Laminate Magnets

This is the first of what will probably be many posts on magnets.  I have several ideas on the subject, plus they're really easy to make.  First, I'd like to apologize on the quality of the images.  Many, if not most, are blurry.  My camera is really old and the view screen is extremely small so I couldn't tell that the images weren't focusing when I was taking the pics.  

So, what I call laminate magnets are those flat sheet type magnets like advertisement kind stuck to the back of phone books or that some people make business cards with.  I've seen some fun ones, as well, and thought that there's a lot of potential to go wild with.  I found some images online that I printed out, but you can also use photos that you already have.  Photo magnets are a great way to keep those memories visible without having picture frames all over the counters.  You could also draw or color your own images and pictures if you're feeling extra creative.  

I printed two sheets for this project.  One was three "cooks helpers" cards that I downloaded from Martha Stewart with measurement equivalents, pan size conversions, and candy temp. guide.  The other was a page of reoccurring alien species from Doctor Who that I found doing Google image searches then re-sized to about 4 inches tall. 

You'll need a roll of adhesive magnetic sheeting (available at craft stores), self adhesive laminating sheets (wherever office supplies are sold), scissors, the images you'll use, and a pencil (optional).

First, cut the images out, leaving a border.  You will be trimming the border later.  Arrange on a laminate sheet.  Most laminate sheets have a paper backing, many with grids.  With symmetrical images, direction usually doesn't matter, but you should do it with the paper side up and images facing down (unlike in the picture) so that when it's cut out things still line up correctly.  Use the pencil to lightly outline the images on the paper backing to make cutting easier.  


Do the same thing with the magnetic sheet.  Paper backing side up, image side up.  


Carefully peel the backing off the magnet.  Before placing image on adhesive, make sure that it's lined up correctly and gently press down, starting on one side and sweeping to the other to reduce chances of air bubbles.  Repeat with laminating sheet.  Make sure everything is lined up correctly before sticking, as you'll only get one shot.  Try to only hold sheets at the very edges, fingerprints will show.


Run your finger, or a card from your wallet, over the laminated magnet to press it all together, remove any air bubbles, and make it look presentable.  

Carefully trim border with scissors. 


Place on fridge or filing cabinet and enjoy!

Links:

http://www.marthastewart.com/271961/cooks-helpers