I use records from the bargain bin at a local record store. 10-50 cents each. Would not sound good if played.
I put card stock on top and bottom of record and tape together. Glue pattern to top piece and cut it with a #2 blade on very slow speed. Do a search on Etsy.com for vinyl record art to get ideas. I try and match the album type to the design. Going to hopefully get to do a bunch for a local jazz place. Just finished a Beatles cutting. Will post pic soon.
A lot of Steves patterns would be suitable for this, clocks etc.
Thanks for looking.
Arthur