Kitchen Magnet Tutorial

These are the BEST kitchen magnets.  They really have great holding power.  I know I will be making many more as gifts.

1.  Gems:  If you are looking for the "gems" I used, you will find them in most floral depts of the larger stores.  These are about 1 inch to 1 1/4 inch round, have an iridescent shine/glaze to them.  The front of the gem is rounded like a stone, and the back is flat.  These gems are not uniform in shape/size but all are rounded.   I purchased a two pound bag and it gave me over 40 gems to use.  Carefully look over the gems before you purchase the bag.  I believe they are a form of glass and in many of the bags, they had cracks/chips.   When we got home, I ended up throwing out about 4 of the gems because they had some major imperfections in them.   These gems are inexpensive ... about $3 for the bag if not on sale.

2.  Magnets:  I purchased a package of fifty 3/4" magnets with a strength level of 6.   The retail on this was about $7 if not on sale.   You want to be sure you purchase craft/ceramic magnets.  I did try these with the magnet sheets we sell.  The magnet with gem did hold to the refrigerator as long as it was for decoration not to actually hold something.   The level 6 strength magnet is GREAT, definitely will hold items to display.

3.  Glue:   It is extremely important to use a clear drying glue as the punched image or stamped image is glued directly to the gem.   The perfect glue type solution is sold by Stampin' Up! and is called Crystal Effects.  It comes in a 2 oz bottle and is acid free.   It is item #101055 and is $6.25.    I put a small amount on a piece of foil then brushed with a paint brush (small flat) onto my image then put the image on the flat/backside of the gem.  Wash the paint brush with soap & water to clean.   Crystal effects dries quickly.

Stampin' Up! items used:

Crystal Effects, item #101055

Pretty Postage Stamp Set, item #123095 - Wood OR item #123097 - Clear Mount

Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, item #122464

1" Circle Paper Punch, item #119868 OR 1 ¼” Circle Paper Punch, item #119861

Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper (DSP), item #119831

Other card stock of choice to back the magnet with 1" circle and also to back the blossom.

Paint Brush - small

Directions:

1.  Stamp images then punch out using 1” or 1 ¼” Circle
2. Brush Crystal Effects onto the back of the glass gem, immediately attach stamped image.
3. Put Crystal Effects on one side of the magnet, then put on back of stamped image.
1. IF magnets hook together, leave them and let the glue dry.  If you try to pull apart while wet or tacky, it can ruin your stamped image.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)