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Arts & Entertainment

Video: Upcycle Junk CDs as Independence Day Coasters

Just in time for a Fourth of July picnic.

I have been trying to figure out what to do with all those promotional CDs that are sent in the mail. Most are advertisements for services I will never use or shows I will never watch. It seems like such a waste to simply toss them into the garbage.  

I sought inspiration in one of my favorite community art projects, Trash Mash Up, in which useless products are converted into something useful. This is known as upcycling.

According to the organization, Trash Mash Up's goal is to use "disposable materials, collected before they enter the waste stream, participants construct “Maskostumes” which are original pageant masks and costumes inspired by traditions from around the world. This project reduces waste and inspires people to see each other and our environment in a new way."

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Through the lens of upcycling, I took another look at those CDs and remembered that I have an Independence Day barbecue coming up and there will be tons of cold glasses with condensation to contend with. It's time to give those CDs a coat of acrylic paint in commemorative colors and turn them into coasters.

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What you will need:

  • CDs that would normally be discarded
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paint (Acrylic for adults, Water-based or markers for kids)
  • Paper plate or plastic tray for paint
  • Water-filled plastic cups to rinse brushes for color switching
  • Stencils (optional)
  • Last but not least, your imagination!

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