Old CD Crafts: 16 Sparkly Christmas Ideas That Turn Forgotten Discs Into Mosaic Magic
Old CD crafts are the cheapest way to fill your home with Christmas sparkle, because almost every family still has a dusty box of discs hiding in a closet or the garage. Those shiny circles catch the light just like little mirrors and throw rainbows across the walls, and that is why makers everywhere are cutting them into mosaics again. You do not need special tools: sturdy scissors, a bowl of hot tap water, some glue and an afternoon. An adult should do all the cutting with gloves on, since cut pieces can be sharp, and kids can help sort the pieces and press them into place. Grab that old box and let us make something that shines..
Old CD Crafts Start With Mosaic Snowflake Ornaments
Mosaic snowflakes are the first of our old CD crafts and the ones that make people gasp when the sun hits them. Cut a snowflake shape from thin cardboard or craft foam, then cover it with tiny pieces of disc, leaving a hair of space between each one. Hang a few on red ribbon in a sunny window or on the tree and they throw rainbow dots all over the room. A big one makes a lovely centerpiece on the table too. How many snowflakes can you make from one forgotten disc. Our ribbon christmas tree ideas use the same easy method..
You will need: Old CDs, sturdy scissors, work gloves, a bowl of hot water, thin cardboard or craft foam, clear craft glue, a pencil, and red ribbon.
How to make it: 1. Soak the discs in hot tap water for about 10 minutes so they soften, then cut them with sturdy scissors while wearing gloves. This is an adult job. 2. Draw a six point snowflake on cardboard, cut it out and brush it with glue. 3. Press the disc pieces on shiny side up, add a ribbon loop and let it dry flat overnight.
A Whole Disc Christmas Wreath
This wreath needs no cutting at all, so it is the fastest project on the list. Glue about twenty whole discs onto a cardboard ring so they overlap like fish scales, shiny side out, then finish with a big red velvet bow and a few sprigs of greenery. On a sunny front door it flashes light at everyone who walks by. It also looks lovely indoors over a mirror or a window. Would your neighbors guess it started as a box of old music? It also goes well with our cardboard box crafts.
You will need: About 20 old CDs, a cardboard ring cut from a shipping box, a hot glue gun with adult help, a red velvet bow, and evergreen sprigs.
How to make it: 1. Cut a cardboard ring about 16 inches wide. 2. Glue the discs around the ring so each one overlaps the next. 3. Glue on the bow and greenery and add a strong ribbon loop for hanging.
Old CD Crafts for the Wall: Mosaic Tree Art
Wall art is one of the old CD crafts that looks far more expensive than it is. Paint a wooden board white, draw a simple Christmas tree on it, and fill the shape with tiny disc pieces. Dark green grout between the pieces makes the tree pop and hides any uneven gaps. Top it with a small painted wooden star and hang it over a console table or in the hallway. It is the kind of piece people ask about at every holiday party. Where would yours hang? For a similar look, see our painted wall designs.
You will need: A wooden board, white paint, old CDs, scissors, gloves, tile adhesive or strong craft glue, green sanded grout, a sponge, and a small wooden star.
How to make it: 1. Paint the board, draw the tree and glue the disc pieces inside the lines. 2. Wearing gloves, spread grout over the pieces and wipe the tops clean with a damp sponge. 3. Glue the star on top once everything is dry.
A Sparkly Tabletop Tree
A cone covered in disc pieces turns into a shimmering little tree that looks like it came from a fancy home store. Start with a foam or cardboard cone and glue the pieces on from the bottom up, overlapping them like scales. Set it on a wood slice on the mantel or the dining table and it will sparkle from every angle. Make three in different heights for a mini forest. Which room needs a little extra shine this year?
You will need: A foam or cardboard cone, old CDs, scissors, gloves, clear craft glue or a hot glue gun with adult help, and a wood slice for the base.
How to make it: 1. Soak the discs in hot tap water for about 10 minutes so they soften, then cut them with sturdy scissors while wearing gloves. This is an adult job. 2. Glue the pieces in rows from the bottom of the cone up, overlapping each row. 3. Glue the finished tree onto the wood slice.
