Marble Magnet Tutorial

Well, maybe it isn't real art, but when I'm short on time, or I just can't get myself going with my usual art materials and I'm feeling the need for some instant gratification, I work on a quick and easy crafting project. Besides, there's nothing wrong with dressing up your workspace a little bit, and if you have a metal surface in your studio that you use for posting bits of inspiration, then these little magnets are both practical and fun.

Supplies:

- clear mosaic marbles from the craft store (These have a flat side and a domed side.)

- small round magnets (need to be a little smaller than your marbles)

- Mod Podge or other craft glue/sealer that dries clear (Edit - 11/13/08: I now use E-6000 glue for a durable, transparent bond.)

- scraps of decorative paper or magazine pages (most of mine come from catalogs or magazines)

- Sharp scissors or a round hole punch that's slightly smaller than your marble

- Circle template (optional)

Directions:

- After collecting your scraps of paper, cut them to fit the back of your marble. You can use a circle template from an office supply store, if you have one, to draw your shapes. Or, use an appropriately sized hole punch -- it's easier and a lot faster.

- Apply Mod Podge to the back of your marble (flat side) and place your tiny circle of paper on this, right side down. You want to be sure your image shows through the front side of your marble, so be careful you don't apply it backwards. Also make sure the entire front surface of your image is stuck to the marble - no loose edges.

- Carefully smooth the paper against the marble to get out any air bubbles.

- Apply more Mod Podge to the back of your image (again, covering it completely), then press a magnet onto this, being careful to keep everything centered.

- Press all layers together to squeeze out any excess glue.

- Set aside, magnet side down, to dry. The image beneath the glass may appear milky at first, but the milkiness should go away when the glue is completely dry.