Method 1: Easy Photo Magnets

1. First, gather your supplies. You will need your printed photos. You’ll also need clear glass cabochons (these are the flat-bottomed glass domes you find in craft stores). Get a strong clear-drying glue like Diamond Glaze or Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. And don’t forget your chosen magnets.
    
2. Next, prepare the photo. Use the cabochon as a guide. Trace and cut your photo to the exact size. For a perfect cut, you can use a paper punch of the corresponding size.
    
3. Apply a small, even drop of the clear dimensional glue to the flat back of the glass cabochon. Don’t use too much, or it will squeeze out the sides.
    
4. Carefully press the cabochon onto the face of your photo. Push down firmly and move it slightly to spread the glue and eliminate any air bubbles. Set it aside and let it dry completely. This may take several hours.
    
5. Once the photo is securely sealed to the cabochon and the glue is crystal clear, it’s time to attach the magnet. Apply a small amount of E6000 or 2-part epoxy to the back of the photo paper.
    
6. Press your magnet into the glue and ensure it’s centered. Wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out.
    
7. Let the entire piece cure for at least 24 hours before placing it on a magnetic surface. This gives the industrial adhesive time to form its strongest bond.
    

Method 2: Professional Resin Magnets

1. Safety is paramount when working with resin. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Wear nitrile gloves to protect your skin. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Resin is a chemical and must be handled with respect.
    
2. Prepare your silicone mold. Make sure it’s perfectly clean and free of any dust or lint. Any imperfection will be permanently cast into your piece. This is the time to place any inclusions like glitter, dried flowers, or small charms into the mold.
    
3. Now, mix your 2-part epoxy resin. Carefully measure your resin and hardener by volume or weight. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. An incorrect ratio will result in resin that never cures. Mix slowly and thoroughly for at least 2-3 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of your mixing cup until no streaks remain.
    
4. Pour the mixed resin into your mold. If you have delicate inclusions, you may want to pour a thin layer first. Place your items, then pour the rest. Let the mold sit for 5-10 minutes to allow bubbles to rise to the surface.
    
5. To remove bubbles, use a heat gun on a low setting or a long-arm lighter. Pass the heat quickly and gently a few inches above the surface. You will see the bubbles pop instantly, leaving a glass-like finish.
    
6. Cover the mold with a box or plastic tub to protect it from dust particles as it cures. Let it cure for the time specified by your resin brand. This is typically between 24 and 72 hours. It should be hard as a rock when finished.
    
7. Once fully hardened, carefully de-mold your piece. The back edge of the resin piece might be a little sharp. You can use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the back for a smooth, professional feel.
    
8. To attach the magnet, we recommend lightly scuffing the back of the resin piece with sandpaper where the magnet will sit. This creates a better surface for the adhesive to grip. Use a small amount of 2-part epoxy to attach a strong neodymium magnet. Let this final glue application cure fully.
    

Method 3: Rustic Laser-Cut Wood Magnets

1. First, you need a design and a way to cut it. Create your vector design in software like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. Then, use a laser cutter to cut the shape from 1/8″ (3mm) plywood, basswood, or bamboo. If you don’t own a laser cutter, you can find one at a local makerspace. You can also use an online laser-cutting service.
    
2. After cutting, the wood piece will need a little finishing. Lightly sand the surface and edges with fine-grit sandpaper. This removes any burn marks and creates a smooth finish. You can leave the wood natural, apply a stain, or paint it with acrylics. It’s always a good idea to apply a clear spray sealant to protect the wood from moisture and dirt.
    
3. Now, attach the magnet. Since wood is a porous surface, a gel-based super glue or 2-part epoxy works best. It won’t soak into the wood as much as a thinner glue. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the magnet itself.
    
4. Press the magnet firmly onto the center of the back of the wood piece. Hold it in place for a moment to ensure a good initial bond.
    
5. Allow the adhesive to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using your new magnet. This ensures the bond is strong enough to withstand being pulled off a magnetic surface repeatedly.