ChickSpeak

When life starts to get hectic, fast-approaching deadlines like an upcoming mid-term exam, a monster-long paper, a group presentation or any other school related assignments might need to be posted on the fridge so it’s not easily forgotten. That, and maybe something sentimental to keep you smiling in the morning.To make your own custom magnets rather than relying on keeping freebies plastered with company logos that you don’t even like, care about or patronize, follow these easy steps:

First, gather your materials.

A magnet roll with adhesive on the back

• A cardboard box, anything from a moving box to a packing box to a pizza box will do
• Old magazines or books with prints that you don’t mind cutting up
• Scissors
• Mod Podge
• Glitter glue
• Old buttons, gemstones or any other crafty attachment
• Paper towels
• Pencil (optional)

The rest is easy and the new set of magnets shouldn’t cost you too much money or time overall. Go through your old magazines or books and cut out any graphic that you like. Maybe you want a magnet with your favorite actor/actress, magazine title, movie scene, or band name. Clip it up! Once you have all your clippings ready, grab your scissors and place the clipping next to the cardboard box. Feel free to trace the size of the clipping on the box if necessary, if not free-handing it may work too. Cut the cardboard in the same shape and size as each clipping.

Next, dab some Mod Podge on a paper towel and lightly coat the piece of cardboard that you will be attaching the graphic you cut out on. Repeat this until all of your graphics are adhered to cardboard backings.

Now comes the fun part - time to go back and stylize each magnet. You can skip this part if you want, but I strongly encourage it. I had a variety of craft related items on hand from previous projects. If you do too, pull them out. If not, look around for possible items either at a local craft store prior to making your magnets or around your place. (I used some extra buttons that came with a blouse I bought years ago). Pick out gemstones, small mirrors or buttons that go with the magnet. Carefully attach each item with a dab of Mod Podge. Lightly press so they are set before drying. Trace along any edges as necessary with glitter glue. Once this is done, let your magnets dry for an hour or two.

Last but not least, turn each magnet-in-the-making over so you see the backside of the cardboard (the side without the fun graphic). Cut 1-3 pieces (pending on how big your magnet is) of magnet tape so the size fits with the back of each, so there isn’t an extra piece of magnet poking out. Lightly coat the adhesive side of the magnet with Mod Podge and attach to the backing of each. If the adhesive magnet comes in a roll, bend it in the opposite direction before applying each piece of magnet tape so it doesn’t curl up and dry improperly.  Let each dry for 2-3 hours.

All finished. Enjoy!