A very simple project to take the leftover stuff from a stack of blank CDs and make a stand to hold earrings.

Step 1: Find a Suitable CD Stack Spindle

I had a stack of blank CDs stored on this spindle. There was also a plastic cover, but it's unfortunately gone to the landfill, as I couldn't figure out another use for it.
But the spindle that held the blank CDs was quite nice, and the little plastic top that held the whole thing together screwed on nicely.

Obviously this won't work with just any spindle without some ingenuity. Hopefully whatever you have lying around can be made to work.

Step 2: Drill Holes in the CD

I had a stack of CDs with useless data on them. This one came from a tourist bureau, and I liked the color, so decided to have the colored/label part show.
You could also put the silver, shiny side up.

Start with the CD.
I used a Dremel cutting tool, but a power drill would also work.

1) clamp the CD firmly to a piece of wood. The wood will have a few dozen tiny drill marks in it when you are done, so do it on a piece of scrap.

2) wear eye protection, as the plastic bits from the CD fly around a lot

3) I just eyeballed the hole placement, but you could neatly mark it with a felt tip pen. The holes are about 3 mm from hole centre to edge of CD

4) I would suggest drilling from the side that will be down when you are finished. i.e. the 'wrong side'. You will not get any clamp marks that way.

5) Drill holes all around the CD

Step 3: Glue Drilled CD to Spindle Top

First figure out where the CD and the top of the spindle are touching. There were relatively few contact points on mine.
That influenced my decision about what glue to use, as I wanted to use a glue that would 'fill in' a little, and increase the area of the bond.
Household GOOP was perfect.
Epoxy would likely also work fine.

I usually squeeze the goop out onto a piece of wax paper or paper towel, then use something like a toothpick to scoop it up and spread it on.

Once you have the glue on the spindle, place the drilled CD over the centre, and press firmly enough to bond.

Let dry overnight.

Step 4: Assemble

Here's what mine looked like when I screwed it back together.

Step 5: Load With Earrings and Admire

Now you can end the jumble of earrings on your dresser, and have all your lovelies neatly displayed and ready for action.

If I can find a tall enough spindle, I'm going to try to do something with necklaces next.