Speaking of Frugal . . .

CD Case Calendar

Oh boy, I needed 12 gifts for a stamping group that I’m a member of.  We meet once a month and this particular group of women have been together for the last 9 years, so we know each other very well.  I normally collect things all year round but this year was anything but normal, right?  So this is what I gave each of them . . . a CD calendar.  Talk about bang for your buck.  For the last year I’ve been collecting digital paper.  I have a couple of my favorite artists who in addition to publishing paper for big brand names also release digital paper.  So when Zoe Pearns calendar comes out each year, I snag it HERE.   I’ll say it came in handy this year.

CD Calendar Pages

I simply printed each page from Photoshop, cut and placed in a CD Case.  I also typed up a set of instructions to the recipient that tells them to decorate as they wish.  They can either cut where the pictures go or they can mount matted pictures where the openings are indicated.  Then they have to reverse the lid of the CD case so that it will stand.

By the way, these CD cases are going the way of the dinosaurs – hard to find – they are not in my Walmart any more.  Usually you can bank on getting them at Big Lots but I haven’t had any luck lately.  If you leave a comment and have good source for these, let us know.

P.S.  Thanks for the response to my ornament yesterday.  I will work on getting a tutorial done but I won’t insert my foot in my mouth and say when, but I will when I can.

Big hugs,

Becca


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  • Cathie - Ontario, CanadaDecember 21, 2010 - 12:19 am

    Hi Becca,
    I love your project and idea! You always come up with something new and fresh to inspire me.
    Hugs and love to you,
    CathieReplyCancel

  • Debby WaltersDecember 21, 2010 - 12:21 am

    what a clever idea. I still dont know much about the digital stuff…shootz, I can hardly keep up with all of the “normal” goodies. Those ladies are very blessed to have you as a friend. Merry Christmas…ReplyCancel

  • kathi hallDecember 21, 2010 - 12:28 am

    Loved your ideas and layouts – what I could see – so jealous – j/k. I am hosting a CD Case Calendar swap and got the cases from Pennywise Arts – Suzanne – she has an online group and I am hosting through her group. You could always see if she has any left. As always, I enjoy stopping by and seeing what you have to share. Hugs!ReplyCancel

  • Diana CrickDecember 21, 2010 - 12:40 am

    These are gorgeous!!! I couldn’t get the link to work to see the calendar pages.
    hugs, DianaReplyCancel

  • JalineDecember 21, 2010 - 12:45 am

    Hi Becca,

    Regarding the CD cases, the Dollar Store has them, four for a dollar. Here, in Edmonton, one day I stopped by a small music store and asked if they had CD cases. They were very happy to oblige and gave me right from a box 36 of them for 3.00. Wow, was I happy! I went back for sure, lol. It is the way to go for sure. Now, if only they could make some tall one…lol

    I’m so happy I found your site a while ago, you are Amazing Becca in my book.

    Best regards for the holidays and a big hug.ReplyCancel

  • DaviDecember 21, 2010 - 12:55 am

    Wow what a awesome gift!! Im sure the ladies will be thrilled with them.ReplyCancel

  • cardchickDecember 21, 2010 - 12:56 am

    what a fabulous gift idea……your are gorgeous! lucky ladies :) I used the cd cases to put my dollar stamps in saves space!!…ReplyCancel

  • Susan NelDecember 21, 2010 - 12:57 am

    these are beautiful becca, i wanted to click on the calender link but its not working, will pop back later to see if its fixed, im going to make these for my gfs too if i get the link. thanks.merry christmas to you.ReplyCancel

  • ChelseaDecember 21, 2010 - 1:05 am

    Brilliant idea! Love these for a quick group gift. I’ll have to keep them in mind for my employees gift next year. I’ve seen the CD cases at Staples. Do ya’ll have Staples down there? Take a look next time you’ve got a minute.ReplyCancel

  • susan sDecember 21, 2010 - 1:07 am

    Try Staples. 10 standard size for 4.29 or 25 slim for 8.99 or 50 slim for 19.99ReplyCancel

