How To Make Your Own DIY Magnets With Stickers or Decals
When my little vintage shop fridge fritzed out on me last year, I was a little bummed about losing all the neat decals I had stuck to it over the last five years. Since then, I’ve learned how to keep my precious decals by making them reusable. I turn them into magnets. Supplies you’ll need:
- Roll of magnetic material
- Your super cool decal
- Your nice scissors
Step 1: Lay Out The Decals
I found rolls of magnetic material in two sizes at my local craft store; 8.5x11 and 11x17. For this project, I used the 11x17 roll. I rolled out the material and taped down the edges so it would lay flat. I trimmed the excess material from around each decal. Most of my decals are kiss-cut (can be peeled out of the backing material and the backing material remains) versus a die cut which is cut to the shape of the sticker.
Then I started laying out the decals on the sheet. It’s kind of like a puzzle, fitting them together in the most efficient way. While I like to get the most from the magnetic material, I’ve learned that leaving a little extra space between decals will help later when I cut them apart.
Step 2: Stick ‘em Down
This went mostly according to plan. Two of the them got a little close, but didn’t overlap, so it was okay. Some bubbles may get trapped under your decals, but most decal material is breathable. The bubbles will disappear over time. Laying them in the warm sun will accelerate the process.
Step 3: Cut, Cut, Cut
I used my good scissors for this part. You just need time and patience. Godspeed.
Another idea:
If you like this magnetic decal concept, you can also make neat magnets out of vintage magazine ads. Just look for a roll of magnetic material which has an adhesive side versus the paper side. Once it’s installed on the magnet material, seal the paper ad with a Mod Podge type sealer.
