How To Make Clear Magnets

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

Make Glass Magnets

Copyright 2012, Rose Clearfield

Glass magnets are an easy, inexpensive craft project. They are a perfect item to sell at craft fairs and make great home décor, party favors, gifts, and more. To make glass magnets, you will most likely have to order some specialty supplies online. These supplies are reasonably priced and will last you a long time. Everything else that you'll need is readily available in craft stores.

I decided to write this article because I wanted to share my strategies for creating magnets and packaging them. Whether you are creating magnets for gifts or sales, presentation counts. After the step-by-step directions for creating magnets, I include a brief tutorial for creating magnet packaging. Happy crafting!

Glass Magnets: Gather Your Supplies

Clear glass cabochons or floral stones, any size and shape
Dimensional glaze, such as Judikins Diamond Glaze or Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
Scrapbook paper, decorated cardstock, or other thick paper of your choice
Neodymium magnets, one per glass piece
E6000 adhesive

It will depend what type of glass you have as to what type of cutting tool you'll need.

Circle: Circle punch in a coordinating size. It does not have to be exact. It's better to have a slightly smaller punch than glass size.
Oval: Oval punch in a coordinating size. Same recommendations as circle.
Rectangle or square: There are a few square and rectangle punches. There aren't as many options for these shapes. If you can't find what you need, you can use an exacto knife, other sharp craft knife, or paper cutter.
Floral stones: I trace and cut out these shapes. Every stone is different and the cuts don't have to be exact to work just fine.

How to Make Photo Magnets

Welcome to Willow Run Crafts by Karenscraftsupplies on Etsy
This is a great resource for glass cabochons in a variety of shapes and sizes, diamond glaze, and neodymium magnets.
Sun And Moon: Glass Tiles for Jewelry Making Supplies, Pendants
Glass Tiles for Jewelry and Pendants, Craft Kits, Jewelry Making Kits and Supplies. Great Prices and High Quality Items – Fast Shipping from Sun And Moon.

how-to-make-glass-magnets — Copyright 2012, Rose Clearfield

Small floral stone circles and larger circles ready to go. I have a mix of scrapbook paper, sheet music printed on card stock, and photos printed on card stock.

Tip: To save time, complete each step of the instructions in batches. For example, cut all of the paper for a large batch of magnets in a single setting.

How to Make Glass Magnets: Instructions

Use your cutting tool to cut your paper of choice to size for your glass.
Spread a thin layer of dimensional glaze on the back side of a piece of glass. Press the paper on it, decorative side down, so that it will show on the front side of the glass. Pop any air bubbles. Use a wet paper towel or sponge to wipe away any excess glaze. Leave it to dry for at least half an hour.
Spread a thin layer of dimensional glaze on the back of the glass, completely covering the paper and the edges around it. Pop any air bubbles. Use a wet paper towel or sponge to wipe away any excess glaze. Leave it to dry for 24 hours.
Put a small dot of E6000 adhesive in the center of the back of the glass. Per the adhesive instructions, allow it to set for 2-10 minutes before you stick the neodymium magnet. Leave it to dry for 24 hours.

Tip: If you use photos or other inkjet printed images for your magnets, apply a couple coats of spray acrylic to seal them before you cut them out so the ink doesn't run.

Fangtastic Treat Bag

Magnet Packaging: Gather Your Supplies

Card stock in the color and weight of your choice
Treat bags (available in the candy making section of craft stores). I'm using 3" x 4" bags for this tutorial. You can choose another size if that will work better for your magnets/the quantities you want to package.
Thin magnet rolls (available at craft and sewing stores)
Tacky glue
Stapler
Word and/or photo editing program to design the toppers
Paper cutter to cut the bag toppers and card stock inserts
Scissors

You don't have to limit this packaging method to glass magnets. Use them for bottle cap magnets, Scrabble tile magnets, and much more.

Magnet Packaging: Instructions

Use a Word and/or photo editing program to design a bag topper. Alternatively, you can also design one by hand. Make sure that you size it to fit your treat bags, and make sure that format it so that you have enough blank space to fold each topper in half.
Print the toppers on the card stock of your choice. Use a paper cutter to cut each topper. You can do this by hand, but I highly recommend using a cutter for a professional finish.
Use the paper cutter to cut the card stock of your choice for the magnet backs. I chose to print sheet music on card stock. Again, make sure that the card stock is cut to size for the treat bags.
Cut the magnet roll into small pieces (approx. 1/2" wide). I chose to cut 4 magnets for each card stock, but you can customize this as you like.
Glue the magnets to the card stock with the tacky glue. Let dry for at least an hour.
Put one finished magnet onto each magnet roll piece.
Slide the finished card stock with magnets into a treat bag.
Fold the bag topper over the top of the treat bag. Staple it in place with two staples.

Additional Ideas for Magnet Packaging

For freebies and party favors, small cards work well. These cards are 2" x 2".

Butterfly Glass Magnet Tutorial

More Great Magnet Ideas from Artsy Gals

Make a quick gift: Glass gem magnets ~ Madigan Made { simple DIY ideas }
Shannon from Madigan Made has some great ideas for glass magnets and their packaging.
Magnet Packaging - How to package magnets so they don't shift

Don't forget to finish your gift or sale with a box or other special finish!

