Movable Record Player Greeting Card From a Floppy Disk

The actual disk part of an old 3.5" floppy disk looks suspiciously like a record, doesn't it? It only takes a few minutes to turn one into this personalized turntable greeting card. The best part is that the card is assembled with brads so the record spins and the player arm moves, too. Perfect for audiophiles and geeks alike.

Step 1: Assemble Your Materials

For this project you'll need:

- an old 3.5" floppy disk
- a flathead screwdriver
- scissors
- hole punches
- blank greeting cards or cardstock to make your own
- small brads
- cardstock or corrugated paper for the record player arm
- embellishment items: stamps, collage paper, glue stick, etc.

If you don't have 3.5" floppy disks of your own, try a local second-hand store. In the Portland, OR, area both SCRAP and Free Geek usually have them for 25 cents or less apiece.

Step 2: Free the Disk!

Start by busting into the floppy disk. Pull off the protective flap and slide the screwdriver between the plastic sides and twist to pop the disk case open. Try to avoid marring the disk inside with the screwdriver.

At this point I always remember past teachers' admonishments to never! touch! the disk!

Ha! I'm touching the disk!

After you've broken it open, you'll be left with several parts of the floppy disk case that are not used in this Instructable. All you need right now is the round, magnetic disk. You can use the other bits to make something else.

Step 3: Lay Out the Card

Lay the disk on the card and mark spots in the middle of the disk and where the arm of the record player will be located.

Step 4: Punch the Card

Punch small holes where you made the marks in the last step. You can use a narrow punch like this one, a darning needle, or whatever else you have handy.

Step 5: Attach the Record

Attach the disk to the card with a brad. I like to punch a larger circle of paper to go between them, but it's not required.

Step 6: Attach the Player Arm

Cut a thin strip of corrugated paper or cardstock to be the arm of the turntable. Punch a small hole in one end and attach it with the second brad.

Step 7: Personalize Your Card

Now decorate the card however you like. I tend to favor silly music-themed puns cut from old magazines, but maybe that's just me.

Step 8: Share the Love

You're done! Now go give the card to someone.

Oh, and if you come up with other cool uses for the leftover disk parts, please mention them in the comments here or on my blog.