Make your original art into gorgeous magnets!

First, you will need prints of your artwork. The glass squares I work with are .75" x .75", so I crop and re-size my artwork in Photoshop to 1" squares, giving me a bit of room to work with.

**IMPORTANT! Let your prints dry for 24 hours or the ink WILL run! I use matte photo paper, but have also used glossy with success.

As an extra measure of protection, I spray the images with a clear, protective acrylic coat as shown in the photo above.



Next, cut out your squares!



Now it's time to pull out the craft brush and Mod Podge. I have heard that Diamond Glaze works well, too, but in my experience it makes the printed inks run no matter how long you let them dry first.



Brush a small, even amount of Mod Podge onto the glass. Too little and it won't stick evenly, too much and you will get lots of bubbles!



Press the glass square firmly down onto your image. If there are bubbles, press harder until they are gone. You can even rub a bone folder across the back of the paper to squeegee out the bubbles. Just don't move the paper around too much or your image will get smeared.



Your image will look cloudy at first. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely and it will clear right up :)



After the Mod Podge has dried completely, carefully crop the image to the edge of the glass.



For an even nicer looking edge, after you cut the edges, use a metal file and gently but firmly file the paper all the way around the glass, removing uneven edges and extra glue.



Add another layer of Mod Podge to the back of the paper, sealing it completely onto the glass and giving it extra protection.



Finally, once the Mod Podge has dried, pull out your E6000 and glue those magnets on! E6000 is really stinky, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area! Personally, I would not allow children to handle it or be in the same area while you are working.



Viola! You are done! You can also buy these great slide-top tins to decorate and store your magnets in as cute little sets! They are available at http://SupplyRiot.etsy.com



Magnet sets by Lea Keohane, 2008. All Rights Reserved.

For more of my own artwork, check out my art lens:
http://www.squidoo.com/leakarts