Make Your Own Magnets...A How-To Tutorial!

Kristina Myers of kristinamyerscrafts gives us step-by-step instructions on how to make our magnets!

Have you ever wanted a certain magnet but couldn't find exactly what you wanted? Make your own! Here is a list of materials you will need:

1.5 inch flat glass marbles ($2.49)
Card Stock ($0.49)
Stickers or Permanent glue stick ($1.99)
Specialty glass adhesive ($5.29)
Magnets ($5.67)
Strong adhesive for magnets ($2.67)
1 1/4 inch round paper punch ($13.99)
Unscented baby wipes ($2.67)

Follow these steps to create your masterpiece!


1. Sort through the glass pieces to remove chipped, broken, or irregular marbles. Wash glass in hot soapy water. This removes dirt and oils that get on the glass during manufacturing, packaging and shipping. I let mine soak for 5 minutes.

2. Rinse with hot water. I make the water as hot as my tap will allow. The glass dries quickly with no spots.





3. Punch out card stock and affix stickers. You may choose to use images of your own. Print images on plain paper using the highest DPI your printer allows. Edit your photos before printing to find the best fit. There is an option in most photo editing software to "view" image in "actual size". I hold the glass marble up to the screen to check the fit.





4. On newspaper place cardstock (or paper) face up. Place specialty glass adhesive on center of circle. Press glass into adhesive. Make sure adhesive spreads evenly out to edges. Use baby wipe to remove extra adhesive and clean fingers in between each one. Place glue side up to dry overnight.
5. Use strong adhesive to attach the magnet to the back of the card stock. (If you printed an image, use the permanent glue stick to attach a piece of card stock to the back of the glass before gluing the magnet.) Allow to dry for 24 hours for best results.












If this sounds too complicated or expensive... you can buy 6 magnets for $7 from her shop at http://kristinamyerscrafts.etsy.com!

How To-torials!!

Hi Etsy Chatters and Followers!

This week there has been a poll posted on the right side bar. It was requesting input on what kind of HOWtos you would like to see on the blog.. So far.. SOAP MAKING is in the lead.

So, you have the rest of today to vote..

In the meantime.. Etsy Chatters whole create soapy goodness... Reply to me and let me know who would like to do a pictorial, how to for the blog.. on SOAP MAKING!! Something simple, that your everyday crafter can try their hand at. =-)

Chat with you real soon!

How'd you do THAT?

At least twice a day, I am asked: "Jupita, how do you do THAT with your gift cards?" So, I decided to post a little HOW-To!



Today we will take this ordinary gift card (this one happens to be from starbucks) and "Upcycle" it into something CUTE!

First:
Assemble your materials/supplies
Gift card, Some Awesome heavy duty scissors, Sharpie, Eyelets, Crop-a-dile, Jump rings, Keychain ring, beads, CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION!!



Second:
Draw the shape you want to create, on the BACK of the gift card. I chose a BUNNY AND AN EGG. (Easter baby!!)



Third:
Here is where the SKILL comes in. (If you passed kindergarten, you are SOOO already there.) Cut out the shape you doodled. Be careful, the ER does NOT want you to be their next visitor. (If you did this correctly, there will be no need to sand anything down. It takes a steady hand!!)



Forth:
Decide on position for eyelet. Punch out hole, insert eyelet. (Eyelets are optional, but sometimes create a more finished look.!)



Fifth:
My piece is going to be a keychain charm. So, I looped the jump ring through the eyelets on the bunny and egg. Then, I attached the Jump ring to a made by me beaded piece (for extra pretty Jupitaness!) and added a little keychain loop.

TAADAAA
UPCYCLED GIFT CARD CUTENESS!!


If you are interested in this piece, or others like it.. Please, come visit me at WWW.JUPITA.ETSY.COM !!!

Jenn ~ Jupita