How to Make Your Own Glass Marble Magnets

Reuse your old wrapping paper to make decorative magnets.

You can use the flat clear glass marbles that are usually used to line the bottoms of fish tanks or vases to make personalized, decorative magnets. Look through old magazines for images, or recycle used wrapping paper and old greeting cards. You can even print out your own photos to use as images for these magnets. If you are giving your magnets as gifts, arrange them in sets in reused mint tins.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Flat clear glass marbles
• Images
• Pencil
• Scissors or craft knife
• Clear silicone adhesive
• Toothpicks
• Paper towel
• Disc magnets

1. Place a flat clear glass marble onto your chosen image. Move the marble around to find the spot in the image you would like to use for the magnet. Trace around the area with a pencil, using the marble as a guide.

2. Cut out the image using scissors or a craft knife.

3. Squeeze a little silicone adhesive onto a piece of scrap cardboard, and use a toothpick to pick up a pea-sized amount. Apply the adhesive with the toothpick to the front side of your image.

4. Place the marble onto the image and press firmly. The adhesive should spread out and fill any uneven areas on the bottom of the marble. Smooth out any bubbles gently with your finger. Use damp paper towel to wipe around the edges of the marble to remove any excess glue. Turn the marble over and allow the adhesive to dry according to the instructions on the label.

5. Use a toothpick to apply a pea-sized amount of adhesive to the magnet. Press the magnet onto the back of the image, so the image is sandwiched between the magnet and the marble. Wipe away any excess adhesive with damp paper towel. Turn the marble over so the magnet is on the top. Allow adhesive to dry overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Clear glass marbles, silicone adhesive and disc magnets are available at craft stores.

• Be sure to buy magnets that are smaller than the marbles, but strong enough to support the weight of the glass.

• If the paper your image is printed on is thin, you may want to glue an extra layer of paper between the magnet and the image to keep the black of the magnet from showing through.

• This is an inexpensive craft, and you can quickly make enough for a craft show. These refrigerator magnets also make nice party favors.

• When you choose your flat glass marbles, try to find ones that are not too scratched.

• These marbles come in varying sizes, but most are less than 1 inch in diameter. Choose images that are small if you want to use the whole image. You can also use part of an image or pattern.

• Craft hole punches are available at craft stores, and come in sizes suitable for this craft. These hole punches can save you a lot of time if you are making many magnets.

• If you are making these magnets to sell at craft fairs, be sure the images you are using are not copyrighted.

• Use silicone adhesive in a well-ventilated area.

• Use scissors and craft knives with care.

• Cover your work surface with newspaper before you begin this project, as the adhesive may ruin some surfaces.

References

• Not Martha: To Make: Marble Magnets
• Amy's Favorites: Glass Marble Magnets