Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

Is there a good reason to keep old CDs?

Teaching kids that recycling can be fun starts with making crafts out of objects that usually are trashed. Crafters can be undeniably imaginative in the way they use recyclables. Kids enjoy making crafts from old CDs, and they'll learn to be very aware of the importance of recycling.

To make the beautiful peacock above, go to i heart crafty things for the tutorial.

1. Snowmen Ornaments

These little snowmen are just the cutest thing I've seen in a while. Imagine how much fun the kids will have making these snowmen. Any possible looks you make will be unique. This super cute project has a tutorial at Happy Hooligans.

2. CD and Yarn Snowman

Wrap white yarn around a CD and ta-da, you have a cute snowman!

3. CD Cardinal

This actually looks like one of the Angry Birds to me, but About Family Crafts calls them cardinals. What do you think?

4. Upcycled Sun Catcher

I love the looks of these sun catchers and think I could easily find a place to hang these beauties. Maybe I'll hang them on my patio.

5. Wind Spinners

Have the kids make wind spinners to give as gifts.

6. Tea Light Lamp

My little granddaughters and I had so much fun making these little tea light lamps. You can make them too over on Make an Amazing CD Tealight Holder!

7. Hands Feathered Turkey

The kids will love making this Thanksgiving turkey.

8. Feathered Owl

You'll find the tutorial for this cute feathered owl at Happy Hooligans. Imagine making these to hang in the cherry trees to keep the birds from eating all the fruit.

9. Ghosts

Can you imagine how much fun this ghost project will be for the kids? This would also make a cute Halloween decoration.

10. CD Lamp

11. Mosaic Photo Frame

This is a very pretty and unique use for old CDs. Find the instructions at Make it Easy Crafts.

12. Lotus Shrine

Make an interesting and pretty lotus shrine from old CDs you have laying around the house.

13. Purse

Any little girl would love making and using this purse made from CDs. You could talk about the singers and songs you enjoyed in the past, and she could share what she likes now!

14. Mini Photo Album

You also may have some CD cases you don't want to just throw away. Turn it into a mini photo album!

15. Kid Clock

16. Mouse

This little mouse won't make anyone squeal, but he's sure to make someone smile.

17. Fancy Ladies

Although this project is written in a foreign language, the instructions for these fancy ladies are really easy to understand.

18. Seed and Spice Mandala

This is an outstanding project. Find the instructions to make it at Twig and Toadstool.

19. Adorable Crab

Help the kids make this adorable crab cd craft.

20. Kid's Art Travel Kit

Let the kids entertain themselves while you drive to your destination. Find the tutorial for this travel kit at No Guilt Mom.

21. Bird Feeder

This bird feeder is made from old CD cases and would be a nice and inexpensive gift to make a parent, teacher or friend.

22. Wobblebot

All the kids, especially the boys, will love making a Wobblebot using CDs.

23. Napkin Decoupage Art

It'll be easy finding beautiful paper napkins to make creative wall art.

24. Sequined Snail

Be sure you have lots of sequins, stickers, stars, and decorations on hand so the kids can personalize their CD snail. This is an outstanding project for kids of all ages.

25. Picture Frame

These picture frames made from CD cases would be really lovely decorations for any room. Just coordinate the fabric with the room's décor.

26. Hovercraft

This hovercraft would be a great rainy day project that keeps the kids busy for a long time.

27. Playing Card Holder

This is such a great idea for little kids and for the elderly who have a problem holding a hand of cards. See the tutorial for making this card holder at Adapting Creatively. This would be a thoughtful gift to give someone at the senior center.

28. Planets

This looks like a great project to do with the kids. Help them make planets with the instructions at NASA Space Place.

29. Mosaic Flower Pot

This flower pot from Make it Easy Crafts will be a nice addition to any home.

30. Scare Owl

This scare owl has got to be a ton of fun to make. Have a ball making this big owl.

31. Beaded Ornaments

Check out these beaded ornaments! Aren't they lovely? I would use them to decorate for the holidays.

32. Sequined Fish

I think this sequined fish is a great project for kids of all ages because there are so many possibilities.