  • Barbara BrewerDecember 21, 2010 - 1:17 am

    Hi Becca Love your interpretation of the CD calender. I did a similar CD calender gift but used family photos from events that happened in 2010 ( like granddaughter’s wedding, 1st great granddaughter etc.) I was able to get the CD cases here in Australia from a craft lady that I go to once a month but I’ve no idea who her supplier is. If you are interested I’ll try and find out. The calender link wasn’t working for me either Becca.
    Thankyou for such amazing work Becca and even with all your heartache this year you’ve still carried on. It’s amazing how memories both good and bad can sustain us though, and our loved ones live on in those memories. Merry Christmas and lots of hugs.ReplyCancel

  • Bonnie GDecember 21, 2010 - 1:19 am

    How clever! I really need to learn more about digital crafting. I love your stuff! It’s all so pretty.ReplyCancel

  • JerilynnDecember 21, 2010 - 1:40 am

    HELP! Link isn’t working and I want to make a few of these by Fri.

    Can you repost the link pleeeeeeaaaaaase? (that is my best whining voice for today.)

    So so adorable. Thanks for sharingReplyCancel

  • RebekkaDecember 21, 2010 - 1:48 am

    What a wonderful idea and so adorable. I have been getting my cd cases at Office Max.ReplyCancel

  • RebekkaDecember 21, 2010 - 1:49 am

    PS there is no HERE :) (no link)ReplyCancel

  • kathy sDecember 21, 2010 - 2:10 am

    what a great gift idea as always you astound me with your designs and ideas-sorry can’t help with the cd covers we only are able to get ones with the little thing in the middle to hold the cd- none that are just plain.ReplyCancel

  • Brenda WhiteDecember 21, 2010 - 3:09 am

    You’re a never-ending source of ideas Becca, on top of your beautiful cards!

    I use CD cases that I add strips of magnetic tape to for storing my Spellbinder templates. We got them at Office Depot last week. As to the thingy that holds the CD – that whole piece pops right out. But you do have to be careful that you don’t wind up with the flat DVD cases. It’s hard to tell when they’re packaged.

    Brenda WhiteReplyCancel

  • Linda LDecember 21, 2010 - 4:14 am

    That is one beautiful gift Becca….the pages look great!ReplyCancel

  • FayeDecember 21, 2010 - 4:31 am

    I always love your work and this is not exception. Wonderful idea. Bet they will love them.ReplyCancel

  • DanaDecember 21, 2010 - 5:14 am

    Hi Becca,

    Our group of ladies free cycles the cases from our old CD stash. Really who doesn’t have an old CD lying around?

    As always your work inspires me! We are all so very blessed that you share your beautiful talent with us.

    Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Olga JewellDecember 21, 2010 - 5:35 am

    these are so awesome!!!! I use my CD cases to store my Spellbinders in. They work great and then I store them in a tall CD cabinet in my craft room, It looks like a tall birdhouse so it’s also pretty !ReplyCancel

  • JaneyDecember 21, 2010 - 5:57 am

    What a great gift idea! I will keep this idea in mind for 2011 and my stamping group.

    Thanks, Becca!

    HugsReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisDecember 21, 2010 - 6:30 am

    These are all so pretty and what a neat and clever idea. We all need a calendar. The best part is that the recipient gets to play along if they want to. As always Becca, TFS!!! :-DReplyCancel

  • Jessica MooreDecember 21, 2010 - 6:33 am

    Wow these are fabulous and frugal, but what a fantastic gift. Beautiful work as always!ReplyCancel

  • JenDecember 21, 2010 - 6:42 am

    Wow they don’t look digital at all looks like you have many layers. I have not even ventured into digital!!!
    Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!!!
    JenReplyCancel

  • Michel EDecember 21, 2010 - 6:57 am

    Love this idea.ReplyCancel

  • SuzziDecember 21, 2010 - 7:07 am

    Merry Christmas to you and everyone reading/responding.

    Sometimes freecycle (yahoo group) or even 2nd hand stores might prove you lucky.

