Easter is behind us and April is flying by. I am already thinking about May and fun things to do on Mother’s Day.  I’d buy beautiful jewelry or clothes for my mom for Mother’s Day, but that is just not her style. She’d rather have something handmade that is unique and special. Therefore, I love to create something new for her each year. This year I’m making a DIY Magnet Set for Mother’s Day! I just know she will enjoy using her Mother’s Day magnets year round and thinking of me making them for her. These DIY glass magnets are perfect for the refrigerator. You can personalize them with small photos or create a matching magnet set with patterned paper.

This tutorial for custom magnets was first published April 7, 2015. I have added a printable craft card for these fun magnets and republished it for my new readers to enjoy.

Mothers Day Magnets DIY Tutorial

Looking for a great gift idea? Try these cute refrigerator magnets. Crafting for Mother’s Day can be a meaningful way to show appreciation and love for mothers or mother figures in your life. Handmade gifts often carry a personal touch that can make them more special than store-bought items. Additionally, crafting can be a fun and creative activity that allows you to express your feelings and create something unique. This magnet DIY is also very budget-friendly. You love these mother’s day magnet craft ideas so let’s get started.

DIY Magnet Craft Supplies:

• 1 package of decorative clear glass gems aka glass pebbles (available at Dollar Tree & other dollar stores)
• 1 package of magnet buttons or magnet sheet (magnets for crafts are available at your local craft store)
• Clear glue for glass
• 1 sheet of scrapbook paper, magazine cutouts, or photo paper if you want to make DIY photo magnets
• scissors

Choosing a paper design mom will love is a fun way to show her you notice her style or favorite colors! The type of paper that works best is one that is thick and sturdy like a scrapbooking sheet of paper. Tissue paper will not work well since it is so thin and the glue will show through it.

How To Make Glass Magnets:

Place the glass gems on your scrapbook paper or copies of your favorite pictures (if you want to make photo magnets). Trace around each one. Then, cut the excess paper away from the circles.

My glass pieces were not perfect circles so each one was slightly different.  If your glass gems are this way, you’ll want to keep track of which piece of paper goes with each gem. This will help to make sure you have the right size and the shapes match up.

Apply a small amount of glue to the back of each glass gem (the flat side).  You’ll want to make sure that the type of glue you are using is made for glass and will dry clear.  I suggest a little bit of Mod Podge or Quick Grip. You can squeeze it directly on if you are careful and have good control or you can apply a think layer with a foam brush. You can get either type of glue at your local craft fairs or here is my affiliate link for Amazon. Press the paper circle or photo onto the back of the gem with the side you want to show against the glass. Carefully smooth all the air bubbles out and set the glass beads aside to dry completely.

Now grab your pack of plain magnets. Make sure all the gems are dry first. Then apply a little glue to the back of the paper and glue magnet button on to finish off your DIY glass magnets. I just used the same Mod Podge clear glue. However, you can use a hot glue gun here if you prefer. It is behind the paper and will not be visible. Repeat the process for each handmade magnet you want to make.

Allow this glue to dry and your handmade fridge magnets are all ready to use or gift.

Notes For Glass Magnet Crafts:

You could use a magnet sheet instead and cut pieces to fit over the entire back of the glass gem. The magnet buttons are quicker and easier to use though and I think these craft magnets are actually stronger and hold better.

You could use glass tile if you prefer a square look for your DIY magnets rather than glass pebble magnets.

Let the glue dry completely before using or placing the Mother’s Day magnets in a box or gift bag.

Printable DIY Craft Magnets Directions