Copyright 2012, Rose Clearfield

Questions & Answers

Question: How do you find images for the button magnets that are not copyrighted?

Answer: Typically, I use my own photos. My favorite resource for legal-use images is Pexels.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 08, 2014:

Thanks so much, Glimmer Twin Fan, sujaya venkatesh, and PegCole!

Peg Cole from North Dallas, Texas on March 08, 2014:

This is such a great idea. I love the detailed instructions and pictures.

sujaya venkatesh on March 08, 2014:

quite interesting

Claudia Mitchell on March 08, 2014:

Awesome craft! How did I miss this one. I have all kinds of ideas floating around now. Shared around.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 18, 2014:

Thanks, Vicki! I sell the sheet music magnets at shows, and they've been one of my best selling items for the past year and a half or so.

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on February 18, 2014:

Wow, these are neat! I would think they would sell well!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 15, 2013:

Thanks so much, Cyndi! That means a lot to me. I have found a couple magnet designs that do well at shows, which is awesome.

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on May 15, 2013:

Wow. This is so professionally done and impressive, Rose. I think you have really found your calling - you are amazing at this. :) Sell, LOTS, my friend. Voted up and shared across.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 12, 2013:

Thanks, livewithrichard! Hopefully this will be right up her alley!

Richard Bivins from Charleston, SC on May 12, 2013:

Very cool craft project here. I'm always trying to find new and easy craft projects for my mom. She is getting so bored with her crochet projects. I think this would be great for her. Thank you for such a well detailed hub.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 11, 2013:

Thanks, Stephanie! I do well with my sheet music magnets at craft shows.

Stephanie Henkel from USA on May 11, 2013:

I love these cute little magnets, and I'll bet they sell well at craft shows! Voted up and shared!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 19, 2012:

Thanks, By Lori! That sounds like a beautiful magnet.

By Lori from USA on October 18, 2012:

Very nice. This is a really complete looking article. I have experimented with making magnets. My favorite was when I used a face from a Botticelli print.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 18, 2012:

That's awesome. :) Let me know if you give it a try.

CassyLu1981 from Spring Lake, NC on August 17, 2012:

Love the magnets! So do my girls. Might have to try these one day :) Thanks! Voted up and shared!!!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 08, 2012:

Thanks so much, meloncauli!

meloncauli from UK on August 08, 2012:

What a brilliant article with some lovely photos. Really interesting.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 07, 2012:

You made my night, kr!! I would host a party for you any time. :)

Kristi Sharp from Born in Missouri. Raised in Minnesota. on August 07, 2012:

You're a goddess :) Your talents for creativity are unparallelled and your ideas are endless! It's truly amazing Rose! I would love to have you over to my house to host a RandomeCreative Teaching party! You would put Martha to shame! -K

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 07, 2012:

Thanks, Riverfish!

Riverfish24 from United States on August 07, 2012:

Awesome hub- as usual!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 06, 2012:

Thank you, summerberrie!

summerberrie on August 06, 2012:

Randomcreative, these look so sweet and useful. Your packaging looks great,too.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 06, 2012:

Thanks so much, Julie!

Blurter of Indiscretions from Clinton CT on August 06, 2012:

Wow...you are amazing. All the details are incredible! Sharing this!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 06, 2012:

Thanks so much, Christy!

Christy Birmingham from British Columbia, Canada on August 06, 2012:

What a neat hub. You have explained the steps well, I vote up and useful too.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 06, 2012:

Thanks so much, Robert! Since I started the Apprentice program, I have really pushed myself to vary my capsules in new ways and to make my articles as rich as possible. You don't want to overwhelm readers with lots of products and anything that is irrelevant, but using well placed, relevant videos, maps, etc. can make a huge difference for article success.

Robert Erich from California on August 06, 2012:

Amazing and useful article! I am certainly impressed with your creative abilities. You are inspiring me - I may have to start thinking of other things to add to my articles!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 06, 2012:

Thanks so much, Carol!

That's great, Jess! Let me know how it goes.

Jesshubpages on August 06, 2012:

What a beautiful hub. We shall try this out. Thanks. Voted up!

carol stanley from Arizona on August 06, 2012:

I am always attracted to interesting craft hubs. Thanks for sharing this very fun and creative project. Voted UP.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 06, 2012:

Patty, thanks so much!

Josh, thanks! I appreciate the share.

Om, thanks! They are pretty easy to make.

jezebellamina, that's perfect. :) Good luck with it. Thanks for the votes and shares!

Jessica from Dallas, TX on August 06, 2012:

Awesome! I just found some of these round glass cabochons and was wondering what to use them for. Thanks for sharing tips for both making and packaging in the same hub! Voted up, interesting, & sharing!

Om Paramapoonya on August 06, 2012:

How cute! Thanks for the tutorial and tips. Looks pretty easy to make. Rated up, useful and interesting!

Joshua Zerbini from Pennsylvania on August 05, 2012:

Rose,

Another awesome craft idea! I will be sharing this with the sister! Thanks Rose for this informative hub and tutorial!

Patty Kenyon from Ledyard, Connecticut on August 05, 2012:

Interesting and Useful for those that want to create magnets!! Excellent Tutorial with great pictures to help!!! Thanks for sharing!!!