With the rise of USB drives, memory cards, and streaming services, CDs and DVDs have quickly become relics of the past. These days, most of us are downloading or live-streaming our favourite music and movies. So, if your home is anything like mine, you’ve probably got a dusty stack (or several) of old discs just lying around.

As someone who loves crafting with recycled materials, I couldn’t bring myself to toss them in the bin. So, I did what many crafters do when looking for inspiration—I went straight to Pinterest. I stumbled upon a beautiful mosaic birdbath project made from broken CDs and DVDs and instantly fell in love. However, it felt a little ambitious for my first try, so I decided to start with something smaller and more manageable: a custom house number plaque.

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How to make a house number using old CDs and DVDs

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What You’ll Need

• Old CDs and DVDs (a mix gives great colour contrast)
• Scrap plywood or wooden board (mine was 300mm square)
• Jigsaw
• Compass or round objects (for shaping corners)
• Large pot and boiling water
• Tongs
• Strong scissors (like dressmaker’s shears or sturdy kitchen scissors)
• Printed house numbers (use your favourite font)
• Pencil
• Strong adhesive (I used Tarzan Grip, but E6000 works well too)
• Outdoor varnish or marine sealant
• Optional: Grout and paint for added contrast

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Use any scrap wood you have on hand—the entire surface will be covered, so imperfections are fine. I used a square plywood board (300mm x 300mm), but feel free to size it according to your space.

To add visual interest, I rounded off the corners. You can trace even curves using a compass or anything circular, like a bowl or a tin lid. Cut along your markings with a jigsaw to soften the shape.

Step 2: Separate the DVD Layers

DVDs are made from two layers, and it’s the shiny, iridescent layer we want for this project.

1. Boil a pot of water.
2. Drop in a few DVDs and let them sit for 2–3 minutes.
3. Using tongs, take one out and carefully pry apart the layers while it’s still warm (a fingernail or craft knife works well).

Note: CDs are single-layered, so they don’t need this step.

Step 3: Soften and Cut

Place the discs back into the hot water for another minute before cutting to make them more pliable.

Use strong scissors to snip the discs into mosaic-style pieces. Feel free to get creative with shapes—squares, triangles, curves—it’s your design!

Not all DVDs are created equal. If the foil layer chips off when cutting, that disc won’t work. The adhesive won’t stick properly to peeling pieces

It’s important to note that not all DVDs are created equal, and some may not be suitable for this project. During my own testing, I came across a particular brand that didn’t work at all. You’ll know you’ve found a dud if, when cutting the DVD, the reflective foil layer starts to chip or flake off—almost like peeling paint. If this happens, that disc isn’t usable, as the glue won’t adhere properly to the damaged surface. You can see an example of this in the image below, where the foil has lifted along the cut edges. If you encounter this, it’s best to discard that DVD and try another.

Step 4: Plan Your Design

To make your numbers stand out, try a two-tone effect like I did:

• DVDs (with a purple or rainbow shine) for the numbers
• CDs (silver and mirror-like) for the background

If you’re not confident drawing freehand, print your house number using your chosen font, cut it out, and trace it onto your board.

Step 5: Glue Down Your Mosaic

Start with the numbers first, outlining the shape with longer, straight pieces. Then fill in the smaller gaps using more detailed cuts.

Apply glue (such as Tarzan Grip or E6000) to the back of each piece and press it in place. Take your time—it’s like putting together a sparkly puzzle!

Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours before moving on.

Step 6: Seal and Protect

Since this project will live outdoors, sealing is essential. I used an outdoor gloss varnish, but marine-grade sealant offers even better long-term protection.

You can also grout your design like a traditional mosaic. I didn’t add grout to mine, as I wasn’t sure how abrasive it might be on the disc surface. However, it’s worth testing if you want a more finished look.

Optional Tip: One of my readers asked whether painting the background would help the numbers stand out more. I gave it a try, and the results were lovely—totally up to your preference!

The Final Result

Whether painted or natural, the iridescent shine from the CDs and DVDs gives this house number a stunning rainbow effect. Best of all, the reflections aren’t harsh—no risk of blinding your neighbours or passing drivers. Just a beautiful, shimmery look that adds character to your home.

More Projects You’ll Love

Egyptian-themed Upcycled Sand Timer – Give old items a historic twist

Custom House Number for My Daughter – Another take on creative signage

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