There are so many things that you can do with an old CD besides throwing it out! If the CD is prepared properly, it can be stamped and used as a card, scrap book, wall decoration, jewelry, or even trimming for the tree this year. So get some disposable CD’s, and start experimenting.

You will need:
-A few CD’s. Allow extra CD’s for practice until you get the look you want
-Sandpaper
-White acrylic paint or gesso if you have it
-Rubber stamps of your choice
-Solvent Ink, such as StazOn by Tsukineko
-Solvent in rubber stamp cleaner, such as StazOn cleaner by Tsukineko
-Paintbrush or sponge

You may also want:
-Metallic paints
-Alcohol paints
-Embossing heat gun
-Fine glitter or transparent powder
-Pot to boil water in
-Kitchen shears
-Charms and embellishments of your choice

Before you begin to alter your CD, you need to prepare your surface. There are two different methods that you can choose from.

For one method, you need to sand the surface and paint it with acrylic paint or gesso. It may take a few coats of paint to create a surface you are comfortable with. You can use your embossing heat gun to dry the surface faster in between each application of paint. Be careful not to let the CD get too hot or it will melt. Then again, maybe you would like the surface uneven, and a little melting could be good. This method will work well for most types of altered art.

Another way to prepare your CD would be to sand it vigorously until it becomes transparent. This method is nice if you want to use the CD for a tree decoration.

If you are planning on using your CD to make jewelry you should cut the CD first, before you begin. If you run the CD under very hot water, or briefly immerse it into almost boiling water you should be able to cut the CD with a strong kitchen scissors when it is hot. Use your tongs, not your hands! Be careful to avoid any shattered pieces that may go flying. The CD will cool quickly, so be prepared to put it back into the water if you are not finished yet.

Now that you have prepared your CD’s you can begin playing. You might want to fully cover your CD with background color. You can use metallic acrylic paints and blend the colors with a sponge, or you can try alcohol inks and mix it with and adhesive. You can even just stamp the background with regular craft ink.

If you have prepared the CD to be transparent, you can decorate both sides of the CD and give your design a look of depth. Again, you need to play with it until you create the look that you want. If you heat the CD you can punch a small hole for a ribbon or yarn to hold two CD’s or more together.

Now that your CD is primed and colored, you are ready to stamp it with your favorite stamps. Use permanent ink for best results. You can emboss or melt UTEE directly onto the CD. And of course, you can finish you piece with all of your favorite embellishments.