Charlottesville Crafter: Magnetic Marbles

By Karen May

For this project you’ll need just a few supplies:
Glass floral marbles are about 1 inch diameter across and flat on one side.
Button magnets (half-inch to 1-inch round would be ideal)
Plain white glue
Hot clue or silicone RTV glue
Attractive photos

Glass floral marbles are generally used in floral arranging. What makes them fun to use for crafts is that when you put the flat side down on something printed it magnifies what’s on the paper! These are available in most craft stores and are usually with the floral arranging supplies. They do come in many colors, but keep in mind that pictures are not really visible through the darker or iridescent marbles, so choose accordingly.

Button magnets come in varying sizes and strengths, but a half-inch to 1-inch round magnet will be ideal. These are also readily found in craft or hardware stores.

You’ll need plain white glue for the first step and then stronger glue for the second. The glue you need for the second step generally depends on the strength of the magnet. If the magnet has a reasonably easy hold, you will be fine with using something like hot glue. For a super strong magnet, you’re going to need something stronger, like clear silicone RTV.

For the picture, you can use photos, printed words or pictures cut out of magazines.  I am using my initial in a font I downloaded and printed out. If you’d like a set, try to find multiples of the same picture, or variations on a theme. The ideal size for your picture is about a half inch, using a round shape.

To begin, use a thin layer of white glue to attach your picture to your marble. Glue the FRONT of the picture to the flat part of the marble. The picture might warp a little bit, but it should straighten back out when the glue dries. Let the glue on the picture dry thoroughly.

When the glue on the picture is completely dry, take the other glue and apply a small amount to the back of the marble, on the back of the picture. Position the marble in the center of the magnet and lightly press down until it sticks. This adheres the marble to the magnet and seals your picture inside.

Repeat as needed for as many magnets as you want to make. Let the second glue dry completely before using your magnets. This could be 5 minutes for hot glue or overnight if you’re using RTV. If you are unsure about the strength of your second glue, make a test magnet. If after completely drying it falls apart when you try to take it off the fridge, you know you’ll need a stronger glue for the others.

A set of these in a cute box would make a cute housewarming or hostess gift!

Karen is a blogger and crafter who has lived in Charlottesville for 6 years after transplanting from the Shenandoah Valley. While not working or attending classes at PVCC, she blogs about her life at Precision Indecision and about crafts at CraftyKix.