Funky fridge magnets make great gifts, especially as stocking stuffers.
However, they are hard to find.
Unique, hand-painted magnets are especially hard to find, in stores and online.
This article will explain how to make your own unique magnets! First you will need a base to paint on.
Little wood pieces (often called "woodsies") are ideal, as they are inexpensive, and easy to find.
Paint a layer of gesso on the wood and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Then, use acrylic paints to make the design.
This can be abstract, fun, beautiful, you name it! Have fun with this part.
I like to select a few colors to make up my palette, and work with these on a large batch of wood pieces.
Using quite a bit of white paint blended in with the colors will help the other design elements to be visible in the next few steps.
After allowing the paint to dry, find some cute or interesting magazine photos to clip out and glue onto your paintings.
Or not! It is totally up to you.
Use your creativity! At this point, you could even glue on little things like beads or sequins.
I also like to embellish the magnet with words using a permanent (non-water soluble) black marker.
The words could be inspiring, Allow the marker to dry very thoroughly, or the varnish will destroy it in the next step.
Finally, paint on a layer of varnish (I use a water-based varnish, so it's easy to clean), and allow to dry thoroughly.
Do not over-brush the varnish or too many bubbles will form, and you risk smudging the black ink.
I am speaking from experience here! Once the varnish has dried, it's time to add the magnet to the back.
I buy them at home renovation type stores.
They come in all shapes and sizes, so use the one best suited to your wood piece.
You can use hot glue, or rubber cement to glue on the magnet.
Once the glue has dried, you have a wonderfully unique, funky fridge magnet!