DIY: Unique & Memorable Magnets
by Joan Whitman 05/02/2021
Photo by Squared.one on Unsplash
Is it time to get more organized? If you want to start keeping important reminders on your refrigerator or your New Year's resolution was to get organized with a magnetic calendar, then the first thing you need are magnets. Sure, you can buy pre-made magnets that operate just fine, but why not unleash your creative side and merge function with form? Just check out the following three great DIY magnet projects you can tackle today:
3 Ways to Great Unique & Memorable Magnets
Show off your photographs. Photo apps like Instagram are great for creating, saving, and sharing photographic memories. But you shouldn't have to pick up your phone to enjoy your favorite pictures of friends and family! Instead, take your favorite Instagram pics, print them out, and make them magnets that you can enjoy every time you head to the kitchen. There are two main ways of doing creating DIY Instagram magnets: The easy and the ultra-easy. The ultra-easy is to purchase magnetic printer paper like this and use your home printer to generate magnetic photos. However, magnets made of this material can be a bit flimsy and so a good alternative is to adhere photos to magnetic strips such as in this tutorial.
Get colorful with glass marbles. These types of magnets will require a few more supplies, but you can also get more creative with the process. The idea is to use flat glass marbles like these to magnify cut-out and Modge-Podge'd words or images. These pieces are then glued to hobby craft magnets to create personalized pieces. One of the coolest things about this project is, since you can buy the marbles and magnets affordably in bulk, you can also make this a simple DIY gift idea. This step-by-step tutorial is great for getting you started but don't limit yourself. For example, you might also make your own doodles or paints to use instead of clipped out art.
Buttons, brooches, and all other baubles. Once you have a supply of hobby craft magnets, you can transform just about any small and semi-lightweight object into a cool and eye-catching magnet. All you need to do is take your found object and use a high-strength glue to adhere it to the magnet. Drawing a blank on what to use? Any of the following items will work well as quick and crafty magnet centerpieces (although you can also always personalize with glitter and paint):
Large buttons
Vintage brooches
Costume pins and jewelry
Seashells
Clothespins
Foreign coins
Now Get Crafting!
Making your own magnets is one of those unique types of art and crafts projects in which it doesn't matter what your creativity level is, you can still create fabulous, working pieces of art. Whether you print out photographs or create elaborate miniature oil paintings, in the end, you'll still enjoy having something that's beautiful to look at.