Fun and Useful Magnets

Magnets Before Being Covered

Every once in a while we receive flimsy magnets with advertisements or information on them that we do not need or care about.  They come with our junk mail, in "goody" bags from work, or they get picked up from vendors at fairs, conferences and conventions.  They are too thin and weak to hold anything on to our refrigerators and if they do not have anything important on them, they end up either taking up real estate on the fridge or find their way into our garbage cans. 

Wouldn't it be great if those magnets could be useful?  Well, they can.  With some craft materials, those eyesores bound for the trash, can be recycled into useful, and might I say it, beautiful, pieces of art.

Some Supplies That Can be Used to Cover Magnets



Getting Started:

First, you need to decide what you want your magnet(s) to be used for.  Keep in mind: these magnets will not be strong enough to really hold anything and they can not be decorated too heavily or they will not be able to hold on to a magnetic surface.  Some ideas I have come up with are: dirty/clean dishwasher notices, favorite photographs, small daily chore reminders or reusable lists (with or without check-off boxes, and children's gifts for parents or grandparents.  Let the weight, size and shape of the magnet determine it's use.  Once you've decided your purpose, you can move on to creating.

Once you have decided what you want to create, you'll need to trace the outline of the magnet onto the back of the heavy weight paper, cardstock, or photo you wish to use to cover the magnet with.  Cut out the shape and check it against the actual magnet to make sure it will cover the magnet properly.  If there is a little more paper than necessary, that is okay.  It is better to have more paper than not enough. You do not want the magnet to show on the top edges. 

Next, decorate your cardstock or heavy paper with the design of your choice.  (If you plan to cover your magnet with a photo, obviously you can skip this step.)  I chose to use rubber stamps and colored pencils to create the dirty/clean dishwasher notices below.  You can use any media you like to create words and designs for your magnets.  Tip: If using media such as paints or inks, be sure to allow these to dry before gluing your paper or cardstock to the magnet.

Once you have allowed your magnet cover to dry completely, you can glue it to the magnet.  I prefer to use craft glue, but most types, aside from hot glue, should work well if allowed to dry properly.  I suggest lying a heavy book on the magnet(s) to keep the pieces pressed flat as the glue dries.  When the glue has dried, you may apply a sealant to the top if you wish.  (I used Mod Podge®.)  This will help protect the magnet from slight water damage and give it a nice shiny finish.

Dirty/Clean Signs for My Dishwasher