On Wednesday, my blog-friend Jennifer over at Finding My Way In Texas got married. (Congratulations, Jennifer!) And I’m happy to report that she allowed *me* to guest blog for her that day! I put together this little tutorial on glass tile magnets – with a love theme, which was my little celebration of her big day!
Now you are probably rolling your eyes right now – I know I have done a LOT of glass tile projects in the last month. They’re just so darn addictive! But I did put this little tutorial together, and as you know, I like to share all my adventures here anytime I get home from guest posting. :) So, in case you missed it (or in case you missed any of my other fabulously informative glass tile posts recently, LOL!) I am going to show you yet another way to make use of them!
Glass Tile Magnets
Working with tiles is really popular right now – I’ve seen them turned into some gorgeous creations! But if you don’t have an old Scrabble game to re-appropriate tiles from (or you’re like me and still play your Scrabble game), there are still other mediums you can use.
I haven’t found the clear glass tiles anywhere in stores that some people are using, but I have found it’s really not necessary that they are clear – you can use other colors, too! Hobby Lobby has a great selection of mosaic tiles – and bonus – they are 30% off this week (the sale ends today, 2/4, but they do go on sale periodically so keep an eye out). Pair that with this week’s 40% off coupon, and supplies for this project are even more reasonable.
So here’s what you need:
- Tiles
- Magnets (I had heavy-duty rounds on-hand from another project, but the tiles aren’t very heavy. You could get away with smaller magnets than this.)
- E6000 or similar permanent adhesive
- Graphics for your tiles – stickers, photos, or printouts
- Dimensional Glaze, like Mod Podge Dimensional Magic (optional, not pictured here. I use Annie Howe’s Glamour Glaze, but you could also use Mod Podge, or skip the finish altogether depending on what you use for your graphics.)
I opted to get the white tiles, and they don’t show up so well white-on-white (sorry, but I’m a messy crafter – I need my paper towel, LOL). But this is the package you’re looking for if you’re a Hobby Lobby shopper. It’s a package of 48, which might seem excessive, but just wait until you discover how addictive this projects is… you’ll be glad you have a lot!
I also picked up these fun Valentine stickers at my dollar store, but you could print out customized graphics on your computer, or use photos for a personal touch, too!
I needed to trim my stickers down a little – you will want your graphic to be slightly smaller than the tile, because it has rounded edges. Be sure to curve the corners slightly, also. If you are using a paper or photo graphic, you’ll want to put a coat of Mod Podge or a light coat of glue on your tile.
Since I am using a sticker, I just stuck it on.
This really feels like cheating, it’s so easy.
Now, add some E6000 to your magnets:
And stick them on the backs of your tiles.
Keep your magnets a good distance away from each other, otherwise, they will try to cling! If you happen to be away when this happens, your magnets could adhere in a very unintended way. :P
Give it a few minutes to set, then turn them over to work on the front side.
Now finishing the front is really up to your tastes. In fact, these stickers don’t necessarily need additional finishing because they are plastic – I just like the way the glaze looks. It gives the whole thing a nice shine, and domes it slightly. Besides, I already have it in my supply bin, so it’s no added cost. (You won’t find Glamour Glaze in-store – if you’re shopping, look for Mod Podge Dimensional Magic in the same aisle as your tiles. It’s also a water-based dimensional glaze and will work the same.)
If you do decide to glaze, add a little to the center, and use a toothpick to draw it out to the edges of your tile.
It will look a little cloudy at first, but it will dry clear.
Now leave them alone and do not touch them for a few hours while they dry and cure. :) (You don’t want to disturb half-dried glaze, because you won’t be able to smooth it back out… don’t ask me how I know!) But that’s it!
Once they’re dry, they’re ready to hold those important notes to your frig (or your kids’ locker, etc.):
I link up to these great parties!
~ Adrianne
This post is one great inspiration! I like this! Thanks for sharing!
These creations are perfect! Love love love!!! Thanks for sharing this very nice post!
I love this idea!! Thanks for the tutorial.
Thanks so much for linking up to CountryMommaCooks Link & Greet Party!
Hope to see you next Saturday……Have a blessed week:)
I love your tile projects and I'm starting to feel like I'm getting into Valentine's Day for the first time ever (well, since those paper Valentine's in grade school and that one kid whose mother would bake cupcakes) with great projects like this.