1. The CD Case Picture Frame
Desktop Picture Frame – CD cases, especially the crystal ones, make good desktop picture frames. If your CD case has a clear transparent surface, you can easily view a photo that is attached behind it. You just need a couple of makeshift hinges to hold the top surface steady, while suspended. Try taping small accessories like shortened barbecue sticks or metal fasteners to each side of the case so that the top surface is properly supported.
picture frame
Patterned Picture Frame – Create a picture frame with cool patterns by coating the case’s exterior with paint or poster colors. You can check the Internet or magazines for cool patterns to copy. Apply your painting materials accordingly and you will get a picture frame that looks snazzy even without the photos.
2. Restaurant Items
restaurant item
Bill Holder – For restaurant owners, the CD case is a good alternative to the bill holder. The case’s little door can hold down bills and coins, that makes it more practical than the ones found in most restaurants, especially in open-air establishments. Just detach the CD-holding surface and it can already be used as a bill holder.
Cafe/Diner Menu – Some diners and cafes serve only a limited amount of food, while others simply have “Today’s Special.” For these establishments, the CD case can be used as the standard menu. Print the food items on any stylish paper, along with the corresponding prices. Stick the paper to the CD case to instantly make a cool diner menu.
Promo Holders – Promo holders are the plastic cases that show a restaurant’s featured items or current promos. These small items are found on top of every table in most restaurants. Instead of buying regular promo holders, restaurant owners can simply detach the CD holding surfaces and use these as promo holders.
3. Makeup Kit
Makeup Pallet Box – Remove the CD-holding surface inside the CD case and buy a few plastic-based makeup pallets from cosmetic stores. Cut the pallets and align them inside the CD case. You can attach the pallets with masking tape or a stronger adhesive to ensure that the pallets are held steady. Arrange your makeup on the cool makeup pallet box.
Compact Makeup Station – You can use the CD case as a tiny extension of your dresser. With the fairly wide area of the CD case’s surfaces, you can easily fit in all of the cosmetic materials that you’ll need.
On one side of the CD case, you can fit in a sizable vanity mirror. On the other side, you can arrange cosmetic pallets for your different makeup accessories. Leave a small space for your makeup brushes, mascara and eyeliner.
4. Desktop Calendar and Planner
cd case calendar
Why purchase planners, when you can create your own desktop calendar and planner with a CD case? Just tape or glue a calendar on the sides of the CD case (six months per side). Purchase a tiny memo notebook, a batch of post-its and a small pen. Now, place all of these items inside your CD desktop calendar.
5. Collection Holder
Coin collections are normally left at home for safety purposes. In cases when you need to show them to a fellow collector, you can use the CD case as a compact vessel for easy transport. Just stick the coins on both sides of the case with a strong adhesive. You can also place your notes on each coin inside the case to make them more organized and comprehensive.
You can also affix other small collectibles such as stamps, insects, pins and even shells. You can even have the sides of the CD case laminated, if you want to turn it into a permanent collection fixture.
6. Pencil Case
Remove the CD-holding surface inside the case and your cool pencil case is ready. Retain the inlay sleeve since it will carry the theme of your cool pencil case. If you are a creative soul, you can use the inlay sleeve and pictures in music magazines to create a nice collage, that will serve as the primary theme of your pencil case.
7. Jewelry Carrier
Necklace Holder – Necklaces usually get tangled when placed in a wide-open area. With your CD case, you can simply place your necklaces and pedants inside, to keep them tangle-free. Just remove the CD-holding surface so that the internal surfaces of the case are flat, to help keep your jewelry untangled.
jewelry case
Jewelry Box – Aside from carrying necklaces, the case can also be used to keep adornments like rings, earrings, bracelets and other small items. You can even it use it as a jewelry case if you own a spacious bag.
8. CD Cleaner
If you look at the CD cleaners sold at music stores, you will notice that some of them resemble the interior of a CD case. Naturally, you can turn a CD case into an instant CD cleaner.
Procedure:
Make an incision on the CD-holding surface.
Wedge a CD-cleaning brush or cloth in between the case’s side and the CD-holding surface.
Make sure that the cleaning application protrudes the incision so that it can efficiently clean CDs.
Douse the brush or cloth with cleaning solution.
Clean the CD by attaching it to the CD-holding surface and manually spin th CD for about 30 seconds.
Given all of its uses, the CD case is just as important as the compact disc in the makeshift world. With just a few modifications, you can turn it into several useful devices. Good luck!