Make Your Own Fridge Magnets
Make colorful fridge magnets using bottle caps, magnets, glue, and decorations; design, assemble, and test your creations to learn about materials and creativity.
Step-by-step guide to make your own fridge magnets
Step 1
Gather all the Materials Needed and bring them to your workspace.
Step 2
Choose one fun design and a color scheme for your first magnet.
Step 3
Lay a sheet of wax paper on your table to protect the surface.
Step 4
Paint the inside of one bottle cap with your chosen color or color it with a marker.
Step 5
Wait until the paint or marker color is completely dry.
Step 6
Arrange your small decorations inside the painted bottle cap until you like the look.
Step 7
Put a small drop of strong craft glue in the center of the bottle cap.
Step 8
Press one flat magnet onto the glue in the cap and hold it firmly for 10 seconds.
Step 9
Leave the glued magnet undisturbed to dry and set for at least 1 hour.
Step 10
Test the magnet on the fridge to make sure it holds your paper or picture.
Step 11
Repeat Steps 4 to 10 to make more colorful magnets with different designs.
Step 12
Clean up your workspace and wipe any glue or paint off your hands with a paper towel.
Step 13
Share photos and a short description of your finished fridge magnets on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of bottle caps or flat magnets if we can't find them?
If you don't have metal bottle caps use small shallow plastic lids or cut sturdy cardboard to the same size and if flat magnets are missing, attach magnetic tape to the back after Step 7 as a substitute.
My magnet fell off — what likely went wrong and how do I fix it?
If the magnet won't hold, make sure the paint from Step 4 was completely dry per Step 5, roughen the inside of the cap, apply a stronger craft glue in Step 7, press and hold the magnet for 10 seconds, and let it set undisturbed for at least an hour in Step 8.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older children?
For preschoolers, have an adult pre-paint the caps (Step 4) and let kids press on large stickers or sequins during Step 6 while supervising glue in Step 7, and for older kids encourage using tiny beads, metallic paints, or detailed mosaics and sealing techniques after Step 9.
How can we make the magnets last longer or look more special?
To enhance durability and appearance, press a small photo or patterned paper into the painted cap in Step 6, then seal the finished magnet with clear craft gloss or a thin layer of epoxy before leaving it to dry in Step 8.
Watch videos on how to make your own fridge magnets
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How are magnets made?
Facts about recycled crafts for kids
♻️ Bottle caps can be recycled or upcycled into crafts, turning trash into colorful magnets.
🧲 A small fridge magnet can hold several sheets of paper — magnets are often stronger than they look!
🎨 Paints, stickers, and glitter are favorite decorations for kids to personalize each magnet.
🧪 Testing magnets around the fridge teaches kids about magnetic strength — some spots hold better than others.
🧴 White school glue dries clear and is great for lightweight decorations; hot glue bonds faster but needs adult help.
How do I make fridge magnets from bottle caps?
What materials do I need to make bottle cap magnets?
What ages is this bottle cap magnet activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of making bottle cap fridge magnets?
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