to do with CDs
20. Of course, a Moms & Crafters roundup can’t be complete without a jewelry craft! And this magnificent necklace by Plan B. Anna Evers takes the cake…
Update: it looks like that blog is no longer live! If you find a new tutorial, please let me know.
Isn’t it just amazing how many great uses there are out there for something we all have in over-abundance? Some of these things to do with CDs and DVDs are really functional too!
What are your favorite things to do with CDs?
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Loved these things to do with CDs and DVDs?! Find many many more things to make with stuff you have lying around here:
Oh my gosh, so many amazing ideas! A lamp, a mosaic, a hovercraft? I can’t pick a favorite, they’re all so creative. Thank you for including the CD Photo Clip from CraftsnCoffee.com.
What a great list! Thanks for including my CD weavings!
Oh, they are beautiful! Big kudos!
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! Great and fabulous ideas. Thanks
They make great targets.
They don’t shatter, so they will take multiple hits. Adding bit of tape on the backside of the center hole lets the true marksmen show off their stuff.
That’s genius – thanks for sharing!
it is so wonderful
Great Creativity!.Thanks for sharing. . 🙂
Wonderful.
I was just looking thru this site for ideas to use for kids at Church in our Action Boutique. Plus easy crafts for adults. How can I get your book>
Hi! My book is available here: ebook – https://shop.momsandcrafters.com/product/how-to-make-jewelry-ebook/ Print book – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998079448/