    Thanks for sharing even in the hardest of years.ReplyCancel

  • Kellie FortinDecember 21, 2010 - 7:19 am

    Becca- you can find the wide CD Cases at Office Max as well.ReplyCancel

  • Angelina WesselsDecember 21, 2010 - 7:34 am

    What a cute gift idea for crafting friends!ReplyCancel

  • Donna GDecember 21, 2010 - 7:41 am

    Hi Becca!
    The link worked for me. What a great gift idea. I think I’ll have to get the download for myself!
    I buy my CD cases at Office Max as well (I live in Mobile, Alabama). I use them to store the smaller Spellbinders dies, and some of my stamps. I usually buy the standard size rather than the slim ones so that my stamps with mounting foam will fit, but I have seen the slim size there, too. Sorry, I’m not sure how much they cost. If you don’t have an Office Max nearby, I’d love for you to drive over to Mobile one day and I’ll be glad to take you! There’s a Hobby Lobby and Michael’s close, too, and lots of good restaurants. We could have us a good ole’ southern shopping spree (a “Fun Day” as my mother used to call it!) (heehee)

    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful ideas and resources with us!
    Have a blessed Christmas, sweet Becca!
    Donna GReplyCancel

  • bonnie weissDecember 21, 2010 - 7:49 am

    I think you have been the one to finally inspire me to try digital…these pages are amazing! And I can only imagine that your crafting friends are going to love you for these!ReplyCancel

  • Regina NDecember 21, 2010 - 7:52 am

    Just Beautiful. What type of printer and paper do you use for your digital paper. TFS.ReplyCancel

  • Gloria WestermanDecember 21, 2010 - 7:56 am

    How adorable!!!!! will have to go and check it out….thank you for sharing….and I’m sure the ladies will love it….ReplyCancel

  • Barbara TDecember 21, 2010 - 8:01 am

    AdorableReplyCancel

  • Donna IdletDecember 21, 2010 - 8:03 am

    Becca, thanks for sharing a great project again! You are so talented, everyday I look forward to seeing what creative ideas you come up with. I did some calendars in CD cases a couple of years again, but I had someone else print them. Now I think I can do it myself. Where did you print the calendars? Did you do them yourself?ReplyCancel

  • SusiDecember 21, 2010 - 8:06 am

    What a gorgeous gift, and special too because it’s made by YOU! Thanks for the link to that site. I think I may be in the minority, not knowing much about the “digital” side of scrapbooking/cardmaking, but most of those kits look lovely. Take good care & again, thanks!ReplyCancel

  • DruDecember 21, 2010 - 8:09 am

    Hi Becca – beautiful gift. I buy my CD cases in a large pack at Staples – as I store my stamps in them. They seem to always have a lot on hand. Merry Christmas!ReplyCancel

  • HeatherDecember 21, 2010 - 8:13 am

    I buy my CD cases on Ebay … I use the thin ones for storing my rubber stamps but they also sell the regular size CD cases as well … I buy 100 at a time for like $30.00. Thanks for sharing your frugal idea … wonderful!!!ReplyCancel

  • Jill HaddadDecember 21, 2010 - 8:13 am

    Clever idea. I get my jewel cases at Staples.ReplyCancel

  • MickieDecember 21, 2010 - 8:17 am

    What a wonderful idea!! These are so cute and smart. Yes the CD cases are about gone, I have been looking for them also.ReplyCancel

  • Donna G.December 21, 2010 - 8:24 am

    Wow…love the calendar…great idea…as usual!! Thanks, sweet friend, for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • Karen KnegtenDecember 21, 2010 - 8:51 am

    Becca- beautiful project. CD/DVD cases are readily available at Amazon.com.ReplyCancel

  • Debbie AldersonDecember 21, 2010 - 8:59 am

    I love your project, but can’t help with the CD cases. It looks like a lot of people have suggestions though. Thanks for inspiring me to be and do better!ReplyCancel

  • FargoDecember 21, 2010 - 9:07 am

    Love It!!ReplyCancel

  • Carol RDecember 21, 2010 - 9:20 am

    Beautiful gift that will last the whole year! Super idea for a quick gift even come January.ReplyCancel

  • Penny ReedDecember 21, 2010 - 9:24 am

    What a great idea! I found the CD cases online at polylinecorp.com at $.44 each for 50, and they also have packs or 200 for less if you need a whole lot. I haven’t checked at Staples or Office Max here in AZ, but plan to.ReplyCancel

