Compact Disc Craft
Project 4 - Crosses
This compact disc craft project will guide you into making a handcrafted decorative shellcraft home d้cor item with a cross design. You can also help the green cause by recycling unwanted CDs into seashell crafts instead of dumping them into a landfill.
Materials
1. an unwanted CD or DVD
2. 11 seashells
3. 2 rhinestones
4. sand
5. white, all purpose glue
6. fishing line
7. small paint brushes
Double up on the seashells and rhinestones to put a cross on both sides of the CD craft. Then if you hang it from the ceiling you'll have a design on both sides to enjoy.
Pick out a CD or DVD for Your Shell Craft
Take a look around and see what kind of CD (compact disc) you have laying around that you will not miss. Once you use a compact disc to make a compact disc craft you will not be able to listen to it again. I have used CDs that have stopped working, un-solicited CDs received in the mail (remember the AOL days a CD every other day), and occasionally CDs that I no longer care for (although I may pass the CD/DVD along to someone who likes it).
Drill a Hole
You'll need to drill a hole near the edge of the CD so you can hang the compact disc craft. You can use a drill press, a hand drill or rotary tool with a 1/8" bit to make the hole. Protect your work surface by using a piece of scrap wood under the CD, or holding it over the edge of the table so the drill bit misses the table.
Place the hole about ผ" from the edge of the CD. This hole, from which you will hang your compact disc craft, provides a guide for laying out the seashells and rhinestones. Put the long part of the cross in-line with the hole.
Pick Out the Seashells & Accessories
 As pointed out in the material's list you'll need some seashells and rhinestones for your compact disc craft. Pick out 7 clam style seashells and 4 auger-like seashells (see the photo) for each side. The seashells I used to form the cross are almost 1 inch across. Lay the seashells you have on the CD without glue and check how they fit, then adjust as needed. It is important that the center clam style seashell cover the center hole in the CD.
Since natural seashells vary in size, shape, and coloration, I always do a dry run before setting everything in place permanently. This gives me a chance to move the seashells around until I like what I see. Once you have a design that you like, move the design off to the side of the CD.
Apply the Seashells
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Apply glue in a thin layer to the surface of the compact disc craft. Place the seashell going over the center hole first. Then place the seashells that form the column. Make sure they align with the hole you drilled near the edge.
Now that the column is formed to satisfy you, place the 2 seashells that form the arms next to the second seashell from the top. Add the 2 rhinestones, one to each side of the top of the column. Finally place the auger seashells (or something similar) below the arms, 2 of them to each side of the column.
Apply the Sand
Check the glue on the disc to make sure it covers the exposed surface. Touch it up with the paintbrush and cover any bare areas. This is why I use all-purpose white glue. It stays wet long enough to get everything in place. Of course you do have to wait a while for it to dry once you do put things in place. It seems a small price to pay for the time you get to make the design just right.
Sprinkle sand over the exposed glue. Make sure you cover all of it. Don't worry about putting on too much sand. Once everything is dry, the excess sand will be easy to remove.
Make the Hanger
I use low cost 6 lb rated fishing line to make the hanger for the compact disc craft. You can use anything from 4 lb test to 10 lb test. Anything more than 10 lb will detract from your shell craft. Determine how long you need it to be. I use 18 to 24 inches. It can always be shortened if need be.
Tie the string to the hole so it doesn't slip off. I use the same knot used for tying lures and hooks to fishing line, but any secure knot you know how to make will work. At the other end tie a 1 to 2 inch loop. This loop will go over the ceiling hook, nail, or other item you are going to hang your CD craft from.
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Now hang up your compact disc craft. I hang mine from ceiling hooks, usually in corners. I've also used picture hangers to hang them over a doorway. However you decide to enjoy your hand crafted shell craft you are sure to like it. Make another and give it to a friend.
Try Another Compact Disc Project
Project 1 Y pattern
Project 2 O pattern
Project 3 X pattern
Project 5 Flower pattern
Project 6
Star
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