Glass Pebble Magnets

A few years ago, someone came up with this idea and it blasted its way across all the crafting blogs and bulletin boards. These make lovely gifts and are very easy to make. I once made several hundred in an afternoon, just for fun. It's very satisfying!


Materials Needed

Clear glass "pebbles" with flat backs (available in the floral section of most craft stores)
Pretty papers (this is a great way to use up scraps from scrapbooking or other crafts)
Gem-Tac or Jewel-It glue
Self-adhesive magnetic tape or magnet dots


How to Do It

1. Spread a small amount of glue evenly over the flat part of a glass pebble.
2. Position the marble on a piece of patterned paper and press firmly. The glue will dry clear. I've tested both brands mentioned above and they work fine. I doubt white school glue would work very well. Tacky glue might, though.
3. Cut around the pebble, trimming closely.
4. Press a piece of magnet tape or a magnet dot on the back.


Variations & Tips

• Obviously, this project isn't appropriate for small children likely to swallow the pebbles or drop them (they could shatter).
• Instead of patterned paper, you could use printouts of small pictures from the web, photos, hand-drawn art, or magazine clippings.
• Match the theme of the pictures to the occasion or decor of the recipient.
• For a super-strong magnet, use super glue to attach a small neodymium dot. (Do not use these around small children. If swallowed, they can cause severe intestinal damage! That's what was in those recalled Chinese Polly Pocket toys.)
• A decorated Altoids tin makes the perfect presentation box for these magnets.
• You don't have to make magnets with the glued-up glass pebbles. Once they have paper on the back, they're easy to glue to wooden boxes or picture frames as embellishments.