How to Make a CD Sleeve from Paper

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Now that many of us are buying CDs in those big economy stacks, they don't come with envelopes or jewel cases. This is inconvenient if you run out of CD holders.
Here's a quick and easy way to create a cover for your CD on the fly. It's good if you need a place to put a CD where it won't get scratched up.

Steps

Without Adhesive
Here's a simple version of a homemade CD envelope that can be made out of a single sheet of letter-sized paper without the use of any adhesives, clips, brads, nails, tree sap, or spit!

Fold a sheet of US letter-sized, or A4 sized paper (US=8.5x11 inches, A4=210 × 297 mm) horizontally at 6 inches or 16 cm, leaving a 1-inch or 2.5cm overlap.
Fold in both sides at approximately 1 5/8 inches or 4.5 cm. If you have no ruler, just center your CD in the middle and try to fold both sides equally.
Open the paper flat, and re-fold the two vertical side strips.
Slide the CD into the channel of the longer side.
Refold over the horizontal.
Fold the 1-inch (2.5 cm) overlap to complete the square.
Tuck the overlap into the remaining channel.
Press flat.

Video

Stop buying plastic CD and DVD cases, and watch how you can make paper CD cases using paper recycled from your printer. Be green, recycle, and be crafty at the same time.

With Adhesive

Take an 8 1/2 by 11 piece of paper. Fold about an inch and a half on both long sides.
Taking the shorter side (so that the folds that you just made are running north to south), fold it up about 3.5 inches.
Tape (or glue) the sides shut so you make a pocket.
- You can also fold the paper around the CD in a square shape, and then staple it in the middle, taking care not to staple into the CD.
Fold the top over so you now have a top flap.

Tips

You can print an image in the center, in the top 5 inches of the paper that will appear on the front of the envelope. The back space can be used as well, but be sure to leave the bottom inch essentially alone, as it will be tucked into the fold and be unseen when closed. Remember to decorate the paper before you fold it!
On the back of the sleeve you can write all the songs on the CD.
If you made the CD using a playlist in ITunes, you can click File-->Print, select Jewel case CD insert and then from the drop down list, select "Single Side (Black and White). THis will print the song names and artists from the playlist you selected on a perfect spot to create a CD sleeve.
Use card stock instead of plain paper for more durability. Heavier paper is not necessarily easier to use however.
You can put a paper towel in it so it doesn't get scratched. However, paper towels are still wood products, and fabric would be a much safer alternative.
If you're having trouble tucking in the top layer, try cutting about a millimeter at the edges.

Warnings

If you glue it, make sure the glue is completely dry before you put the CD in it.
This is not very good for major transportation but it works quite well for placing in the car and taking to school. This is especially good for CDs you burn yourself!
Handle CDs with care so as to not scratch them.

Things You'll Need

A piece of letter-sized paper (8.5x11 inches)
A measuring device, like a ruler
A CD to enclose
Optional: Two piggy banks to cheer you on! (see photos)
Optional: Glue, tape, or stapler

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Make a CD Sleeve from Paper - wikiHow