Handmade // Fabric Magnets

Now that Sawyer goes to Nursery Class at our church and comes home each week with a little something special that he made, I decided it was time to make some pretty magnets.

You see, up until now, I have been the type of person who has a blank refrigerator. I am a minimalist. I don't like clutter. And I especially don't like un-matching magnets on a refrigerator (unless, of course, there is a quirky artfulness about it). So, I decided to use scraps of leftover material, to make some magnets that are pleasant to look at, yet functional. If you'd like to make some, too, it's easy! Here's how I did it:

Materials:

old magnets
or
new, blank magnets

scissors

scraps of your favorite fabric
or
leftover scrapbooking paper, stationary, or wrapping paper

Mod Podge - with lustre (don't you LOVE it?)

An inexpensive, small-ish paint brush

Method:

*If you are recovering old magnets, first put a layer of Mod Podge down and cover it with a solid color paper or fabric (I used white).

1. Cut fabric or paper of choice just about the size of the magnet. Use Mod Podge to glue it to the magnet. Don't be too sloppy, because it's nice to trim the edges (if you are using fabric it will likely stretch a bit). Trim edges. Wait a few minutes to make sure it's adhering to the magnet.

2. Next, cover the new, prettified magnet with another layer of Mod Podge. This will help to "seal" the material or paper onto the magnet, as well as make it a little harder and just a bit glossy.

3. Wait for it to dry for an hour or so...then prettify your refrigerator with your creation, along with a photo of a loved one, a special postcard, a love note, or a toddler-esque drawing. ;) Oh, and

4. Let your toddler play with the pretty magnets so he knows how important his Nursery lesson and works of art are to you.

Bonus: I decided to draw a little sparrow and cut it out with some more fabric and then repeat step 2.

These were fun and super-easy to make. If you have older children, or don't mind getting Mod Podge in your toddlers hair, give it a try! You could easily make these as a cute custom gift...or with a theme...I was thinking of doing some with trains so Sawyer could play "choo choo" on the refrigerator while I am cooking...or we could always re-invent abc magnets in a cool font...

If anyone decides to make these, let me know, and - have fun!