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Before you set about altering your Cd's and books, make certain that you really don't want it anymore, that your friends really don't want it anymore, and that it has no real monetary value. Now, are you feeling crafty?

Lamps:
I've seen several TV shows and magazines that have made lamps out of old books. I have not tried this myself, but it looks fairly easy and the results are great. The way I understand it is the books have a hole drilled through them, usually in the middle. Stack (glue together for strength, or don't for flexibility), and thread the necessary cords up through the holes. Attach the socket, light bulb, and lampshade. Lamp kits are sold in craft stores.

Art:
Again, this is something that I saw on HGTV. Cd's can be broken into pieces, file the edges smooth, heat a nail and melt a hole in the top and bottom of each piece (except for the bottom pieces). String together, or use split washers to attach the pieces to each other, and hang. It can be hung up like a mobile, a curtain, or loop it around the edges of the walls like garland. Or actually use it as garland on a futuristic Christmas tree.

Alternatively, you could make a very large collage. Take a really cool photo, scan it into your computer, and divide it into multiple smaller pictures. Use your CD cover maker to put each of those pictures on a separate disc. If you forget which piece goes where, you can even entertain yourself with a puzzle.

Money Box:
Does anyone remember Laverne & Shirley? There was one episode where they'd hidden $100 in either a dictionary or a Bible. Here's a new take. Take a very sharp craft knife, lift the cover of the book and cut a box about 3/4 deep into the pages. Make sure that you leave a border about 1/2" to 1" the whole way around the opening. If you have a lot of patience you can even coat the inner pages with glue so that nothing will slip out between the pages. You don't want to coat the outer edge as that would give away that your book isn't all that it seems to be. Make sure that the glue is thoroughly dry before placing anything into your new "safe".

Coasters:
This was fairly popular about 10 years ago. Once a CD had worn out its welcome, many people simply used them to prevent water rings on their furniture.

Cd's and books can also be used to catch wax drippings from your candles. Just keep a close eye on it as a CD won't keep the heat from getting through to your furniture, and open flame near paper isn't exactly the safest thing. However, in controlled environments, you can burn a pillar candle down about halfway, making sure that plenty of wax runs down over the book. Simply display that decor.

Toys:
Old Cd's make great Frisbees. They're a little dangerous for tossing back and forth, but the way they stick in the ground makes them great as replacements for lawn darts.

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