Sunday 1 May 2011

More Pretty Magnets

You're probably thinking 'Magnets, didn't she just write a post on those a couple of days ago?' - well yes, I did, and the sad truth is that I really am nutty enough to be testing all metallic surfaces in my house to see which are magnetic and need something pretty stuck to them!



Only this time I'm doing a little magnet post with a difference; it's my very first tutorial!  I haven't posted a tutorial as yet, mainly as I've had a little stage fright on that score having seen some truly fantastic ones on other blogs and also; I don't want to teach you crafty lot to suck eggs.  Still, I liked these and fancied sharing:


First thing you need: glass nuggets.  Where I grew up they were know as 'Lucky' nuggets, everywhere else however they're just glass nuggets.  These are large in size and about 4cm across.

Next choose your background, I chose some pretty scrap craft papers I had kicking around but you could use anything you fancy utilising; sheet music, old books, tin foil, magazine pages.


Choose which part of the paper you want to show under the glass and draw around your nugget (not something that comes up in everyday conversation, drawing around your nuggets!)


Coat the flat side in glue, I'm using Mod Podge as it seems to work with almost anything but I'm sure standard PVA would do the job just as well.


Take your nugget-shaped cut out and press gently onto the glue coated nugget, smoothing it gently flat and making sure it is clinging to the glue properly.  Then 'seal' the back of the paper you've used with a relatively thick coat of glue paying special attention to where the edges of the paper meet the glass.  Leave to dry an hour or so and then apply another coat, I did three coats on the back altogether as I had visions of the paper coming away from the magnet and thought that would be a little depressing!


Once the back is dry whip out the super glue and attach your magnets, since the glass pebbles themselves are fairly heavy you do need strong ones.


Et voila, they're ready to stick to the fridge, or the washer, or the radiator, or the door plate . . . . 



My other half is a techie and often has spare parts of defunct Apple computers lying around, I've pinched the back casing of an old iMac to use as a pretty noticeboard (noticeboard conundrum now solved!).  I'm a huge fan of repurposing and recycling, it is make do and mend for the 21st century and is one of the ways I like to be green.  The funny thing is that I get a buzz from using odd things for mundane purposes that I wouldn't get from something fresh out of the wrapper - not that it stops me shopping though.


So now I've polished my repurposing, recycling halo I'm away to make tea and toast!  Hope you're all having a lovely, relaxing Sunday,

Jem xXx

20 comments :

  1. I must order some Mod Podge after seeing you and Scarlett having such excellent results with it. Maybe you should email the company and tell them about the free publicity you're giving them! I will try these, even though I have very poor manual dexterity they look so easy and effective. Thanks for taking the time to show us, I'll let you know how I get on.

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  2. FUN! Thanks for joining my newbie party. I did not see your link though, I just came over from your comment.

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  3. Really cute! I can't wait until my kids are old enough to have small magnets in the house! You take really beautiful photos. Love it!

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  4. jem your 1st tutorial isa total success!i love those magnets!!they are so pretty and would look great anywhere,great photos as ever.I'm so impressed with how youve repurpose part of an old computer too,strange things can be just as pretty asyou've shown with your images here!x

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  5. Great tutorial! Lovely magnets!
    Liz

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  6. What a brilliant idea .... I'd never have thought to make my own magnets and I'm sure there are some little magnet pieces knocking around in my crafting box somewhere. Thanks for a lovely tutorial x

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  7. Hiya Jem - great tutorial, the magnets look fab, we'll see you on Blue Peter yet! (Round my way those glass nuggets used to be known as 'Dragon Droppings'!)
    Lakota x

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  8. Hi! I saw your wonderful tutorial over at Debbie's Newbie Party. After seeing it, I want to make some for myself (and maybe even a set or two as gifts!)

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  9. Your photos look great honey Im so proud of you! XXXxxXXX

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  10. LOve this idea and a great ine for kids to do too

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  11. Adorable magnets. It looks like a fun project and something my younger daughter may enjoy doing with me.

    Ann-Marie

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  12. glass nuggets? dragon's droppings? lucky stones? they look so much nicer with your pretty paper attached Jem.
    We have a stainless steel fridge and apart from being an absolute pain to keep clean it is useless for magnets.
    Your tute was very easy to follow...looking forward to the next one.

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  13. great tutorial, Jem!! love the result, i've been looking for those glass nuggets too but so far no luck! i've always wanted to do this and with the help of your tutorial, now i can do this properly! gotta note down for 3 coats of modpodge and a superglue!! thanks for sharing and i loveeeee the scrapbook paper you used and the old imac for noticeboard?? you're sooo crafty and creative!! x Susan

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  14. Was a wonderful post, and an inspiring blog you have! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  15. That's a great tutorial and I love your fridge magnets. They could even be changed out for Christmas or seasonally if you were motivated.

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  16. Great tutorial hon...thanks so much and I love the firg. magnets! I could even change it for Xmas time! Good idea!
    Thank you sotpping by, your so generous, love your sweet comments. Lets keep visting, it's fun!
    Hugs
    FABBY

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  17. So cute! I think I'm off to make some of these -- I have a whole bag of those marbles . . . somewhere! Thanks for posting!

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  18. Great how to Jem - so going to order some magnets so I can give this a go - love your taste in cards too *wink*.Scarlett x

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  19. Your magnets are darling~the paper you chose is so pretty~I love to repurpose too. Thanks for sharing this at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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