Make your own customized message magnets from glass stones -- the clear orbs that are flat on one side, typically used in floral arrangements or display in vases. Cut out your favorite words or phrases from magazines or print them with a laser printer. Use colorful scrapbook or wrapping paper as the background. Choose strong magnets to ensure they'll stay put under the weight of the glass.
Things You'll Need
Colorful paper
Pencil
Scissors
Printouts of messages
Clear glass gems
Newspaper or wax paper
Clear-drying craft adhesive or decoupage medium
Cotton swabs
Strong small magnets
Hot glue gun (optional)
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Step 1: Tracing the Background
Place a glass gem over a colorful paper such gift wrap, scrapbooking paper or a magazine page. Trace around the gem shape with a pencil. Trace the gem additional times to make paper backing for every magnet you wish to make.
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Step 2: Cut out the Background
Cut out the traced shapes, lining them up one at a time on the flat part of the glass gem afterward. Trim the paper so it does not stick out beyond the edges of a glass -- a little too small for the glass works well.
Step 3: Cut Out Words
Cut out printed words or phrases that fit completely beneath the glass, such as "peace" or "you rock."
Step 4: Protect the Work Area
Cover the work area with newspaper or wax paper. Place the glass gems flat-side up atop the working area.
Step 5: Apply Glue to One Word or Phrase
Apply a small amount of a clear-drying craft adhesive such as decoupage medium to the front of one printed word or phrase. Use a cotton swab to apply the glue.
Step 6: Stick the Word in Place
Press the glue-coated word face down onto the back of a glass gem. Use a cotton swab to smooth any glue blobs.
Step 7: Glue Words onto Additional Gems
Glue the other words or messages to the additional glass gems if making more than one magnet.
Step 8: Add the Background
Coat a piece of the background paper with glue, applying the glue to the colorful side. Place the background face down atop the word or phrase already glued to the gem. This can be done while the glue on the word is still slightly wet. Repeat the process for each gem you are creating, allowing all the glue to dry completely.
Step 9: Add the Magnet
Place a dab of a powerful adhesive, such as craft and jewelry adhesive or hot glue, to one side of each magnet. Center the magnet over the back flat side of a decorated glass gem and press it in place. Allow the adhesive to dry as long as the packaging recommends before using the magnet. Drying times vary greatly from one product to another.
Tip
Use glass gems that have no air bubbles for best results. Rest the glass, flat side down, over the paper words to find the glass pieces that are the best size and clarity for each message.