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Magnets and fridges go together like, well, magnets and fridges. I don't think I have ever seen a fridge sans magnets, at least outside a showroom. And what better way to decorate your fridge than with incredibly cool, super fantastic, ultra hip magnets that you have made yourself? No matter what your style and tastes are, you can make a magnet to admire every time you get the orange juice.

First, you have to pick the type of magnet you want to use. Craft stores generally carry an assortment of magnets, as do home improvement stores. Magnets can be round, square, large and tiny, or they may come in a flexible strip with adhesive backing. Personally, I am not fond of the flexible strip magnets. The adhesive usually needs extra help to stick to anything, and the magnet is not strong enough to hold up my mortgage statement. I generally purchase 3/4 inch round magnets at the home improvement store. They are pretty cheap, and will hold at least three mortgage statements. (In case the urge strikes to suddenly buy two extra houses.) There are super strong, super tiny magnets, but these are quite a bit pricier, and unless you really need a super strong, super tiny magnet, not necessary.

Now, what to attach to this magnet? Anything that can be glued can likely be attached to your magnet. Fragile or sharp items are probably best to avoid, even though your heart may be set on wine glass and steak knife magnets. If your style tends towards pink hearts and lace, you may enjoy a fridge covered with silk rose magnets. Simply snip off the head of a silk rose and glue it to a magnet. If a fridge covered with silk roses is your personal concept of hell, try removing the pin from old punk rock buttons and cover your fridge with old-school punk rock coolness.

Before we go any further, a word must be said about glues. I have had good success with a variety of all purpose cements. Since your magnets are not likely to be porous, make sure that the glue you use will adhere to both porous and non-porous materials. This way you will be able to glue your magnet to just about anything. Elmer's glue will not work. Wood glue will not work. Glue sticks will most definitely not work, and shame on you if you even considered such a thing! Epoxy will work well, but can be frustrating to work with, and super glue might work, but I can never get it out of the tube without gluing my fingers together. In general, stick with the all purpose household contact cements, and clamp your item and magnet together

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