33. Fish Art

Go to Quiet Corner to make this CD fish art. Simple but so attractive, and the kids will love this project.

34. Glitter Snowman

I love this glittery snowman and am sure there are plenty of places to display him.

35. Accordian Picture Frame

You'll find the directions to make this accordian picture frame at Creme de la Craft. If you can't find the hinges, consider gluing small squares of fabric or leather to make hinges.

36. Groovy Earrings

Learn how to create these cute CD earrings at Make it Easy Crafts.

37. Wall Hanging

Wow. This unbelievably stunning wall hanging is made using a few old CDs!

38. Winter Wreath

Make this cool winter wreath over at Cut Out + Keep.

39. Christmas Ornament

Make these beautiful shiny ornaments using old cd discs.

40. Mosaic Birdbath Re-do

What a beautiful and unique way to use old CDs and update an old birdbath at the same time!

41. Mosaic House Numbers

I love the look of this mosaic house number because it looks so elegant.

42. Coasters

I think these coasters are a very nice and useful use for old CDs.

43. Out-of-This-World Spaceships

The boys, in particular, are going to love making these cd spaceships. Let their imaginations go wild and fill their rooms with toys that are out of this world!

44. Dry Erase Maze

You'll find the instructions for making this dry erase maze at No Time for Flash Cards.

45. Door Hanger

Make this cute door hanger as a decoration for a baby shower, or make one for an older girl to hang on her bedroom door.

46. CD Weavings

When we use an outdated item to make a recycled craft, we're teaching children the value of recycling. Show them how to make beautiful yarn weavings using old CDs.

47. Lady Bugs

These cute little ladybugs would look nice hanging on a bedroom wall or could be used them as coasters. You could also hang them on the wall and take them down to use as coasters.

48. Mosaic Bracelet

49. Shirt Collar

What a stylish statement collar! I would create a bib using the collar so I could pair it with different shirts and outfits.

50. Tricycle Planter

All you need to make this planter is craft sticks, a margarine tub, CDs and a small paper or plastic cup for the basket. You'll find the directions at Gente Miuda.

51. Desk Calendar

All Things Made by Kelly shares her tutorial for making this useful and attractive desk calendar.

52. Photo on Clip Stand

Notice the cute little stand made with paper clips. Find the tutorial for this project at Our Peaceful Planet.

© 2012 Loraine Brummer

Did You See a CD Craft That You Liked? - or leave a comment.

keerthana on July 01, 2020:

This is very good idea, very helpful.

Assuddeeqq on June 29, 2020:

thanks for sharing

White Wooden on March 23, 2020:

This is very Amazing and Very Informative Artical we get alot of Information from this artical we really appreciate your team work keep it up and keep posting such a informative articles.

Suresh P. Deole. on March 23, 2020:

Very interesting

nancy Crofoot on December 31, 2019:

Where do I find directions for these crafts?

MG Seltzer from South Portland, Maine on July 14, 2015:

It looks cool but I think mine might come out looking a little wonky. I think I better start with one I am confident I can do. :)

Loraine Brummer (author) from Hartington, Nebraska on July 14, 2015:

Hi MG Seltzer, and thanks for the thumbs up! It's hard to decide on which craft to do first. The birdbath is one of the projects I want to make.

MG Seltzer from South Portland, Maine on July 12, 2015:

I like the CD lamp idea. I'll check out the video. Thanks for the information! Thumbs up, of course.

anonymous on March 30, 2013:

I liked them all. You found good project ideas.

Freestuffer LM on November 20, 2012:

interesting lens

Essentially Ind on November 18, 2012:

He it's lovely idea for utilizing the disc..........:)

MakeHairBows on November 17, 2012:

Stunning projects. I really like the Seed and Spice Mandala...

DecoratingMom411 on November 16, 2012:

Wow! This lens is so interesting! I've never thought of that! Thanks for sharing!

Deadicated LM on November 16, 2012:

Very cool re-purposing ideas.

KandH on November 11, 2012:

Yes, there are so many great ideas - thanks for sharing!