Need ideas for using those AOL CD packages

**geniebird** · 08-11-2005, 11:53 AM

OOPS! My apoligies to the people in the sewing section. I thought I was posting here, but originally posted this there by mistake.

Anyone have any great trash to treasure ideas for the mailing containers those AOL advertising CD's come in? They range from a variety of plastic boxes to metal boxes with lids to the latest one I received which looks like chipboard with a hinged lid (really nice). These are really cool boxes -- but they are rather flat-- usually less than 1 inch deep. I have thought about trying picture frames out of the clear plastic ones. I also do a lot of collage work, but don't know what you would use the boxes for after the collage was done since they are so flat. I also don't really have any room to be collecting these things up and we don't need any more knick-knacks. I just hate to throw these really cool boxes away. Any ideas, anybody?

And hopefully I got this in the right place this time.

**crdurham** · 08-11-2005, 09:28 PM

I use them for my scrapbooking supplies and cut up pictures. I put a label on the outside so that I know whats in them and they stack up neat on top of each other or will also fit sideways in a cd holder.

**geniebird** · 08-12-2005, 03:27 PM

Did some surfing and found some things on my own.

http://quidnunc.org/aol_tin.html She does decoupage and keeps stamps and address labels in them. I could use that -- also would make nice gifts with a book of stamps and some labels

Some people who crochet use them to store their hooks. Don't crochet but people who do might be interested.

Believe it or not there are people who collect the things.

People are even paying for the metal ones for both for collecting as well as to make crafts.

Keep paper and a small pencil in them next to the phone -- also a good gift.

Use them as gift boxes for CD's you've burned yourself.

http://www.todayscacher.com/archives/may04/caches3.html You can use the metal ones for geocache containers. Geocaching is a form of high tech scavenger hunt using GPS devices. We ran into a group of kids doing it one day and they were happy to explain it to us.

http://scrapbooking.about.com/librar...lbragbook1.htm Holder for a brag-book/scrapbook. I like that one. Also would be a nice gift.

Storage for crayons, paperclips, rubber bands, nails and screws, coupons, receiptsâ€”etc.

http://expressionartmagazine.com/ctColND04.html Polymer clay artists cover them in polymer clay then use them to store the blades they use to cut clay.

Sewing kit -- good gift if anybody still sews.

Aparantly they make good storage for the pieces needed to play a strategy game called "cosmic coasters." Never heard of it before but sounds interesting.

I suppose you could use them to store trading cards.

http://www.homestead.com/atticgallery/silver.html Art.

Had a hard time finding the right keywords but once I did the ideas were almost endless. Have to quit now though, my eyes are gettin tired.

**AmyMCGS** · 08-12-2005, 03:57 PM

Interesting thread.

I've been tossing them since I'm trying to declutter... but some of those ideas are really good. I especially like Corny's idea- I may have to try that with organizing my scrapbook stuff!

**pita1213** · 08-18-2005, 07:54 PM

i used teh chipboard one last year to give the in laws their giftcards at christmas.
i sanded it down to get eh shine off it then painted it. after it was dry i put the gift cards in and tied a bow around it.