How to Make Refrigerator Magnets

Tap to Read ➤ Puja Lalwani

You don't always have to go out and buy refrigerator magnets, particularly when you can make them on your own. All you need to do is learn how to make them, practice, and then create little masterpieces for yourself, or to give out as gifts, or even to sell.

Making refrigerator magnets is a great hobby for adults and kids alike, and can easily transform into a full-fledged business if you master the art. Moreover, you can make these and give them out as gifts or favors, adding to their value. Why not then learn how to make them to let the creative juices flow? Here are some ideas.

Refrigerator Magnets You can Make at Home

To make these tiny beauties at home, you need very little material and a lot of creativity. You can use resources from magazines, books, photographs, post cards, greeting cards, or any other thing you can think of. Some people even make magnets off their cheese and milk cartons. Take a look at some of these ideas.

Refrigerator Magnets Made with Glass Gems

Magnets made with glass gems are the most common and easiest to make and use. With the use of some simple materials, you can make wonderful personalized magnets that can be given out as gifts or can simply adorn your refrigerator. Here's a look into the steps required to make the same.

Materials Required Glass gems of various sizes, round or flat Small magnets or magnet strips Clear and quick drying glue (to stick background material to glass gems) Scissors Glue

Instructions Start by collecting your theme for the magnet from any of the aforementioned resources. You may also make your own designs by drawing, coloring, and embellishing these on stock paper and then cutting them out to be pasted in the glass gems.

Cut them out neatly based on the shape of the glass gems, and according to size. You may use a large hole punch to get a precise cut. Ensure that the glass gems are clean before you paste anything on them. Apply some of the clear glue on the inside of the glass gem and spread it evenly. Ensure that the layer is not too thick.

Take the picture and paste it inside the glass gem. Press it in properly so that it adheres to the surface. If there is any excess glue, remove it with the use of a cloth.

Once the picture has adhered to the surface of the glass gem, put a drop of glue on the back of the picture. Take the magnet, and press it firmly on the surface. Allow it to dry. Once dry, your magnet is ready to use. Make sets of magnets for greater visual appeal.

Refrigerator Magnets Made with Clay

Clay is another material that gives you greater variety when it comes to making magnets. In fact, you can even make three-dimensional magnets with these. However, that will require some amount of practice. Even so, till you master the art, you can make basic shapes with cookie cutters or molds and make numerous magnets at once. Here's how.

Materials Required Modeling Clay Cookie cutters or molds of various shapes and sizes Fast drying glue Magnets Glitter, paints and paint brushes, sequins, beads, and other embellishments

Instructions Take a small amount of clay and knead it smooth. Roll it out into a flat sheet, depending on the thickness you desire for your magnet. Take the cookie cutter and press it into the clay so that it is cut thoroughly.

Carefully pick up the shape and keep it to dry in the sun. Alternately, you may also keep it in the oven for a short-time period at a low temperature so that it hardens.

Once the clay has hardened, use paints, beads, sequins, and other embellishments to make a design on it. For instance, if it is star shaped, you can use glitter glue to highlight the edges and paint it within using small dots on a dark surface. You may also stick small pictures or stickers on the clay.

Take the glue and put a small drop on the center of the back of the clay shape. Take the magnet and press it firmly against the clay. Allow it to dry. Your magnet is now ready to be used.

Almost anything can become a resource for you, when you want to make your own refrigerator magnets. Look around, get creative, and make something that everyone will love. You can imprint leaves and other such designs on clay and then make magnets out of them, or simply draw unique shapes and patterns on paper, stick them on cardboard, and create magnets.

So, the idea is to look around you, think creatively, and keep practicing to come up with some wonderful ideas to make refrigerator magnets.