Introduction: CD Spindle Earring Stand
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.

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41 Comments
4 years ago on Introduction
Such a cute idea!
5 years ago
Very simple but very effective - as the best ideas often are ... once some has thought of them!
With slightly bigger holes, might work for storing artist paintbrushes? or small tools, drill bits etc?
8 years ago on Introduction
My mate has a stall at markets. She asked me for ideas to display her earrings...I will be sharing your idea! Awesome!!
10 years ago on Introduction
can you make one for bracelets too? i have a ton of them that dont fit on my jewelery stand. ive got to stop stashing up on jewelry, really, i do....
gotta have it though, its like a part of my life!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
try this
https://www.instructables.com/id/Bangle-organizer/
if you can't make the stand simply screw larger hooks to a board and make the sticks.
11 years ago on Introduction
I got one of them too from my DIYing Dad! In silver! A great idea and all my earrings fit :-)
11 years ago on Introduction
here it is
double decker with spinning discs
11 years ago on Introduction
just an idea...
make the cds spin for easier access with two or more layers...
i am going to give this a try
12 years ago on Introduction
Wow! :D definetly trying! :D
12 years ago on Introduction
Nice idea! I'll make this and add the cover so that the earrings won't get dusty. 5 stars~
13 years ago on Introduction
Great idea, I am a woodturner and turn these. An idea is get a bigger spindle and mount two cd's about 2 or 3 inches apart and it will hold twice as many earrings.
13 years ago on Introduction
I bet you could probably and another row of holes for extra "storage space." I'm definitely going to try this out.
13 years ago on Introduction
Cool. This gave me some idea's for my friends with pierced ears!
13 years ago on Introduction
hmm bet you could make a bigger version with a motor for ties or something
14 years ago on Introduction
I made one using your inspiration, and kinda made it my own. Have a look~
Thank you for the inspiration though!
Click here!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
nice fender detail...
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Interesting -- I see you painted the stand silver, and used a guitar pick and screw to handle the mounting to the base. I see you have a "do not reproduce" copyright on your picture -- wow...
14 years ago on Introduction
maybe u can use the cover of the cd tube to avoid dust.... or if u have long earrings u can use a 100 cd tube!!! humm!!! great ideia
14 years ago on Introduction
LoLZ Sexy Earings :D nice stand ;D
14 years ago on Introduction
this is a terrific project. my mom makes jewelry in her spare time, and was selling it at a flea market this past weekend. i made her a couple of these, and they caught a lot of attention. i didn't have half the supplies, or the little plastic thing that would go on top of the attached disc. i had to substitute hot glue for epoxy and my sister's eyelet puncher for a drill T_T