448 Shares

You’ve probably heard of the saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”, but when you look at a big pile of old, discarded stuff, it’s hard to think of it as anyone’s treasure! However, if you apply a little creativity, you can certainly turn rubbish into something fun!

And that’s exactly what we’re doing today – turning old, scratched and scuffed CDs or DVDs into some really pretty creations. Have a look at our list below and we’re sure you’ll be itching to try out at least a few of them with the CDs lying around at home!

15 Awesomely Clever Crafts made with Recycled CDs

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1. Recycled CD Dream Catcher

Who knew that you could weave with CDs? Well, this tutorial at Pink Stripey Socks shows you exactly how to do it so you end up with the-most-gorgeous dream catchers ever!

2. CD Coasters

It’s spring (or summer) in many parts of the world, which means it’s the perfect time to make these spring-themed fabric covered coasters from Crafts by Amanda. These really look so pretty that you’ll want to make multiple sets and gift them around!

3. CD Butterflies

Spring is also synonymous with butterflies, and these CD butterflies from Easy Fresh Ideas are too gorgeous for words! The CD pieces mosaic look lovely on the glitter foam background – looks like the perfect idea for wall decor for a party!

4. Recycled CD Hippopotamus

All you need for this adorable Hippo is an old CD and colored felt and foam. Mount the hippo on a bright background for a perfect wall hanging for your child’s room!

5. CD Peacock Craft

It’s not just animals that you can make with recycled CDs, you can make birds as well, and the most beautiful one at that! I Heart Crafty Things shows us how you can use an old CD, some hand prints and assorted craft embellishments for a free-standing peacock craft, that’ll brighten up any boring shelf instantly!

6. Recycled CD Ladybugs

We’ve seen how old CDs can transform into animals and birds, so why leave out the insects! But we’re not talking about generic creepy crawlies; we’re talking about these absolutely adorable ladybugs from Crafts by Amanda – so simple to make too!

7. Recycled CD Ice Creams

When the weather is hot, you’d like to be surrounded by images and colors that cool you. And when you think of things that cool, ice creams probably top the list! This fun CD ice cream craft from Make and Takes is perfect for the present weather!

8. CD Spinning Toys

A top is one of the most basic toys ever, yet it can keep a child occupied for quite a while. And when you have a top that is a riot of colors, just watching it spin can enthrall anyone – age no bar! Artsy Momma features spinning tops made from old CDs, and you’ll want to make them too.

9. Countdown Clocks

If you have a child who’s beginning to learn how to tell the time, then these smart looking clocks from Kid Things are perfect for you! All you need are very basic craft supplies and your clocks will be ready in a jiffy!

10. CD Spring Flowers

There’s nothing like some colorful flowers to brighten up your day! Get your kids to make an assortment of flowers with CDs and hang them up on your wall or your porch for some lovely seasonal decor.

11. CD Planet

It is Earth Day, but this Saturn craft from Teaching Tuesday is so beautiful, you’ll let it slide! A styrofoam ball and old CD get together to create a very clever Saturn, which glows with all the colors of the rainbow!

12. CD Sun Catchers

This craft from Happy Hooligans is perfect to keep a bunch of kids occupied on a hot Sunday afternoon. Just hand them some old CDs, lots of embellishments and glue, and let them create their own beautiful custom art to catch the summer sun!

13. CD Mandala

Mandala coloring books are quite the rage now, but you don’t need to buy them when you can decorate your own Mandalas on old CDs! Maria Amora has free printables you can download from as well as a video series on youtube where she describes the full process in detail.

14. CD Snail

This CD Snail from Crafty Morning is a great project for little ones to practice their cutting skills. Trace out a circle the size of the CD and let them cut round and round in a spiral. Attach pipe cleaners and a body and you have an adorable little snail!

15. Mosaic Tile Birdbath

And we’ve got the grandest project for the last – a mosaic tile birdbath from Me and My DIY. The overall process is basic but time-consuming, so we’d recommend doing this as a weekend project. But all that time and effort is worth it in the end – just look at that beautiful mosaic!

Pretty sure you’re convinced now that trash can indeed be turned into treasure! So this Earth Day, let’s make the best out of waste; start gathering all the worn out CDs at home and get ready to create something beautiful!

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