How to Make a Glass Photo Magnet

You can make photo magnets with flat-backed glass marbles.

A glass photo magnet can make a cute personalized gift or party favor. You can sculpt a decorative frame out of polymer clay. You can use your own snaps or attractive photos cut from magazines or newspapers. The glass magnifies the image underneath, and the magnet lets you stick the picture to your refrigerator or other metal surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-backed glass marbles or tiles
• Small photographs
• White card stock
• Pencil
• Sharp scissors or hobby knife
• Silicone glue/decoupage medium (such as Mod Podge)
• Toothpick
• Small flat magnets or magnetic sheet

Instructions

1. Place a marble or tile over your chosen picture to test the effect; if suitable, draw around the marble with the pencil and cut out the picture.

2. Cut a section of white card stock that's the same size as the photo. If you are using magnetic sheet, cut a piece of this too that is the same size as the photo. If you are using small magnets, check that they will be completely hidden by the picture.

3. Apply a dab of silicone glue to the back of the magnet. Press the card stock onto the glue, ensuring that it is securely stuck to the magnet. Wipe off any excess glue. Glue the picture on top of the card stock, ensuring that the edges are completely stuck down. Allow to dry.

4. Place a dab of glue on the middle of the picture. Press the glass marble or tile down onto the glue, smearing it around so that the glue is evenly spread and there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. Allow to dry completely.

Polymer Clay Photo Magnets

1. Cut out a photo and a piece of white card stock to the same size as the base of your tile or marble. Glue the photo to the card stock. Allow to dry completely.

2. Apply a drop of glue to the center of the photo. Press the tile or marble down onto the glue, ensuring that there are no wrinkles or air bubbles.

3. Wash your hands. Condition (knead and soften) a piece of polymer clay that's slightly larger than your marble or tile. Roll this into a ball.

4. Press the glass-covered photo down onto the ball of clay so that the clay spreads out evenly around the image. Make patterns in the clay with a toothpick. Bake according to the manufacturer's instructions. When cool, glue the magnet to the back.

References

• Not Martha: Marble Magnets
• Cloth Paper Scissors: Glossary: Mod Podge
• Todd Toys and Miniatures: Top Tips
• Polymer Clay Web: Marble Picture Pendant
• Spellbinders: Craft Glossary

Resources

• Lazy Daisy Glass: Tutorial: Glass Tile Pendant