How to Upcycle CDs: 25 Projects

Got scratched CDs or DVDs? Here’s how to upcycled CDs, 25 different ways! There’s seriously something for everyone here.

Got scratched CDs or DVDs? Here's how to upcycled CDs, 25 different ways! There's seriously something for everyone here.

CDs get scratched, and DVDs get left in the car to melt, so I’ve always got my eye out for new ways to upcycle CDs and DVDs. Check out some of my current favorites!

1. backsplash. This will get more light into your kitchen, for sure!

2. bowl. Making it may give you lung cancer, but the result IS really cool. Just ventilate well, Friends!

3. bunting. Covered in scrapbook paper, CDs make lovely symmetrical bunting pennants.

4. clock. Use your favorite movie or album, or embellish your least favorite one until it’s unrecognizable.

5. clothing dividers. These are great for a baby’s closet, to organize their clothing by size. Babies grow so quickly!

6. coaster. Make your embellishments as water-resistant as your CDs.

7. crocheted to cover. I don’t totally know what you’d do with this, but it looks really cool!

8. crocheted mandalas. Here the crocheting is done with purpose, to turn the CDs into colorful hanging mandalas.

9. cupcake stand. This project is a cute way to display party treats.

10. disco ball. How could you NOT want a disco ball?!?

11. earring holder. Put this on a lazy susan to make it even more convenient.

12. felt ladybug. To make this craft even more fun for little kids, only glue the base piece of felt to the CD, then just cut out the other pieces. Kids can assemble their own ladybug over and over again on this homemade felt board!

13. mosaic birdbath. You’ll never guess that this is made from upcycled DVDs–you’ll just be impressed at how beautiful it looks!

14. mosaic ornaments. This project involves covering an old ornament with CD pieces to make it… sparkly!

15. necklace. You’re going to love this method of cutting a CD into a detailed pendant.

16. pansy. These fancy pansies can go next to the real ones out in your garden.

17. picture frame. Add in a couple of binder clips, and your frame will even stand!

18. rainbow fish. Here’s a cute craft for a small kid who’s looking for something a little different to do.

19. scrapbook. I love this idea for making a scrapbook that’s both an unusual shape and that has super-sturdy CD pages.

20. scratch art. You can make your very own scratch art CDs with black paint.

21. shower rings. This is a great way to turn a utilitarian part of your bathroom into a showpiece–and they’ll work better than typical shower rings, too!

22. suncatcher. With the foil layer removed, a CD or DVD is just a clear circle, perfect to paint on and turn into a suncatcher.

23. wall pouch. Hold all of your little things.

24. wind spinner. It makes for lovely garden art, and it may even help keep birds away from your strawberries!

15. wish list ornament. This is a keepsake that you can update year after year, so that you always remember what your kid wanted most for Christmas.

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About the Author

Julie Finn I'm a writer, crafter, Zombie Preparedness Planner, and homeschooling momma of two kids who will hopefully someday transition into using their genius for good, not the evil machinations and mess-making in which they currently indulge. I'm interested in recycling and nature crafts, food security, STEM education, and the DIY lifestyle, however it's manifested--making myself some underwear out of T-shirts? Done it. Teaching myself guitar? Doing it right now. Visit my blog Craft Knife for a peek at our very weird handmade homeschool life; my etsy shop Pumpkin+Bear for a truly odd number of rainbow-themed beeswax pretties; and my Google + for links to articles about poverty, educational politics, and this famous cat who lives in my neighborhood.