Last Updated on February 11, 2019 by Kristi Linauer
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!

Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
12 Comments
Michelle Rachels
March 16, 2010 at 4:50 pmLove it! I have been looking for something cool to use on my office bulletin board. Thanks!
Scientific Housewife
March 16, 2010 at 5:43 pmWhat a cute idea!
Karli
March 16, 2010 at 7:32 pmThose are wonderful! I have a few leftover buttons from a re-upholster project I recently did and I'm going to use them for this!
Morgan
March 16, 2010 at 9:41 pmThose are so cute and look so easy to make! Thanks for the wonderful idea and the tutorial! 🙂
Just Me
March 16, 2010 at 11:30 pmThis is an adorable idea! Thanks for sharing.
minnie
March 19, 2010 at 8:09 pmLovely idea. I'm all thumbs but think that this wouldn't get on top of me 🙂
Rose
March 26, 2010 at 10:39 pmOMG those are sooo cute! I am DEFINITELY going to do this project with my daughter. Should be fun! I don't like to clutter up the front of my fridge either, but the sides I hang a few things. These are too cute to not hang up on your fridge 🙂 And they'd make great office gifts too. I might just do that! I'm excited…hahaha.
Magnetico
April 8, 2010 at 8:28 amOutstanding handmade fridge magnets! Awesome!
nylon spandex fabric
July 12, 2010 at 9:36 amthank you for share,good post
Magnetico
April 10, 2011 at 8:52 pmOutstanding handmade fridge magnets! Awesome!
auntiemoos
May 11, 2011 at 7:18 amNice! I wondered how I could make the fabric kind. I also make my own push pins. Now maybe I'll try some with fabric.
Marla and Steve
October 26, 2011 at 1:56 amLove this!! Steve and I just finished a magnet board for our new craft room, http://www.alwaynesting.blogspot.com and this is exactly what we needed to make new magnets. Amazing!! Will link back to you when we complete this project. Thank you so much and have signed on to follow.