Cover paint sticks with paper and decoupage and turn them into a magnet set for your refrigerator or message board. I made a set using old maps and travel inspired scrapbook paper for my kitchen update. I made an extra set as a house warming gift for my cousin, while I was at it. I went with a travel theme, but of course, one could get daring and use any kind of paper to make up a set of these magnets. I’ve decoupaged storage boxes, lazy susans and faux canvas photo frames, but I’m pretty sure that this is the easiest decoupage project of have done, to date… and you would probably agree!
How to make decoupage paint stick magnets
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Supplies:
Maps, scrapbook or wrapping paper
Paint sticks
Magnets (I went with these heavy duty 1″ round magnets
)
Decoupage (I used Mod Podge Matte
)
Hot glue gun
Sponge craft brush
Optional – foam or chipboard letters
(make sure they are the right size)
Lay paint stick down on the back side of your paper and measure ¼” to ½” around. If you use 12” x 12” scrapbook paper, than you will only need to do this for the sides. Paints sticks are usually 12” long, so the ends will be even up with the length of the paper.
Apply decoupage to one side of the paint stick, to the paper, and then center and lay down paint stick.
Cut out the four corners on the paper (skip this step if you have 12” x 12” scrapbook paper); and then cut slits near the divot in the paint stick and on the ends.
Apply more decoupage to paper and paint stick and wrap the paper around the back side of the paint stick starting with the divot and ends first, and then the rest of the paper.
Apply a coat of decoupage over the backside and smooth with your finger, especially near the divot and ends. Use a little water on your finger if you need to. Let dry.
Flip paint stick to front side and apply a coat of decoupage, smooth and let dry.
Add foam or chip board letters if you would like.
Hot glue magnets to back side. I used three or four per paint stick.
Removing the hodge podge of magnets from my fridge and replacing them with these paint stick magnets has helped me de-clutter my usually-much-avoided message station. Less distraction, know what I mean? That house warming party isn’t until mid-August. I’m not going to wish any time away, but at least now I have a gift ready to go!
Another fun and easy magnet gift idea: 5 Minute Craft Bottle Cap Magnets
How many different types of magnets do you have on your fridge at the moment?
Other SIMPLE craft ideas:
Decoupaged Tissue Paper Luminaries
Travel Inspired Decoupage Camping Lantern
Robin’s Egg Pattern Decoupaged Mason Jars
Make Your Own Signs Using Chalkboard Painted Shoe Box Lids
Sharing at:
The Best DIY Projects of 2013 Contest
Freaking Awesome Fridays @ Mellywood’s Mansion
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
Oh my Gosh!! Love these! This is my favorite project of yours yet! You’ve given me a great idea!
Vicky says
You always turn ordinary things into fabulous, creative projects! Love these!
Anne says
So cute! Amy I love these!!!
Debbie-Dabble says
What a totally delightful idea!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comment!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Shanna Gilbert says
Such a cool idea Amy! Love it!
heather f says
Amy, I really love this idea! I think my kids would have fun and it would give my fridge some style!
Mel says
I love these! You’re so clever! Do you know you have to buy them here, I heard you get them for free over there…jealous! 🙂
Mel says
Thanks for linking your awesome magnets 🙂
Amy says
You’re welcome, Mel. Great party!
Megin says
These are really neat, Amy. I love the vintage feel. They are like little mini pallet art!
Thank you for sharing on DIY Showcase this week.
~ Megin of VMG206
Amy says
Thank you, Megin, for hosting. These were on the easy side, and coming in pretty handy, too!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Amy, I love how these look and what a great idea! I had to smile when I read your post, because recently I had to replace my fridge – the old one was so covered with magnets, you couldn’t really tell there was a refrigerator under them! 🙂 I don’t have anything on my new fridge, but this looks neat and chic! Thank you so much for sharing – pinning and sharing on my FB page today! Have a happy Tuesday!
Amy says
Hi Cindy! I’m so glad you like them, they were super easy to make, and look pretty cool no matter the paper. Thank you for sharing. I pinned and shared your pretty ribbon gift wrap on my fb page, too:)
Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family says
What a creative idea! They turned out so pretty. Found you through Mel’s link party. 🙂
Amy says
Thank you, Megan, for stopping by ~ Amy
Donna Wilkes says
Cute, clever, and creative!
Amy says
Thank you, Donna 🙂
Denise... on a whim says
I just saw these featured at the Sunday Showcase and i think they’re great! Fantastic idea 🙂
Amy says
I tend to want to complicate things sometimes, but these were super easy to make! Thanks for stopping by ~ Amy
Jen @ PinkWhen says
These are SOOOOO cool!!! I L.O.V.E. them!
Amy says
Thanks so much, Jen 🙂
gemma says
me encanta queda precioso y es una idea genial, voy ha hacer alguno para la habitacion de mi hijo que le encantan los mapas del mundo.
Gracias
Amy says
De nada, Gemma. Yo espera que su hijo se le gusta!
doreen says
Such a great idea and re-use of paint sticks. I’m a huge decoupager (is that a word?). Love the different themes you can use for these. So now, in addition to paint chips, we can start adding paint sticks to our stash collection!
Now following you here on Twitter & FB! (I found you via Inspiration for Moms linky party.)
Doreen
http://altered-artworks.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/AlteredArtworks
Amy says
Maybe we both belong in Huge Decoupagers Anonymous?? I can’t stop using it! Next might be paint can’s, who knows. Thanks for stopping by from Inspiration for Mom’s link party. Nice meeting you ~ Amy
Paula@SweetPea says
I never would have thought to create a magnet from a paintstick. I’m a teacher and can think of so many creative uses for these in my classroom. Thanks so much for sharing with this week’s Throwback Thursday party.
Amy says
Thank you for stopping by, and for hosting Throwback Thursday!!
Sharon says
Amy, I just saw this project at the Throwback Thursday link party and had to come check it out.
What an ingenious idea…and super cute.
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
I love these Amy! Congrats on your feature at Throwback Thursday! 🙂
Cheryl says
I love this idea!! Would never have thought of this, now I want to make some! Thanks for sharing!!