  • Cindy LouDecember 21, 2010 - 9:27 am

    Hey Becca, what a great idea! And if you are looking for an online source for CD cases, I like to get mine at Sleeve City. They are a little heavier than the ones I used to purchase at OfficeMax and therefore last longer. They also come in different sizes (ie. regular and tall for DVD’s which is great for the taller Spellbinders – but not the mega’s) Thanks for your calendar idea, I am looking forward to next year and that is a great idea!ReplyCancel

  • KimkraftDecember 21, 2010 - 9:29 am

    Love the project (as all of your projects Becca) and can’t wait to click on the link.

    supermediastore.com has single cd cases by quantity. They start at 34.99/100 cases and go up. 100 is a lot – but a great stock up price and if you are in clubs/groups – these could be divided out amongst the participants. I’ve purchased from them before and have found them to be a great source, good products and good delivery time.ReplyCancel

  • JeanDecember 21, 2010 - 9:47 am

    I love your project. Such a great idea for a group of people. Thanks sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Barb HardemanDecember 21, 2010 - 9:49 am

    These are fabulous and I got the link to work. I’m so tempted to order them, but it would be too late for gifts now at this late hour. Thanks for showing us what you’ve done with them. Love this project…
    Merry Christmas
    BarbReplyCancel

  • ConniecrafterDecember 21, 2010 - 10:35 am

    Such a great idea, I like how they can decorate the way they want, it has been a few months but the last time I bought some cd cases it was at TargetReplyCancel

  • Nancy MashburnDecember 21, 2010 - 10:48 am

    What a cute idea – I think I will get the calendar and use it this way for birthday cards. I have found these plastic CD cases at Office Depot. Sometimes they are even on sale and are great for keeping my smaller nestabilities.ReplyCancel

  • FrancesDecember 21, 2010 - 11:06 am

    I get my cd cases from PapertreyInk.com, they are 5 for $3, Item 4310, there is no “open space” at the spine, like standard cases and they
    can stand up easel style.ReplyCancel

  • Elaine AllenDecember 21, 2010 - 11:18 am

    Becca –

    This is a wonderful idea. Such a sweet and thoughtful gift. Becca honey, wishing you and your family a Christmas that is filled with peace and love.

    Elaine AllenReplyCancel

  • MarieDecember 21, 2010 - 12:01 pm

    Hello Becca,

    I love this idea. I also have quite a few of Zoe Pearn’s digi designs. I had already downloaded the calendars and haven’t done anything with them. But now, thanks to you, I know what my next projects are going to be. xxReplyCancel

  • Becky GreenDecember 21, 2010 - 1:06 pm

    VERY NICE Becca!!! I LOVE quick ideas!!!! :) :)ReplyCancel

  • ColoradoDecember 21, 2010 - 1:07 pm

    When you say, “they can cut where the pictures go”, I guess the calendars must be usable without adding photos??? I have to admit that I didn’t read everything on Zoe’s site, but was thinking you had to add photos to actually decorate the calendars. I know if I had to add photos, mine would never get done! LOL!! I’ve heard about tutorials for the CD case calendars and have always wanted to try making them from scratch. Thanks for sharing this way to do it.ReplyCancel

  • Sue ODecember 21, 2010 - 3:37 pm

    Hi Becca.
    I LOVE this idea! I have had a hard time in the past finding cd cases that were deep enough for a project.
    While I was at Staples on day shopping for someting else, I happened to see that they had the deeper cases on sale. Believe me, it didn’t take long for me to snatch them up! Staples always have decent sales on after Christmas, so you might be able to get a great buy!
    All my best to you and your family!
    SueReplyCancel

  • Tina PhillipsDecember 21, 2010 - 3:42 pm

    I love this idea…and you are right…soooo simple and so much bang for your buck!! A quick idea….you are so right about these cases getting hard to find…..so what you can do is glue or tape gun these to some really sturdy cardstock and punch holes at the top and add rings and tie with cute ribbon scraps. I have also done these type of calendars in 4 x 6 size and just print4ed them up at walgreens and tossed them into a brag book album….perfect!!!!ReplyCancel

  • HELPDecember 21, 2010 - 4:46 pm

    I was sooooo excited when I saw this!! So cute!! I went right to the site…downloaded…and now I can’t print them in cd size..UGGGGHHH
    Is there someone out there that can help me? What am I doing wrong…it all sounds so simple but I have been at this for 5 hours and I still can’t get them to print.ReplyCancel