Mini Mirror Ball Ornaments
If you loved our disco ball crafts, you will love these tiny tree ornaments. Cover small foam balls with little squares of disc and they turn into mini mirror balls that dance in the tree lights. They are a great way to use up the smallest scraps. Kids can press the squares on while an adult does the cutting. Hang them from red ribbon and watch the tree come alive at night. Would you make a whole set?
You will need: Small foam balls, old CD scraps, scissors, gloves, clear craft glue, toothpicks, and thin red ribbon.
How to make it: 1. Cut the disc scraps into small squares. 2. Push a toothpick into each ball to hold it, then glue the squares on in rows. 3. Remove the toothpick, glue in a ribbon loop and let it dry.
Old CD Crafts Kids Can Paint: Snowman Ornaments
Not all old CD crafts need cutting, which makes this one perfect for little helpers. A whole disc already looks like a snowball, so paint a simple white snowman on the shiny side, add a carrot nose and a red scarf, and let the silver edge glow around him. Tie on baker’s twine and hang them on the tree or along a doorway. Each child can make their own snowman with a different face. Which family member will make the silliest one? For a similar look, see our snowman crafts for kids.
You will need: Whole old CDs, white, orange, black and red acrylic paint, small brushes, a pencil, and baker’s twine.
How to make it: 1. Paint a white snowman shape on the disc and let it dry. 2. Add the face, carrot nose, buttons and a red scarf. 3. Thread twine through the center hole and tie a hanging loop.
A Rainbow Window Garland
A garland of discs in a sunny kitchen window is pure joy on a winter morning. String whole discs and a few cut pieces on clear fishing line and the sunlight turns your walls into a moving rainbow show. It costs nothing if you already have the discs, and it looks lovely all winter, not only at Christmas. Hang it where the morning sun comes in for the best effect. Ready to wake up to rainbows?
You will need: Old CDs, a few cut disc pieces, clear fishing line, a small hand drill or a heated needle with adult help for the pieces, and two small hooks.
How to make it: 1. Thread the fishing line through the center holes of the whole discs. 2. Have an adult make small holes in the cut pieces and add them between the discs. 3. Hang the garland across the window from two hooks.
Old CD Crafts for Plants: A Mosaic Flower Pot
A plain terracotta pot becomes a little treasure with one of the easiest old CD crafts. Glue disc pieces all around the pot, fill the gaps with white grout, and wipe it clean. Plant a small rosemary tree in it with a red bow and you have a hostess gift that smells wonderful and sparkles on the windowsill. It also keeps looking good long after the holidays. Who on your list would love one?
You will need: A terracotta pot, old CDs, scissors, gloves, tile adhesive or strong craft glue, white grout, a sponge, and a small rosemary plant.
How to make it: 1. Soak the discs in hot tap water for about 10 minutes so they soften, then cut them with sturdy scissors while wearing gloves. This is an adult job. 2. Glue the pieces around the pot and let it dry. 3. Wearing gloves, grout the gaps, wipe the pieces clean and plant the rosemary once it is dry.
A Shimmering Serving Tray
A round wooden tray with a disc mosaic base looks like a designer piece and makes cookies and cocoa feel extra special. Cover the inside of a thrifted tray with disc pieces, grout it, and seal it so it wipes clean. Serve gingerbread on it or use it to hold mugs on the coffee table. It is sturdy enough for daily use once it is sealed. Would you keep it or give it as a gift?
You will need: A thrifted wooden tray, old CDs, scissors, gloves, tile adhesive, white grout, a sponge, and a clear water based sealer.
How to make it: 1. Glue the disc pieces across the base of the tray. 2. Grout the gaps and wipe the pieces clean. 3. Brush on two coats of clear sealer and let it cure fully before use.
Old CD Crafts for the Mantel: A Mosaic Star
A big mosaic star is one of the most striking old CD crafts for a fireplace mantel. Cut an eight point star from plywood or thick cardboard and cover it in disc pieces. It glows in daylight and twinkles at night when you add a string of battery fairy lights nearby. Stand it between some evergreen garland and small bells for a look that feels both vintage and fresh. Will it stay up past New Year’s?
You will need: A plywood or thick cardboard star, old CDs, scissors, gloves, strong craft glue, and evergreen garland for styling.
