I bet you’ve never thought of repurposing an empty CD spindle into a water feature. Neither did I, until the ladies of the IBC challenged us to make something using a spindle. I think they meant a wooden spindle when they thought this one up. And since those things are as scarce as hen’s teeth in my neck of the woods, I had to put all my thinking caps on to come up with something. And I couldn’t be happier with how my CD spindle water feature turned out.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

The little water feature is perfect for a tabletop and once you figure out how to make one, it’s a pretty easy repurpose that will add a calm zen-like vibe to any space.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

I added a really small fairy garden on top of this one, but you can dolly it up any way you want to. It works equally well as a little stand for my wooden meerkats.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

And our buddha statue loves meditating to the sound of water too. Although my hubby says it looks like he’s peeing.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

IMHO, if the sound of peeing is this soothing, I would listen to it all day 😀

DIY CD Spindle Water Feature

What you need

  • 100 Disc cake box spindle
  • Large planter at least 35 cm wide (14”) and 16 cm high (6.5”)
  • 2 x drip trays 15 cm diameter (6”)
  • Submersible water pump with a 10 – 12mm outlet/nozzle (0,5″)
  • Marine silicone
  • Small pebbles
  • Drill
  • Paint (optional)

What you need to repurpose a en empty CD spindle case into a water feature

For the fairy topping

To make the fairy island you need a large pebble, small fairy apartment and a twig

Right, before we get to the tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!

How to make a CD spindle water feature

The pump you use for this water feature is probably the most important thing.

A small water pump used to make the CD Spindle water feature

The little nozzle or outlet needs to be between 10mm and 12mm (about 1/2″) to fit inside the spindle that the CDs slide on.

The pump fits neatly inside the spindle

Prepping the CD spindle and case for the pump

Use a sharp knife to cut the top of the CD case off. Don’t throw it away we’ll be using it in a little bit.

Cut the top of the CD case off with a sharp knife

Test fit the CD case with the spindle on top inside the planter to figure out how much of the casing needs to be trimmed away. Keep in mind that the casing should be a few cm lower than the outside rim of the planter to lessen splashback but still high enough to fit the water pump.

Place the spindle on top of the CD case

Use a sharp knife to trim the casing down to the right height.

Use a drill to make a hole in the top of the CD case

The spindle slips into the hole in the top

The spindle fits neatly inside the hole. You can use silicone glue to secure it.

So you should have something like this when you’re done. The CD case on the right will house the pump, the spindle will act as a tube to transport the water up to the plastic casing top, which is where you’ll be adding a little fairy garden or meerkats or whatever tickles your fancy 😀

How the pump housing and the spindle fit together
A mockup of how the empty CD case pieces fit together to make the water feature

Here’s what it would look like inside the planter

Place the spindle on top of the CD case

A drip tray will be positioned upside down on top of the spindle, which means we need to drill a hole through the drip tray. If your drip tray is terracotta, use masking tape to prevent the drill bit from slipping and mark where to drill.

Use a drill to make a hole in the top of the CD case
Use a drill to make a hole in the top of the CD case

Slice the top of the CD spindle off so the water flows easier.

Remove the top of the spindle with a sharp knife

Glue the drip tray to the top of the CD casing and spindle top, making sure that the top is level with the bottom. Paint in a color of your choice. Since my planter and drip trays were all terracotta, I used some red primer followed by a rose gold to paint mine.

Paint the CD spindle to match your drip trays

Wiring up the pump

Remove the plug from the pump.

Remove the plug from the water pump

Drill a hole in the side of the casing and thread the pump wire through the hole.

Thread the wire through the CD case

Reposition the pump and casing inside the planter to check if it’s all level.

A view from the top showing how the pump fits inside the CD case with the spindle placed on top

Drill another hole in the side of the planter.

Drill a hole in the side of the planter and thread the pump wire through

Use a silicone sealer and a small plastic lid to close off the drainage holes at the bottom of the planter.

Seal any drainage holes with silicone glue

Drill a few small holes in the plastic CD case for water flow

A view of the pump inside the CD case

Thread the pump wire through the hole in the side of the planter and seal with a silicone sealer.

Seal the hole for the plug with silicone glue

Connecting the pump to the CD spindle

Remove the nozzle from the pump and smear the silicone sealer around the nozzle before inserting it into the bottom of the spindle.

Use silicone to glue the pump fitting inside the spindle

Once the silicone glue dries, attach the pump to the bottom of the spindle.

A view of the pump inside the spindle

Place the outer casing, spindle, and pump inside the planter. 

Paint the CD spindle to match your drip trays

Reconnect the plug and fill the CD spindle water feature with pebbles and water.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

Different ways to display and customize the CD spindle water feature

The beauty of this repurpose idea is that the tabletop water feature can be customized to fit into any décor style. Instead of terracotta planters, you can use concrete and paint the spindle using this faux concrete technique to match. Fill with white pebbles to complete the look. Or you can use a black planter and drip trays and leave the spindle au Naturelle 😀

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

You can also add so many different things to the top. Like this quick and easy fairy island.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

It doesn’t have to be fancy. The little island is just a large stone nestling in a bed of moss with a small fairy apartment and twig glued on top. We added rusty stairs just in case the fairies forget to fly after a late night out 😉

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

Or a family of meerkats.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

Aren’t they just too cute?

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

Or perhaps a meditating buddha.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

Either way, the real magic happens when you switch the CD spindle water feature on 😀

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

And if you can find a waterfall fountain nozzle head you can just pop that inside the hole for an unadorned version. Me, I like changing the top around with the interesting bits we have. How would you customize your repurposed water feature?

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

If you like the idea of making a CD spindle water feature, don’t forget to pin it for later.

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

Sharing is caring

This photo-rich tutorial will show you how just how easy it is to repurpose an empty CD case and turn it in a CD spindle water feature bringing a calming, zen-like decorative feel to any space. #Spindlerepurpose #ACraftyMix #waterfeature

Want some more spindle projects? Click on the links below to see what my friends at the IBC came up with for this month’s “Spin me a Spindle” challenge.

IBC Challenge "Spin me a Spindle"
  • Meegan’s feathered friends are going to love this spindle Bird Perch when they come for a visit. I sure do.
  • Can you imagine how lovely these Wind Chimes made by Marie must sound. Such a pretty way to repurpose a few spindles.
  • Sara from Birdz of a Feather is crocheting a coral reef and this Sea Pen must be one of my favs so far.
  • In my humble opinion this scarily awesome Grim Reaper made by Anita is a must for Halloween.

Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉

EMPTY CD/DVD CAKE BOX SPINDLE -100 DISCS
Dsben Bamboo Plant Saucer, Durable Plant Tray for Indoors and Suitable for 6-7 Inch Plant Pots, Set of 2
BARST Submersible Water Pump,Ultra Quiet 200GPH Aquarium Pump Adjustable Fountain Pump with 3 Nozzles and 6ft Power Cord for Fish Tank, Pond, Statuary, Hydroponics,Outdoor Waterfall (800L/H,12W)

And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY

Sale Alpine Corporation Tiered Column Tabletop Fountain with 3 Candles, Mini Waterfall for Indoor Spaces, Relaxation Water Feature, 11' Tall, Brown
Tabletop Water Fountain with Cascading Rock Waterfall and LED Lights - Tiered Stone Table Fountain By Pure Garden (Office Patio and Home Décor) Gray
Sale Design Toscano SS12376 Water Fountain - Copper Botanical Garden Decor Fountain - Outdoor Water Feature,bronze

And as always, wishing you a lovely, creative week. Thank you for popping in for a visit.

Made with love by a Crafty Mix