Magnets can be made with just about anything that is lightweight enough to not pull down the magnet off the refrigerator or stove or locker, or wherever the magnet will go, as long as the adhesive on the magnetic strip or material will attach to it. Potential magnets include wood pieces, perler bead designs, polymer clay, concentrated juice can lids, and small cross stitch items.

Inexpensive rolls of magnetic tape with adhesive backs can be found at most local craft stores, and there are also larege, thin magnetic pieces that fit business cards, allowing any printed artwork to be made into refrigerator art. There are also stronger magnets available as separate pieces to be adhered with glue or other tacky adhesive. Experimenting is the key to finding what works best - a glue gun or epixy can be handy if the magnetic strip adhesive is not suitable.

1. Choose the material and decorate the magnet

Wood pieces can be woodburned with a pyrography tool or painted. Various shapes can be found in craft stores, or one-eighth to quarter inch thick wood chips from small tree limbs can be used, too.

Perler beads are a child's craft with plastic beads placed on pegboards to make colorful designs or pictures, which are then ironed to melt the beads together. Remember to do these in reverse as the back of the magnet is what is ironed as the top of the design.

Polymer clay is a plastic based clay that is cured at a low temperature in a conventional oven (usually 275 degrees). The clay comes in several colors and kits, and there are also molds available. Sculpey and Fimo or the inexpensive brands available at any local craft store, but there are many types to choose from.

Any small mounted needlework can serve as a magnet. Self stick mounting board made particularly for needlework is available in some framing or craft stores, and the magnetic strip can attach to the back of that. The stiff board will allow the magnet to look and function properly while protecting the needlework.

2. Attach a magnet to the back, preferrably in the center or upper portion to prevent the magnet succumbing to gravity. When using magnetic strips that need to be cut from a roll, two pieces may be necessary for some larger or heavier items. Check the magnet on the fridge to determine if another piece is needed. For the magnetic tape, anything less than a half inch is often too little for magnetism.

3. Place your magnet on a metal appliance or surface and enjoy your creation!

Learn more about this author, Alicia M Prater PhD.
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