How to Make a Jewelry Pin From Old CDs

Two modern jewelry pins made from old CDs.

Make jewelry pins from cut pieces of those advertising CDs you get in the mail and get some use out of them instead of tossing them out or piling them in with junk you aren’t sure what to do with. It is a fun way to recycle CDs. You can be as creative as you like. There is no set form to the pin design. These pins are very modern looking.

Things You'll Need

• CDs
• Fake jewels with flat backs or beads
• Scissors
• Pin backings
• Epoxy type glue

Instructions

1. Cut a shape from the CD to be the background of the pin. You will set the other cut pieces and jewels on this one in layers, so it needs to be the largest piece in whatever design you choose.

2. Cut smaller shapes or strips of the CD out. Try different shapes to see what combinations appeal to you as you create the pin. You can arrange them on the larger bottom piece without gluing and move them around until you get the look you like. Don’t be afraid to try different shapes together. You can layer them a few layers deep if you want more of a 3D look to the finished piece.

3. Pick the jewels or beads you want to finish the jewelry piece with. Arrange all the pieces and move them around until you get the design you like. Then leave the pieces sitting there so you remember where you want them when you are ready to glue them in place.

4. Remove one piece at a time from the bottom of the design up, and glue it in place with the special glue. Don’t put too much glue on the back of each piece so none oozes out from behind the glued on pieces as you set them in place on the background piece of CD. Use epoxy type glue; don’t substitute other types of glue. If you use other kinds of glue like white craft glue or hot glue, the pieces will not hold together and will snap off easily. They don’t bond well with the CD.

5. Glue the jewels or beads on last as the final decorator touches of the pin. Then let the piece dry completely flat for the time specified on the container of glue. Once dry, turn it over and glue the jewelry pin backing on using the same glue. Let it dry. Now you have a modern work of jewelry art created from a recycled CD.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to get the glue on your fingers.