These fun and super easy dictionary magnets are made using flat marbles and snippets from dictionary pages, though you could make them with any words you choose!
Why we love this project
I have made a ton of these easy dictionary magnets, and they only take a few minutes to create! Use words that relate to your interest or hobby, whether that be for girls or boys.
Think of words that relate to your field of work so you can hang them on a filing cabinet or toolbox. They’re also a sweet way to remind someone of their importance by using words of affirmation. I think they would be a great project for kids to stick on their locker at school. Other ideas could be sports or hobby-related words, see the end of this post for several more suggestions!
Helpful Project Information
- Age Level: 10 and up
- Mess Factor: Minimal
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Complete: Less than 30 minutes
- Cost Estimate: Less than $15.00
How to Make Dictionary Magnets
NOTE: Several people asked if I had a circle punch, which I did not. So if you have one that will work for the size of your glass marbles, by all means feel free to use it.
Start out by identifying the word you want to use. Place your glass marble over the top of the word and trace it with a pen.
Cut the circle out, but cut inside the circle by about 1/8-inch. You want the paper to be small enough to fit on the back without any paper overlapping or sticking out the sides.
Use a sponge applicator to add a thin layer of decoupage medium to the front side of the paper (the side with your word).
Place the marble on top of the paper and press it down. You will have a short window of time where you can reposition the paper, so get it where you want it, then turn the marble upside down. Paint a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the back. Let that dry for a couple of minutes.
Add a “dollop” of decoupage medium to the back of your magnet.
Place the magnet on the back of the marble and press it in place. Let it dry for about thirty minutes and you can hang it!
Dictionary Magnet Ideas for Professions
- CPA/Finance: accountant, money, finance, numbers, calculate, taxes, fiscal, balance
- Mechanic: tools, wrench, pliers, car, automobile, engine, transmission, grease, oil
- Carpenter: hammer, nail, lumber, drywall, build, construct, house, wall, craftsman
- Lawyer: legal, court, judge, plea, law, defense, prosecute, justice, ethics
- Doctor: stethoscope, health, cure, humanitarian, scalpel, surgery, medical
- Pilot: airplane, flight, jet, airport, fly, sky, clouds, travel, destination
Magnet Ideas for Sports Fans
- Football: stadium, pigskin, leather, football, jersey, helmet, lineman, quarterback
- Basketball: court, dribble, basketball, traveling, basket, hoop, tall, jump
- Baseball: bat, baseball, glove, base, pitcher, bleachers, field, spring, cap
- Hockey: hockey, puck, stick, ice, goalie, rink, winter, goal, helmet, fight
Holiday Dictionary Magnet Ideas
- Valentine’s Day: valentine, heart, love, sweet, caring, like, chocolate, cupid
- Mother’s Day: mom, love, maternal, mother, mommy, child, caring, parent, compassion
- Father’s Day: dad, daddy, father, hero, mentor, provider, caring, parent
Dictionary Magnets with Crafty Words
These DIY dictionary magnets can be made with words relating to your favorite hobbies, profession, or words of affirmation. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make in batches to give as gifts!
Instructions
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Go through the dictionary and find a word you would like to use. Place your glass marble over the top of the word and trace it with a pen.
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Cut the circle out, but cut inside the circle by about 1/8-inch. You want the paper to be small enough to fit on the back without any paper overlapping or sticking out the sides.
-
Use a sponge applicator to add a thin layer of decoupage medium to the front side of the paper (the side with your word).
-
Place the marble on top of the paper and press it down. You will have a short window of time where you can reposition the paper, so get it where you want it, then turn the marble upside down. Paint a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the back. Let that dry for a couple of minutes.
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Add a “dollop” of decoupage medium to the back of your magnet. Place the magnet on the back of the marble and press it in place. Let it dry for about thirty minutes and you can hang it!
Expert Tips & FAQs
- If you have a circle punch that will work for the size of your marble you can certainly use that instead of scissors.
This post originally appeared here on Jan 24, 2014.