How to make it: 1. Cut out the star and paint the edges silver or white. 2. Glue disc pieces over the front, working from the center out. 3. Let it dry flat, then stand it on the mantel with garland around it.
A Mosaic Gift Box Lid
Give a gift where the box itself is part of the present. Cover the lid of a sturdy box with disc pieces arranged in a starburst, and tie it with a thin red ribbon. Long after the gift is opened, it becomes a keepsake box for photos, letters or ornaments. It is a lovely way to wrap jewelry or small treats. Who would you surprise with a sparkly box this year?
You will need: A sturdy gift box with a lid, old CDs, scissors, gloves, clear craft glue, and a thin red satin ribbon.
How to make it: 1. Draw a starburst pattern on the lid in pencil. 2. Glue the disc pieces along the lines, filling the shape. 3. Let it dry, fill the box with a gift and tie the ribbon around it.
CD Case Mini Photo Frames
Do not toss the plastic cases either. Open them, flip them back and they stand up like little easels, perfect for holiday photos or winter prints. Slip a favorite family photo or a snowy landscape inside and line them up on a shelf. They also make sweet gifts for grandparents with a new photo inside. Which photos would you show off?
You will need: Old clear CD cases, printed photos cut to about 4.7 inches square, and small evergreen sprigs or ribbon for styling.
How to make it: 1. Remove the paper inserts and wipe the cases clean. 2. Trim each photo to fit and slide it into the front of the case. 3. Fold the case back so it stands like an easel.
Old CD Crafts for Every Day: A Desk Organizer
This project was inspired by a CD organizer reel on Instagram that passed 32,000 likes, and it is one of the most useful old CD crafts you can make. Glue discs together to make stacked round trays and a pencil cup, and suddenly your desk looks tidy and shiny at the same time. It holds pencils, clips and scissors, and it costs nothing. A gift for a teacher or a student is easy too. Will your desk be the brightest in the house? Our DIY desk organizers use the same easy method.
You will need: About 10 old CDs, a cardboard tube, a hot glue gun with adult help, and short pieces of wooden dowel for spacers.
How to make it: 1. Glue two discs together for each tray base. 2. Stack the trays with dowel spacers glued between them. 3. Wrap the cardboard tube with disc pieces for a pencil cup and glue it on top.
A Sparkly Jewelry Box
A little wooden box from the thrift store or craft shop turns into a treasure chest with a mosaic lid. Cover the top with disc pieces, grout it in white, and sand the edges smooth. Tuck in a necklace or a pair of earrings and you have a gift that looks boutique bought. It also makes a sweet place to keep rings by the sink. Who would love to open this on Christmas morning?
You will need: A small wooden box with a lid, old CDs, scissors, gloves, tile adhesive, white grout, a sponge, and fine sandpaper.
How to make it: 1. Glue the disc pieces across the lid. 2. Grout the gaps and wipe the pieces clean. 3. Sand any rough edges once dry and add a gift inside.
Garden Spinners That Scare Birds Away
Old discs have a clever job outside too. Hang them on string from a garden stake or a branch and they spin and flash in the sun, which helps keep birds away from berries and lettuce. Gardeners have used this trick for years because it is free and it really works for many people. They look cheerful in a winter garden too. Will you save a few discs for spring?
You will need: Whole old CDs, outdoor string or fishing line, and a wooden garden stake or a tree branch.
How to make it: 1. Thread string through the center hole of each disc and tie a knot. 2. Hang two or three discs at different heights on the stake. 3. Leave them free to spin in the breeze.
Old CD Crafts for the Entry: A Sparkly Key Rack
End your old CD crafts afternoon with something you will use every day. Paint a board white, add a border of disc pieces and screw in a few brass hooks, and your keys always have a home. The sparkle makes even a plain hallway feel cheerful. Hang a scarf or a small wreath from it during the holidays. Which hook will be yours?
You will need: A wooden board, white paint, old CDs, scissors, gloves, strong craft glue, brass hooks, and a drill with adult help.
How to make it: 1. Paint the board and let it dry. 2. Glue disc pieces around the edge to make a border. 3. Have an adult screw in the hooks and hang the rack on the wall.
