From the page: The shiny disc asks for a new shine
Idea 3
Party-style disc ball
In the 1970s, dance floors spun under balls covered in mirrors, which fragmented light into thousands of glittering dots. The CD has the same magic: its recorded surface works as a diffraction grating, breaking light into rainbows. With dozens of cut discs, you recreate this effect with what you already have at home.
What you need
- 10 to 15 old CDs or DVDs
- Strong scissors or cutting pliers
- Styrofoam ball, papier-mâché ball or light plastic ball (10 to 20 cm)
- Hot glue or contact cement
- Satin ribbon or string
- Flashlight or string of lights to hang it (optional)
How to make it
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1
Wrap the CDs in a cloth and cut them with scissors or pliers, forming little squares of about 1 to 2 cm — the cloth keeps shards from flying. Work slowly, because the plastic cracks unpredictably.
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2
Separate the pieces with the shiny side up and set aside the ones that cracked without shine, since those are the ones that carry the colorful reflection.
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3
Apply a line of hot glue to the back of each square and stick it on the sphere, starting at the top, in circular rows like fish scales — the layered overlap hides the seams.
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4
Turn the sphere and fill the entire surface, gluing up to the last empty space; the denser the coverage, the more intense the light effect.
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5
Make a loop with the ribbon, pass it through the top and tie a firm knot for hanging.
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6
Hang it near a window or with a string of lights behind it: every movement of the ball spreads rainbow dots across the wall.
Finishing touches
Make three balls of different sizes and hang them at varying heights for a party effect. If you prefer something smaller, use the same technique on a 5 cm ball and turn it into a Christmas ornament.
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