  • MaryannDecember 21, 2010 - 5:00 pm

    What an awesome gift to give to your crafty friends Becca. I´m sure, they´ll all just love it, as it´s really stunning. As always you´ve done an amazing job and thanks soo much for sharing it with all of us.
    have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year dear friend.ReplyCancel

  • Miss GDecember 21, 2010 - 6:52 pm

    love the idea Becca and I’m sure the ladies will too. I’ll be looking for those cases and send a message if I find them…

    Merry Christmas to all!!!ReplyCancel

  • Bonnie TDecember 21, 2010 - 8:44 pm

    Hi Becca…as usual, this is awesome!!!
    Did you try Target for the cd cases? That is where I got mine the last time.
    -BonnieReplyCancel

  • FaithDecember 21, 2010 - 9:05 pm

    Becca – lovely idea…

    Most of all, I just wanted to post a hug to you.. You see, I’m a “lurker” that stops by quickly to see your beautiful creations, quickly read (scan most of the time…sadly…) some of the posts and then hurry off to the rush and madness of the day, most of the time not even taking the time to post.

    I’m trying (TRYING) to slow down and I wish that I would have taken the time to STOP after reading your story, and witnessing your true grace…. to send this hug to you earlier.

    Thank you for your inspiration – wishing you peace and inner joy this holiday season. (((Hugs)))

    FaithReplyCancel

  • BarbaraDecember 22, 2010 - 12:01 am

    Becca earlier this year…not sure when, I bought 2 of the CD Case Calendar’s at Michael’s. I found them in the area where they sell the “new year” calendars. I hope this is helpful. They have the cover that goes all the way back and they become an easel. Not your normal CD case that holds CD’s or DVD’s. You might want to look there for them….of course they already have the calendars in them but making them “yours” would be much better than the store bought calendars that come inside them. :)ReplyCancel

  • emilyDecember 22, 2010 - 6:08 am

    Very clever idea! Thanks for sharing! :o)ReplyCancel

  • Stephanie WDecember 22, 2010 - 12:26 pm

    What a great idea! So cute too. I work for a music publishing company so getting CD cases isn’t hard for me. :)ReplyCancel

  • LoriDecember 22, 2010 - 6:18 pm

    This may have already been thrown out there… I usually find my CD cases at Kmart…. Lovely gifts! They are lucky, lucky girls to get them!ReplyCancel

  • Peggy HDecember 25, 2010 - 10:11 am

    Merry Christmas, love your new changes, your cardis just beautiful as always! Thank you for your wonderful blog…..!ReplyCancel

  • Judy WilliamsDecember 25, 2010 - 11:59 am

    Beautiful. Elegant. I love the new look.
    Merry Christmas.ReplyCancel

  • BahbDecember 25, 2010 - 4:36 pm

    Becca, CD cases are for sale on PaperTrey Ink. As I recall, they are 60 cents each and come in packs of 10.

    Merry Christmas.

    No Blog BahbReplyCancel

  • Joyce CDecember 25, 2010 - 8:00 pm

    Merry Christmas Becca to you & your family. I Love how the new site
    looks.ReplyCancel

  • Sylvia JohnsonDecember 25, 2010 - 9:02 pm

    Nice look Becca. Love the card. It’s beautiful as always. Merry Christmas!ReplyCancel

  • Sabrina RobertsDecember 26, 2010 - 9:15 am

    Becca,

    Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Your work is truly a blessing from God. Keep continuing to let him use you.ReplyCancel

  • CorrieDecember 28, 2010 - 1:15 am

    Becca,
    Are these the Calender CD cases or regular CD cases with the black part out? I have CD calenders and the cases are different and I would love to find these somewhereReplyCancel

  • LauraDecember 30, 2010 - 1:59 am

    I transferred all my CDs out of their cases and into binders. I ended up with hundreds of CD cases that I couldn’t give away until I took them to a yard sale and someone snagged them all.ReplyCancel

  • Lara MosbyJanuary 1, 2011 - 10:27 am

    CD calendars are always a good idea. Regarding CD cases… radio stations still get tons of CD singles mailed to them. Periodically, we toss them after we get the albums. You might check with your favorite station and see if the program director would put some of the cases aside for you. Free is good!ReplyCancel

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