Make a Recycled CD Journal

Recycle old compact disks and wallpaper samples into journals. These little notebooks can be decorated for all ages. This journal will easily tuck into your purse and gardeners will find it helpful to keep track of their planting schedules. If you need a quick and inexpensive idea for a children's party favor, decorate CD journals using children's wallpaper prints.

I used outdated computer disks, but damaged music and movie CDs could also be used. I also have an abundance of wallpaper in my stash, but any recycled paper with a design you like could be used.

Things You Will Need:

Wallpaper
2 compact disks
Cricut Expression
Scissors
Masking tape
Mod Podge
Paintbrush
Ruler
Crop-A-Dile hole punch
Drill and 3 1/16-inch drill bit (optional)
Jute

Step 1
Cut four 4 1/2-inch circles from your chosen wallpaper. These are to cover both sides of two disks. The diameter of the disks measure slightly smaller than 4 3/4 inches, but I wanted to use my Cricut Expression, and it adjusts to sizes by the 1/4 inch. The silver or clear edge of the CD will show on the finished journal cover, but I kind of liked that. If that bothers you, or you don't have a Cricut, you can trace the disks on the back of your wallpaper and cut them out by hand.

Step 2
Place a piece of masking tape over the center hole on both sides of the disks. This will stabilize the holes, preventing them from being poked through on the finished journal.

Step 3
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to one side of a CD. Center one cut circle on the Mod Podge. Smooth and press the circle with your fingers to press out any bubbles. Allow the Mod Podge to dry. Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the paper circle. Allow the Mod Podge to dry. Repeat this step on the other side of the disk and both sides of the remaining disk.

Step 4
Measure in a 1/2 inch from the edge of one disk and mark with a pen. Measure down 1 1/2 inches from the mark and a 1/2 inch from the edge, and mark again. Punch or drill a 3/16-inch hole through the marks. I used a Crop-A-Dile hole punch. I have yet to find a material (within reason) that I couldn't punch a hole through using this tool. Place the two disks together. Place a pen through the punched holes to mark the other disk. Punch the holes in the second disk.

Step 5
Cut 20, 4 1/2-inch circles from wallpaper. These are your journal pages. Again, I used my Cricut Expression. The 4 1/2 -inch size is important for this measurement, as you want the pages to hide behind the covers. If you do not have a Cricut, you can use a compass to trace the circles on the paper and cut them out by hand.

Step 6
Stack the paper circles, aligning their edges. Center one covered CD on the stack of paper. Mark the paper through the holes. Remove the CD and drill or punch holes in the paper. If 20 circles is too thick to punch or drill through, make smaller stacks and do them separately.

Step 7
Place one covered CD on your work table with the inside cover facing up. Place the stacked paper on the cover, aligning the paper holes with the CD. Place the remaining CD on the stack with the outer cover facing up. Align the holes.

Step 8
Cut two 6-inch lengths of jute. Ribbon or cording can also be used. Insert one jute length through one front hole, through the paper and out the corresponding hole on the back of the journal. Bring the ends of one jute length together and tie in a knot 1 inch from the ends. This will provide a binder ring so the book can be opened up flat. Tie the other jute length in the same way.

Step 9
Decorate the front cover any way you choose. I cut a paper flower using my Cricut and applied it using Mod Podge. You could add stickers, charms, ribbons or what ever makes the journal unique to the owner.