Old CDs
Here is how you can make a cheap disco ball out of old CDs. The inner surface of CDs make them great for constructing disco balls because they reflect light very well. However, you should make sure that the inner surfaces of the CDs you are going to use are off the same colour for uniformity.
- First, you will need to cut your CDs into small squares. You will need a strong pair of scissors, but even that will turn blunt after a while. The easiest way is to dip the CD into hot water for a while to soften it before cutting. Take care not to leave it in hot water for too long or it will start to melt. You want squares that measure 1 cm x 1 cm, or at maximum, 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm. Bigger squares will mean that you will need to cut less, but bear in mind that the smaller the squares, the better the disco ball will look later on. Once you have a substantial amount, you may begin constructing your disco ball. If you run out of squares, you can always start cutting more. That way, you do not waste too much effort and energy in cutting the CDs up.
- Most disco balls (even the professional ones at the discos) are formed out of a big Styrofoam ball. You can purchase these Styrofoam spheres from arts and crafts stores.
- Draw a line to divide the ball into half. Your line will need to be straight because it will act as a guide. To do this, you can sit the ball on a pot or pail that has approximately the same circumference. Do not push the ball in or you will have a hard time taking it out. Simply let the ball sit lightly on the rim of the pot or pail, and trace all around the edge using a permanent marker.
- Once you have your guideline ready, you can now start gluing the reflective squares on. To make work easier, sit the ball on a small pail (this is to avoid accidentally pushing the ball too far in) so that it will not roll around.
- Start with the upper part of the ball. Using a glue gun, dab a bead of glue onto the front of the CD and stick it onto the ball so that the reflective surface faces up. Glue the first row of CD squares all along the line you have drawn earlier. Work upwards until you have completely finished the upper half. Leave it to dry before doing the same for the lower half.
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13698839@N00/3062071713/
