Today we're turning thrift store jewelery into magnets. These are perfect for magnetic chalkboards, cubicles, refrigerators-anywhere you'd like a little glamor and sparkle!
All you'll need is a glue gun, pliers, magnets and an assortment of old jewelery.
For this project I'm partial to old clip-on earrings. They look great and the clip backs pop off easily with just a tug of the pliers. Plus they're easy and cheap to find at thrift stores! Whatever you decide to use, make sure there is a flat space on the back where your magnet can rest. As far as magnets go, you can use whatever you'd like, but I love these half inch ProMAGs. They're the perfect size, very strong, and they're around five dollars at my local craft store.
Once you have the back removed from your clip on, or have chosen a piece with a flat back, simply add a dab of hot glue and place your magnet on! It couldn't be any easier.
Finished magnets on the fridge.
Additional Ideas:
*Vintage buttons, especially those with a little bling, make great magnets as well.
*Assortments of similarly colored magnets boxed and ribboned make great gifts!
*The wedding section at your local craft store is full of great items that can be made into magnets. Try using feather butterflies, birds or clay flowers.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 am
ooh – I was planning on getting a new pinboard for uni and covering it with fabric (like I’ve got planned for a jewelry display board), but I don’t like putting pin holes in photos and pictures – magnets would be perfect!! I am so hitting the thrift shops as soon as I get a weekend off work.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:27 am
Very pretty, I love this idea! Jen R
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:33 am
Love this idea – I want a whole fridge full now!
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
these look awesome. makes me want to raid my grandma’s jewelry box!
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
These are ADORABLE! I love them!!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Yay! I’m glad everyone enjoyed the project!
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
What a great idea! I have loads of costume jewelry from my great grandmother that I used to play dress-up when I was a kid, but now it just sits in my closet. I would love to put it on display!
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:34 am
adult friend…
Cool topic…I thought about your points and must say I agree with a lot of what you mentioned. I’m going to share your blog with my loyal readers. …
November 20th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Thanks for this! It inspired me to decorate my magnets. I used what I had and made up a little tutorial. Please come check it out!
March 14th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I must say, I could not agree with you in 100%, but it’s just my IMHO, which indeed could be wrong.
p.s. You have an awesome template for your blog. Where have you got it from?
January 27th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Really cool I enjoy examples of articles which were written, and especially the comments posted! I’ll definately be visiting again!
June 2nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Super-Duper internet site! I’m loving it!! Will arrive again – taking you feeds also, Thanks.
October 21st, 2010 at 3:45 pm
[...] but some people like to keep their magnets neat and organized. These magnets are made with thrift store jewelry. They’re quick and easy – and ridiculously cheap to make. Aren’t these magnets [...]
November 3rd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Molly Green, Thrifty Homemaker. Thrifty Homemaker said: Make Magnets using vintage jewelry #gift http://www.oneprettything.com/?p=123 [...]
November 12th, 2010 at 7:10 am
[...] One Pretty Thing also shares how to turn thrift store jewelry into magnets… [...]
July 7th, 2011 at 1:36 am
I like this idea – my fridge can be beautified too!
August 30th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
[...] Turn costume baubles into decorative thumbtacks for your bulletin board or refrigerator magnets. [...]