Posted on: Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Feeling creative? Roll your own refrigerator magnets
By Kathy Cano-Murillo
Gannett News Service
Sometimes creativity occurs in spurts, triggering an urge to do something, at least for an hour or so. That's when easy, no-mess projects save the day. The combination of polymer clay and magnets is perfect for rapid crafting. All you need is a small work area.
These neat little items are a snap to assemble and give a fridge or locker a dash of brightness. Because a block of clay costs less than $2 and makes at least a dozen magnets, you can whip up extras and give them to friends and family.
Tom Tingle • Gannett News Service Supplies:
Directions:
Pinch off a Peanut M&M-size piece of clay. Use your fingers to flatten it into a smooth circle. Pinch off another piece and roll it into a thin snake shape. Lay it on the circle and press it into a swirl or squiggled design. Pinch off tiny dots, strips or both, and apply those. Bake according to manufacturer directions. Remove, let cool. Add painted accents, let dry. Apply a coat of the varnish and let dry. Use hot-glue gun to apply the magnet to the back.
Tips:
Work on a flat, smooth surface when working with clay. Make sure your hands are clean so you don't alter the color of the clay. Look in craft stores for clay tools such as an extruder, brayer, stamps and cutters if you plan on making several magnets. If you plan on giving them as gifts, sand the paint off a mint tin and spray paint it. Decorate the outside, then place magnets inside.
Painted polymer clay magnets are a colorful addition on your refrigerator or desk.
PAINTED POLYMER CLAY MAGNETS
