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Homemade CD Storage Book

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-927 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

Old books can be customized to beautifully hold CDs. All you need is a mat knife and some spray adhesive.
Craft designer Elizabeth Dunn demonstrates how to turn outdated encyclopedias into attractive CD holders that help eliminate the clutter in your entertainment center and take up much less space.

Materials:

old books--encyclopedias are great, or any book with a lovely binding
Junk CDs--the free ones that come in the mail (these will get sticky)
spray glue--a light adhesive; avoid industrial strength
ruler
pencil
mat knife

Steps:


  1. Trace two CD shapes on the first page of the flap.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Glue the back of this page to the next page by lightly coating the two sides that will stick together with spray adhesive. Be sure to protect surrounding areas when you spray. Bind the two pages together by starting at the inside with a ruler and pressing out (figure A).

  • Glue the next three pages together. A completed flap is made of five pages.
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
  • Slip a mat or used magazine underneath the first set of (two) pages for a cutting surface that protects the lower pages. Using a mat knife and ruler, make a slit in the middle of the disc shapes traced on the page from top to bottom at the widest part of the circle (figure B). You will make two separate slits, one for each CD.
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    Figure C
  • Make a pocket to protect the disc when it is in the slot. Start with a paper CD made by tracing it and cutting out the form. Insert the paper disc into both slots, so that half shows on either side of the page (figure C). This masks the back side of the page.

  • Spray the back side of the page lightly with adhesive, being careful not to spray up under the paper disc.

  • Quickly remove the paper discs after spraying and press the slit page onto the front of the facing page, using the ruler as before to press from the center of the page outward. You now have a pocket for your disc.

  • Slip a junk CD into the slot to open it up and make sure everything fits. The slot is now ready for your favorite discs.

  • Cut out the next three to four pages before starting another flap. This will ensure that the book is not too thick, once the CDs have been inserted.
    • PHOTO

    Add felt pockets to an Atlas to hold user manuals.
    Atlas Storage

    Keep all your owner manuals and warranty information in one place. Store them in a large, sturdy book (an old atlas is great) that has been outfitted with a pocket.

    Materials:

    old atlas
    scissors
    felt
    needle and thread
    elastic
    glue

    Steps:


    1. To make the pocket, cut a strip of felt about six inches tall and wider than the book by two to three inches.

    2. Gather the upper edge of the fabric by sewing on a piece of elastic that is cut about four inches shorter than your width.

    3. Hold the elastic at the top on one side, stretch it across and sew in place.

    4. Attach the pocket to the front page of the book. Slit the page from the binding height of the pocket. Center the fabric on the page at the bottom, wrap the edges around and under the page. Glue into place.
    Guests
    Elizabeth Dunn
    Mixed Media Artist
    Website: www.elizabethjdunn.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-927
    •Concealing Cables, Wires
    •Homemade CD Storage Book
    •Nutty Finger Foods
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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