Thursday, February 23, 2012

chick magnets: the sequel

 I LOOOVE MAKING CHICK MAGNETS!
It's been a while since my original Chick Magnets post, so you may or may not remember these.....
click ----------> HERE <---------- to refresh your memory or just to check 'em out :)
These are also very similar to the Hope pins I made for all the church girls ----------> HERE
So now my Chick Magnets are BACK, and just as cute as can be! HAH! 
I put together a quick little tutorial to show how I made them, so keep-a-reading.....
 First off, I take out all my scrap book paper, and start punching shapes.
Then I figure out what looks good with what, and place all the matches together.
Then I use a glue dot applicator to lightly adhere the small shapes to the large shapes.
Easy enough, right? And fun too :)
 I only have a few paper punches, and these are what they look like, above.
The red case contains the long strip of adhesive I use to stick everything together.
(it's the same adhesive I use to attach my photos to my notecards) 
 I use this Diamond Glaze because it dries absolutely clear (you could also use Mod Podge)
The glass discs I used this time are DIFFERENT than the ones I used w/ my first Chick Magnets!
The same size - 1 3/4 inch..... well a little over that..... perfect for my 1 3/4 inch punch -
but thinner, and perfectly clear glass. I found this was both an advantage and a disadvantage!
I'll tell you my reasons as we move along.....
 First you use the Diamond Glaze right smack on the front of the paper set you've created.
Use enough to cover it well, but not so much that you lose more than you use.
I had to experiment a bit..... less is more, as long as everything is covered.
And keep some damp paper towels near, cuz you'll want to wipe the disc and your fingers!
 Flip the pretty side over and smear it on the flat side of your glass disc.
Don't lift the paper on and off - just slide it around until glue has covered everything.
Then begin applying pressure - from the inside out - to get as many air bubbles out as possible.
This step is CRUCIAL! Air bubbles are the bane of any project like this!
I discovered that, because I was working with paper on top of paper, there WILL be air bubbles!
After narrowly escaping a nervous breakdown, I finally had to just ACCEPT the inevitable :/
And the thinner, clearer glass discs are beautiful, but they WILL make the bubbles more obvious.
Just squeeze as many out as possible and GET OVER IT, cuz they will still look adorable!
 SEE? SEE? SEE? ARE THEY TOO CUTE OR WHAT!!!
Yes they are - bubbles and all :)


CUTE!!! I LURVE THEM!!!
You'll want to finish them by attaching a small, strong magnet on the back - like the ones below:
If you're an anal type, you'll punch out card stock and glue it to the back first..... then the magnet.
If you're really anal, you'll trace and cut felt circles and glue those to the back before the magnet.
And if you're so anal that everything must be perfect, you'll throw them all away cuz of the bubbles :/
I may or may not be one or more of the above  :D  but most of the time I can enjoy what I've made!
I HOPE YOU LIKE THEM TOO!
It's a really fun, easy project - and something useful you can have for yourself or give as gifts!
I hope this inspired you to give it a try yourself!
My 2 best sources are on Etsy - great prices and service - I highly recommended them:

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