Make a Picture Frame from a CD Case

Make use of spare or unwanted Replace a CD Case by turning them into a photo frame. This easy and creative craft project makes use of "old junk" and provides you with a cool way to display your favorite photos.

Steps

1. Gather the supplies. These are listed below in "Things You'll Need". Lay them out on a flat, clean working surface.
2. Find the picture you'd like framed. Lay it on top of the CD case. Check to see whether it fits in the portion where the CD would normally go. If not, trim it to the appropriate size.
3. Open up the CD case. Remove the CD holding portion (usually made from opaque plastic). Remove the paper artwork as well – see Remove the Back Art from a CD Case.
   • Take off the lid as well (the part that opens up). Do this carefully, so as not to snap anything.
4. Cut off enough foil to cover the back of the CD case. When you cut the square, leave a little extra around the edges, so that you fold the foil over the back.
   • If using brand new foil, you can either leave the tin foil the way it is, or squish it into a ball and re-open it to give it a crinkled effect.
   • If using the recycled foil, it will already have a "crinkled" appearance.
5. Cover the back part of the CD. Fold the foil around the edges to the back of the CD backing, so that it's secure. Tape if needed.
   • Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps, including down the edges.
6. Take your selected picture. Double check that it still fits (it should do unless you've bungled the width of the foil when folding). Put 3 or 4 balls of tape on the back of the image; alternately, if the image fits snugly enough, you may not need to use tape - just check it first.
   • Press the picture into the tin foil portion where it looks best.
7. Put the top of the CD case back on. You might need to unwrap a little of your folding work to locate it but it's fine to push right through the foil to reattach the lid. You will notice that there is a gap where the CD paper artwork used to fill.
   • Fold a rectangular strip the width of the gap, with enough length at each end to fold around the CD case. Don't attach it just yet, as you will need to open the case again for the next step.
8. Using the hanging thread that you have, create a hanging loop.
   • Slide each end of the thread through the top slots (holes) of the CD lid. You can use a toothpick to help push through the thread if needed.
   • Tie knots in each end of the thread. If the thread you are using is very thin, you might need to wrap around tape as well to create enough of a knotted bump. Cut off any excess length under the knot.
   • Pull the thread up evenly and the knots should keep the thread from slipping through the slots.
9. Attach the silver rectangular piece of foil over the gap on the CD lid. Use tape to attach it at the back for added security.
10. Hang it up! It's all done. Now you can put it on your bulletin board or hang from nails on the wall; whatever you wish! It's funky and cool, and gives a nice feel to your room.
11. Finished.

Tips

• If you care to, you can put multiple CD cases on one string. Just tie knots on the outside of the CD case holes, so that they don't slide into each other when you hang them up.
• Colored foils are also an excellent choice; try to keep your Easter egg or Christmas chocolate covers to use for this purpose.
• If you can't find a CD case with holes in the end, then you can get some of the cheap ones with no name slot. In this case, there is probably enough of an open indentation for you to hang the case directly onto picture hook nails.

Things You'll Need

• An empty CD case – remove the lyrics sheet, and it should have slots or holes for inserting the hanging thread
• Aluminum foil – it can be brand new, or stick with the recycled theme and reuse old foil that has been cleaned and dried
• A suitable picture to be framed – cut down to size if needed
• Scotch or similar transparent tape
• String, yarn, embroidery floss, ribbon, etc. - whatever you have available for hanging the picture with
• A toothpick
• Scissors

Related Articles

• Remove the Back Art from a CD Case
• Replace a CD Case
• Replace a Broken CD Case
• Make Hearts from Plastic Straws
• Recycle Old Plastic Bags
• Create a Hanging Picture Frame from an Old Window

See also

• Apply Vinyl to Curved Surfaces
• Microwave a CD
• Reuse and Recycle Old CDs and DVDs
• Frame Images from Calendars
• Make Bowls out of Vinyl Records
• Frame a Canvas
• Replace Broken Glass in a Picture Frame
• Protect Vinyl Records
• Turn a Book Into a Picture Frame
• Make a Photo Frame

Read more ...

What links here

• Create a Hanging Picture Frame from an Old Window
• Put Photos on a CD That Will Play on a DVD Player