How to Make a CD Cover Collage

This article will show you how to make a CD cover collage to keep or to gift a friend or maybe a college student in need of artwork. The graphics are brimming with different styles and colors which translates into unique, one-of-a-kind art. Have fun with this easy to make CD cover collage!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CD covers
• empty frame, glass is optional
• thick cardboard for insert (if its missing)
• white glue (dries clear)
• disposable chopstick for mixing glue
• foam brush
• LIGHTLY dampened white soft cloth
• water-base polycrylic
• brown parcel paper for backing

1. 
    
   CD covers.

   To make a CD cover collage, gather CD covers together. If there are no willing CD-cover donors in your home (aka teens), you can buy used CD covers on Ebay. Dive into a dumpster if you have to. However you get them, they are so varied in design that just a few will make an interesting collage.

2. 
    
   Remove insert.

   Take the cardboard insert (and glass, if any) out of your frame. If it's not at least 1/8" thick cut an additional piece of cardboard for backing and glue the two cardboard inserts together. This is the canvas for your CD cover collage.

3. 
    
   Play with layout.

   To make a CD cover collage, cut the CD covers first in square shapes, exactly where the folds are. Keep long pieces too if the graphics are pleasing to you. Play with their arrangement on the cardboard until you are satisfied with the look you're getting. You may discover an even more interesting layout as you progress; this is the beauty of this art.

4. Mix white glue in a bowl for the CD cover collage with some hot water drizzled over the glue through your fingers. Add a little at a time. If unsure, start with a tsp of hot water; it must not be watery, but smooth and thin in texture.
   
   Mix with chopstick. With your brush, apply a thin coat of glue on cardboard where you want your first piece to go.

5. 
    
   Gently dab excess glue.

   Continue layering and gluing the CD cover collage. With your VERY lightly dampened cloth, gently dab any air bubbles with each piece. Remove any big glob or streaks of glue on the collage as you go.
   
   Tear a cover's edge for interest, or cut out song lyrics to layer on top. When finished, let dry well.

6. 
    
   CD cover collage.

   To make a CD cover collage durable, apply two thin coats of water-base polycrylic, allowing it to dry completely between each coat. This protects your finished collage, whether or not you have glass for your frame. Let dry completely, re frame and hang. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up frames at any thrift shop or garage sale. This is another under $5 gift. The most expensive ingredient was the frame at $2.
• If the frame has no glass, the collage can be cleaned by gently wiping with slightly dampened cloth; that's all it needs.
• This is a very inexpensive art piece and makes a unique gift for anyone who appreciates music and interesting artwork.
• I love to include song lyrics, however, depending on the recipient, it's best to read the words carefully before gluing down. I had to do selective tearing on this song "Lounge Fly" just at the bottom. :) (I just loved the title.)

Resources

• Learn to Play Musical Instruments Online

[quillerlady]

on 5/4/2009 Great article! Thanks for the ideas.

[moonglow]

on 12/7/2008 This would make a nice gift for any music lover!!

[RadiantShadows]

on 11/23/2008 Good idea, I should try this some time.

[slphilbrick]

on 11/22/2008 Great way to save CD memorabilia ! 5*

[e-Rambler]

on 11/18/2008 This is great! Now I know what to do with all those cd covers I collected over the years. Beautiful idea and very artistic :)