Transform Old CDs into Chic Ribbon-Wrapped Curtain Rings — Easy Upcycled DIY
Give old CDs or DVDs new life by turning them into pretty, ribbon-wrapped curtain rings. This budget-friendly upcycle is eco-conscious and simple to make — perfect for lightweight curtains or sheers and a quick way to add a handmade finishing touch to a room.
Give old CDs or DVDs a new life as decorative curtain holders. This simple upcycle project turns common household disc media into attractive curtain rings by wrapping them in ribbon and adding handmade ribbon flowers. It’s eco-friendly, inexpensive, and makes a lovely finishing touch for lightweight curtains or sheers.
Below is a step-by-step guide with photos showing the process, plus a short supplies list and a few tips to make the project safer and neater.
Supplies Needed
Old CD
Stick or dowel
Light blue ribbon
Dark blue ribbon
White ribbon
Artificial flowers
Thread
Needle
Craft knife
Scissors
Craft glue
How to Make an Upcycled CD Curtain Holder
1. Prepare the disc: Using a small lid or ribbon spool as a guide, trace a circle onto the CD to mark the area you will remove.
2. Carefully enlarge the center hole: Score the CD with a craft knife along your traced line, then pop the center out to create a ring. Wear eye protection and work slowly to avoid cracking the disc.
3. Wrap the ring: Start wrapping the light blue ribbon around the CD ring, adding small dots of craft glue every few inches to hold the ribbon in place.
4. Continue wrapping until the entire visible surface is covered, and secure the ribbon end with glue so it won’t unravel.
5. Make the ribbon flower: Cut several 3” lengths of the dark blue ribbon (about six pieces works well) to form petals.
6. Fold each ribbon piece: Fold a strip in half, then fold the halves together to shape a petal. The accompanying photos show this folding technique.
7. Stitch the petals together: Use a needle and thread to secure the open ends of each folded petal. Keep the thread attached as you add the next petal so you can gather them together into a flower shape.
8. Shape and secure the flower: Arrange the petals into a circular flower shape and tighten the thread in the center with a few extra stitches so the petals hold firmly.
9. Add layers and embellishments: Glue or sew a sheer white ribbon beneath the blue flower, then glue a small artificial flower or button to the center for extra detail.
10. Final adjustments: Arrange the ribbon and embellishments until you’re happy with the look, trimming any excess threads or ribbon tails.
11. Attach the flower to the ring: Glue the completed ribbon flower onto the wrapped CD ring and add any additional small flower accents to the sides as desired.
12. Prepare the dowel: Wrap the dowel tightly with ribbon to match the rings, securing the ends with glue for a finished appearance.
13. Add a finishing bow: Make a small darker-blue bow and attach it to one end of the wrapped dowel for a polished detail.
14. Assemble the holder: You should now have the wrapped CD rings and the wrapped dowel ready to use.
15. Install the curtain holder: Slip the curtain panel through the center of the CD ring, then slide the dowel behind the curtain and through the ring so the curtain is held in place by the disc-and-dowel combination.
Tips and Safety Notes
- When cutting or scoring CDs, wear safety goggles and cut slowly to avoid cracking or shards.
- Use strong craft glue or a hot glue gun for faster drying and a firmer hold (test on a scrap first).
- These upcycled holders work best with lightweight curtains or sheers; avoid heavy drapes unless you reinforce the dowel and rings.
- Vary ribbon colors, sizes, and embellishments for a custom look that matches your room decor.