Glass Magnet Tutorial

by Stacy Altiery of InkSpot Workshop

Hello Everyone! Ready to get some sticky fingers? Well roll up your sleeves because we’re getting ready to make those cute glass magnets you see everywhere. Or, instead of gluing magnets to the backs of your tiles, try bails (the little things that allow your glass tile to hang from a chain), and make an adorable pendant. All supplies listed below can be found on Etsy.

Materials

  • Hard drying epoxy glue (like Diamond Glaze)
  • Glass tiles – any shape, just as long as one side is flat
  • Magnets – sized according to your glass tile
  • Paper images
  • Craft knife

Step 1: It’s All About Image

Once you have decided on the size of your glass magnet, find images that you’d like to use. Some people use scrapbook paper for a patterned effect, or you can print out an image in a size to match your magnet. My glass tiles are approximately 1 inch square, so I print out my images and use a 7/8 square punch. My Epson 1400 Stylus printer ink does not smear when wet with glue – this is super important to make a test first. I also use heavy card stock to print my images.

Step 2: I’m Stuck On You

Apply glue in a think layer to the flat side of your glass tile. Make sure to spread glue to edges. Press tile onto your paper image firmly to make sure all those pesky air bubbles disappear. Flip over, and allow to dry for several hours or overnight.

Step 3: Scalpel Please!

This is the most important step in the magnet making process and also the most tedious. I use the world’s sharpest scalpel (thanks to my day job) in order to precisely trim the excess paper and glue from around my edges. Please refer to me as Dr. Magnet when I’m performing this surgery:) OK, you don’t need surgical grade scalpels for this, any sharp craft knife will do.

Step 4: Seal The Deal

Apply a strip of glue around the edge of your glass tile’s backside. This will secure the paper edges and ensure a nicely sealed magnet that will last for years. Fill in your strip. Use a pin to pop any pesky bubbles that form in the glue.

Step 5: Magnetic Attraction

While the glue is still wet, apply magnets to the center of your glass tile. Allow to dry for several hours or overnight, making sure not to place these little guys too close to each other or your magnets will shift because they really like each other:)

All done! Wasn’t that easy? Your creativity can go wild with these. Check out the magnets shown in this tutorial by clicking here or here. Here is a sample of glass tile pendants.

Thanks for stopping by!

27 comments

  6. Kathleen says:

    Stacy, my girl firends and I our going away in at the end fo the month for our 40th Birthdays. I would love to give these gorgeous magnets as a gift. Do you have on Etsy, or can you make some for me?
    Pretty Please, I just adore them!

  15. Becky Stillions says:

    I have wanted to do something like this for clients to give them a magnet or two with their purchased print package as a little “thank you” gift. Wherever did you find the beautiful and very clear glass tiles? And do they come in other shapes? Thank you so much for sharing!

  16. aaron clark says:

    Hi Stacy,
    I love this idea, I want to do the same thing,
    make a bunch of these to give to my clients as a thank you gift. I bought glass tile on ebay, but they arn’t as nice as yours.
    Where do you get those perfect glass tiles?
    Thanks for the great tutorial,
    best -Aaron

  19. Karen says:

    I have tried this usig Diamond Glaze and also Elmer’s clear glue and for the life of me find that when I hold the pendants up to the light in a certain way, the glue hasn’t dried evenly. I push it down as hard as I can, use a little, use a lot, and can’t solve the problem. Did you have this problem?

  20. zo zo says:

    Yes I have the same problem, I’ve tried everything!
    I’ve discovered that less pressure is better, but over time they all seem to get that shiny effect under the glass at certain angles, it is very annoying. I am going to be selling them and do not know how to combat this, being a perfectionist doesn’t help. What can we do? There might not be a solution.

  21. gina says:

    The problem that you two are having is related to not using enough glaze. The glittery or shiny effect that you are mentioning is actually caused by areas that do not have an even distribution of glaze causing tiny air pockets. Have a look at my tutorial on my website and you’ll find the answer to your problem. I’d post it here but it’s rather lengthy. Call me if you ever need help, my number is on my website: http:www.sunandmooncraftkits.com

    XO,
    Gina

Comments are closed.