15 January 2011

Vintage Magnets

Who doesn't need more magnets? Yes, I know they say it's tacky to keep your refrigerator cluttered with papers, lists, and blah blah blah... but I say with cute magnets, who cares? I'll have one disappointed 5 year old if I remove one fridge-worthy paper creation even so much as an inch! And no, I don't plan on using all these magnets strictly for my kitchen kindergarten display board...they make a great little gift.
All you need is some scrapbook paper...
Mod Podge, scissors, round magnets (i bought an 18 pk at walmart for under 3 bucks) , and round accent gems. You know those flattened marble things used for...not really sure what they're used for, but I see them everywhere. ?? You can buy a pound of them at the dollar store. They have all different shapes too.
This scrapbook paper was inspired by vintage nursery rhymes, but it'd also be a good idea to hit up a thrift store and buy an old vintage book with pictures or shakespeare quotes. Same idea.

Place the flat marble over the picture you want to capture, then trace around it. When you cut it out, you'll have to cut smaller than the trace-lines since the edges are rounded and you don't want the paper sticking out the backside.
Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on the flat side of the marble.
Then place your picture face-down on top of the glue. The flat marbles I used were not perfectly round, so I had to make sure to line up the shape just right.
Make sure there are no bubbles in the paper, then paint another layer of Mod Podge over the backside of the picture. Lay flat and let dry completely.
Once dried, place a good amount of hot glue on the backside...
then place a round magnet right on top. Press down and hold until hot glue is hardened.
That's it!
You can easily create custom magnets to suit your style.
It's like looking at a mini picture blown up or reading a mini poem through a magnified glass. MARVELOUS! :)
To give out as gifts, I cut out small rectangled pieces of fabric and sewed super simple bags.
Fill it with magnets and tie some lace or ribbon around it.
Each one held about 5 magnets.
i enjoy cute ways to give simple gifts :)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You have inspired me. I work with Seniors at a center and this will be our first craft project. Keep up the good work.