Button Magnets and Push Pins

I’ve been working hard on the big projects here around the condo–refinishing cabinets, installing and finishing countertops, building banquette seating, tiling a backsplash, and the list goes on. While all of those things are good and fun, I’ve really been missing those smaller, crafty-type projects I used to work on.

Soooo…I’ve decided to make time–or at least TRY to make time–in my schedule for a DIY craft project each week. Some weeks (like today) it’ll be something really tiny that we can make in about 10 minutes. Other weeks, it may be something a little bigger and more time consuming. But either way, I’ll try to make them budget-friendly. Actually, I really won’t have a choice on that. If I’m going to do crafts, they HAVE to be budget-friendly!!

So let’s get started! I’m having to ease back into this whole craft thing, so I’m starting off super easy with fabric-covered button fridge magnets and push pins.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Package of half ball cover buttons (I used the 1 1/2-inch size for the magnets, and the 7/8-inch size for the push pins.)

• Fabric with a small print

• Mod Podge

• Small craft paint brush

• Craft magnets and/or thumb tacks

• Scissors

• Epoxy

If you’ve never used half ball cover buttons before, this is what they look like. You can get them at the fabric store.

On the back of the package, you will find the pattern to use for cutting out the fabric. I always fold along the solid line and cut out the other side of the circle so that I can have a full pattern.

Place the pattern on the fabric and trace around with a pen. Cut out the fabric.

Take the metal button and remove the wire from the back. If you can’t do this with your fingers, use a pair of pliers to pinch the wire together and remove.

Stretch the fabric over the front of the button, and be sure that the metal teeth in back catch the fabric.

Once you have your pattern placed like you want it on front, snap the metal back onto the button.

Cover the button with a couple of coats of Mod Podge. I used the matte finish because it’s what I had on hand. I really would have preferred the glossy.

Using a strong adhesive, such as an epoxy, glue a magnet to the back of each button.

Once the adhesive is dry, you’re done! Your magnets are ready for their debut on your fridge, or on your magnetic chalk board.

Of course, if you’re not a “fridge magnet” kind of person, and prefer everything nice and tidy on a bulletin board, you can glue thumb tacks to the back rather than magnets.

This is a really easy project to do. But please…I beg you…if you do this project with children, please WATCH THEM LIKE HAWKS with those magnets. Magnets (especially those super-strong magnets like the ones pictured above) can do some serious harm to a child if swallowed.

Also remember…if you’re going to purchase supplies for this project or any other project from Michael’s, JoAnn Fabrics, or Hobby Lobby, don’t forget your coupon(s)!! I seldom purchase anything at regular retail price from those stores. Also, JoAnn Fabrics will take competitor’s coupons.

So that’s it for today. Like I said, I’m easing into the crafty projects. Next week’s will be a tad bit more difficult…but still pretty easy!