Recycling CDs into decoration and artwork is one good example of Home Crafting. There are various decorations you can do to an old CD through creativity and an open mind. Aside from spending money on buying gifts, people will appreciate home crafted presents that were done with patience, creativity and love.

Crafting is an artistic practice of decorative arts through the use of different materials. Using recycled CDs are now considered convenient and practical, thus helping our environment. CDs act as storage mediums. They are manufactured and sold in vast quantities. Recycling these is a great way to cut down on trash in our landfills.

CDs can be easy and handy projects for both kids and grownups. It can be great gifts, home decors and artworks. With the use of your creativity, you can transform these CDs into lots of interesting decorative materials. Here are some recycled ideas for CDs:

• Picture Frame CD – By cutting pictures and pasting it on the CD, you can decorate your own CD with just construction papers and glitters. Try hanging it on a wall, having 3 CDs in a row.

• Coasters – CD’s are great for bars, cafes and clubhouses. Just decorate it with stickers, gems and other designs, making use of markers or using it as a kind of wall accent.

• Window decoration – You can use a thread to hang up the CDs and decorate it as you desire. This will even reflect the rainbow’s colors.

• Candle Display – Sit a small candle on the shiny side of the CD so as to reflect its light. This is great as a holiday centerpiece.

• Spinning Tops – Push a hole through your CD with the use of a knife, making a slit on both sides. Then, use a penny to force through the hole, making the CD spin on the edge. After this, glue down the dowel onto one side, making it easier to spin.

• Bowls – Heat the CD using a dryer or an oven. Once this has softened, bend it gently so as to make a bowl shape. This can be used for candy dishes or fountain bowls. Just glue it into small plates. Another option is to seal the whole thing.

• Drop Spindle – For a type
of spinning wool, two CD’s are required so as to dowel to about 12 to 16 in. long. A kind of rubber tubing must be placed around the dowel. After this, put this at the center, having a measurement of about 4 inches from the top. Lastly, screw the metal hook on top and then spin.

• CD Invitation – This is great for music or karaoke parties as well as other events. A computer program may also help in making labels on the CDs so as to print it on paper or sticker. Just put some decors about the theme of the party.

• Clock – For this, the clock hands should be placed on the hole of the CD center. Painting the CD will even make it more attractive. Lastly, label its numbers.

• Letter Holder – You will need three or four CDs for this. You will then glue this over a 5 ½ in. fabric. You also need fabric strips that measure about 1 1/2x12 inches and glued on an overlapping style. This is by the edge of the foam with a heart shape. To insert the discs, cut it into about 3/8 in. parallel deep. This is through the top part of the foam heart and towards a straight line. A thin line of glue should then be applied on each CD so as to slit it. Then, press it about 1/2 to ¾ deep. Lastly, add a flower bunch on each side.

• Hover Craft – You can have a sports drink top glued in the middle hole of the CD. Thus, when a balloon is placed on the pull top, this will case the object to fly.

• Disco Ball - CDs can be cut into ½ in. pieces and glued all over the Styrofoam ball.

CDs act as Christmas ornament, having snow-textured paint as a seasonal touch. You can even hang this on the Christmas tree. A wall collage or a wall border will also look better, especially if placed inside a teenager’s room.

You can also make CDs into scratchboards, pot holders and dessert holders. CD arts are currently a favorite amongst children. This can make animals and geometric faces look unique.

In decorating CDs, you can make use of beads and other small ornaments. You can also use acrylic paints (non-toxic), fabrics and markers, depending on your creative mind. Thus, make sure you are careful in handling these CDs because they have very sharp edges. Imaginative ways of recycling unwanted CDs will help make a difference, making new treasures out of trash.