A dusty stack of CD jewel cases wedged toward the back of my media
shelf got me thinking - - with all the music available for download
maybe I'm not the only one with a stack of extra cases. You know me, I
can't pass up an opportunity to try to keep an item out of the
landfill by finding a clever re-use. After some trial and error I have
seven clever re-uses for you to try:
1 Don't throw away those old CD cases! Re-use them!
2 Mini Dry Erase Board
3 Recipe Stand
4 Picture Frame
5 Craft Organizer
6 Necklace Holder
7 Rubber Stamp Mount
8 Drink Coaster
Mini White Board
Use dry erase markers to write notes directly on the case. A cloth
towel or dry eraser will remove the writing so you can use it over and
over again. Slip a sheet of white paper into the case to create a
backdrop to clearly read your writing. A mini white board is perfect
for small areas such as, near the phone or in the kitchen and you can
even give them to your children for something new to do during a car
ride.
Insider tip: to keep the dry erase marker handy use a piece of self
stick hook and loop tape, commonly known as Velcro. Stick one side to
the marker and the other to the side of the case and you instantly
have a storage spot.
Recipe Stand
Keep recipes propped up for easy reading and protected from cooking
splatters. Slide the recipe into the space where the CD booklet would
normally sit. Then place the case on the kitchen counter top while
cooking.
Picture Frame
Simply attach a self stick magnet to the back of the case, slip a
photograph inside and stick the case onto your refrigerator or the
side of the filing cabinet in the office.
Craft Organizer
All those little craft pieces like scrap booking chip board cut outs
fit inside the case. Be sure to label the edge of the case so you know
what is inside and a great place to store all those craft cases is in
a standard CD organizer box.
Necklace Holder
No more tangled necklaces when traveling! Most necklaces fit in the
case and they are held tight to prevent knotting or damage. You don't
have to be traveling far, this solution works to keep your necklaces
safe during a yoga class - - just toss the case in your gym bag.
Rubber Stamp Mount
Some stamps come mounted on a wooden block. Others are unmounted
making it difficult to hold while stamping. Attach the stamp to the
outside of the case using a dab of craft glue and stamp away.
Drink Coaster
A simple piece of felt or an extra square of cork cut to size and glued into the case makes a perfect drink coaster.
GOT ITEMS YOU HATE TOSSING? TRY ME!
What other household items do you hate throwing away but aren't sure how to put to good use? I take requests!
Until next time keep it simple and clutter-free! -Jamie
Jamie Novak, The World’s Most Relatable Organizer, is author of "Stop Throwing Money Away: Turn Clutter to Cash, Trash to Treasure—And Save the Planet While You're at It." Please visit her website at JamieNovak.com.
From: Jamie Novak | 7/20/10 at 5:24 pm
Which re-use is your favorite? How do you use your old CD cases?
From: Lola | 7/22/10 at 2:20 pm
Not for me. Thanks, though.
From: Amanda MacMillan | 7/23/10 at 4:57 pm
Here's another great reuse for cd cases, courtesy of Martha Stewart herself: Mini calendars! Some commenters on this article even linked to their etsy sites where you can buy the 2010 versions. Or you can always make your own
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/clip-art-calendar
~Amanda
Editor, WholeLiving.com
From: Jamie Novak | 7/24/10 at 2:15 am
Loving Martha's mini calendar idea Amanda thanks for the link!
From: Elizabeth Mc Gorty | 7/26/10 at 8:29 pm
I love this post! I think the recipe stand is my favorite -- it' genius!