Funky Fridge Magnets

My project of the day (that I thought of all by myself, but then subsequently saw them on Martha Stewarts site and Etsy) is fridge magnets.

Materials:

Small patterned fabric

large flat glass beads

Magnets

Clear craft glue

Acrylic Paint

Craft knife/Exacto knife

I spread some clear glue on the back sides of the glass beads with a toothpick.  I layed it on pretty thick so it actually absorbs into the fabric.  Place the right side of the fabric onto the bead.  Squeeze out the air bubbles, but still leave a generous amount of glue.  Air bubbles show pretty well after it is dry and they don’t look good. Leave that to dry fully. 

Paint 3 coats of acrylic paint on the back side of the fabric.  This is so the black magnet will not show through the fabric at all.  Don’t skip this step.  Wait for the final paint coat to dry COMPLETELY,and don’t pick at the fabric in the meantime, because the wet paint will release the glue.  I used a hairdryer to dry each coat of the paint since I am pretty impatient to see results!

After it is totally dry, take an exacto knife to carve off the excess fabric off the edges.  Take a magnet and see which side sticks to your refrigerator better.  Then put a dab of glue on the non magnetic side and put it on the back of the painted fabric.  Wait for that to dry completely.  **Don’t get over anxious and stick it to the fridge before it dries completely, as I had a smashed glass marble to clean up after the magnet slipped off the still wet glue, and fell to the floor.  Yes, I cursed.

Here are the final products. 

NOTE: In the future, I think I will use patterned scrapbook paper, or self made patterns printed on a laser printer instead of using fabric.  This will help eliminate the painting on the back part.  There are only so many fabrics that have a small enough pattern to look good on these glass beads, and a printed paper pattern can be rescaled to what you need.

UPDATE – July 29, 2010: The flat glass beads I used in this project were from Joanns that I got for reg. $2.29 a bag. When I went to make more of these beads, I knew I had seen these at the dollar store and got 3 bags today.  I brought them home, and realized the quality of the dollar store glass is far too inferior to use for my magnets. They are hazy, not clear, and not very flat on the bottom size. Your image will get very distorted through the glass.  Lesson learned. 

Also, I also am using paper backgrounds this time as I mentioned I would in my note.  Please note that if you are using an waterproof adhesive like the LocTite brand I show in my materials photo, then you can print your pattern with an inkjet printer.  Also, print on thick paper, like cardstock.  I advise against using a water-based glue (like modpodge).  The paper will warp a bit, and it just isn’t as easy as what I used.  Plus your pattern printed with an inkjet printer will bleed with water-based glues.

With the paper backside, I also sealed the paper with a clear gloss spray varnish to protect it from kitchen moisture.  Then glue the magnet on after the varnish dries.