Don’t throw out those old CDs and DVDs just yet! Instead, turn them into a fun game that keeps everyone entertained, even the grown ups! Make it a contest to see which spinner stays going the longest. Part of the fun is decorating them however you like.
I have to admit, I was playing with these. Yes, I was. They just keep going and going, I really couldn’t believe how long they kept spinning! And with the different designs, they looked pretty cool spinning around and around.
I made these for Michaels Craft Stores via DecoArt using the CraftSmart line of paint. I actually use CraftSmart quite a bit, and it’s the perfect paint for kid’s projects!
I started by sanding the shiny side of the DVD, just to knock off the finish.
Next I painted a coat of white. I always do this to give darker items a base coat. That way when the color goes on, it’s not as difficult to cover.
I used some neon colors for these. Fun!
Here’s a video of them spinning to give you a demonstration!
Have fun!
- 3 recycled CDs or DVDs
- 3 marbles
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Hot glue gun
- Paintbrush
- White
- Bright Yellow
- Neon Pink
- Orange
- Purple
- Neon Green
- Matte Varnish
- Sand each CD, just enough to knock the shine off.
- Paint each CD White.
- Paint CDs, one each color, Neon Pink, Neon Green and Bright Yellow.
- Decorate each CD. Paint an Orange spiral line on the yellow CD starting from the center and swirling outward around the CD.
- Use the handle end of your paintbrush to polka dot the Neon Green CD using White and Orange.
- Use the handle end of a paintbrush or the eraser of a pencil to add flowers to the Neon Pink CD using Purple. Use White for the center of the flower. Use a liner brush to add a few Neon Green lines coming off of each flower.
- Pipe hot glue around the center hold of the CD. Place marble in the hole and press and hold for about ten seconds. Turn CD over and make sure that there’s no excess dripped glue that could block the marble from rolling.
- Place CD spinner on a flat surface, grasp the marble and spin!
Amanda Formaro
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I have made these many times with my kids at the day care. But, instead of using the side were the label is we use the shinny side. I have had them paint it with sun catcher paint or use permanent markers. I also found that E6000 glue works better than hot glue. I have one spinner that was made three years ago and the marble or lid have not come off. This is one of my favorite recycle/reuse projects for CDs.
Great tip on the E6000!
I have tried making these and even using hot glue I couldn’t get the marble to stay attached. Any suggestions?
Hi Brenda. You may want to try either white craft glue (like Tacky Glue) or E6000. Hot glue doesn’t always stick really well to some surfaces. Were the CD’s painted or just plain without changing them? I ask because hot glue will stick better to the paint than the plain CD. You can also try sanding the CD where the marble will sit.
Another idea is to keeo the marble, but glue a plastic (soda) bottle lid on the top – makes it easier for little hands to grip and spin.
Great idea Rachel!
This is a wonderful idea for the old CD’S. I have been saving mine for a long time. I had in mind, a mobile, over a baby bed, all decked out in baby colors. I’ll try the CD Spinner first. Do you paint and decorate both sides of the CD? Thanks.
Hi Bobbie! No i didn’t paint the bottom of the CDs. You can if you want to though!
fun cool idea.
love it, thank you for the sharing.
have a fun happy crafting weekend;-D
Oooh, what a fantastic idea! My 6 year-old boy is a spinner addict. I’m going to make a CD spinner for him… thank you !
This is perfect for those clear “CD’s” that I have from the ends and beginnings of the spindle. My question is: is the marble then stationary in the CD because of the glue? OK I know that it’s a stupid question but I want to know.
Hi lara! Yes, the glue keeps the marble still, it doesn’t just sit in there as the size isn’t exact.