Polymer Clay Magnets | Easy Clay Project Ideas for Every Kitchen
If you want a fast, satisfying project that produces something useful immediately, polymer clay magnets are it. You shape something, bake it for 15 minutes, glue a magnet on the back, and you've got decorative refrigerator magnets in one afternoon.
Why Make Polymer Clay Magnets?
They're quick (15-minute projects), inexpensive (clay and magnets cost dollars), customizable (any shape, color, or design), and instantly useful (everyone has a fridge). Plus, people love receiving handmade magnets as gifts. It's the perfect beginner project or the perfect mass-production project for bazaars or sales.
What You'll Need
Polymer clay in colors you like. A work surface (tile, glass, or ceramic). Baking supplies (oven, thermometer). Adhesive magnets (flat-backed, commonly called "magnet sheets" or "flexible magnets"). Strong glue (superglue or epoxy). Optional finishing: paint, glaze, or sealant.
The Basic Process
Step 1: Shape your clay into a flat piece (1/8 inch thick minimum). Any shape works: circle, square, star, letter, animal, or abstract shape.
Step 2: Add detail (optional): texture it, paint it, or stamp it for visual interest.
Step 3: Bake at 275°F for 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness.
Step 4: Cool completely (5 minutes minimum).
Step 5: Cut a piece of adhesive magnet to fit the back of your clay piece (most magnets can be cut with scissors or a craft knife).
Step 6: Peel off the backing and press the magnet firmly onto the back of your baked clay piece. Hold for 10 seconds.
Step 7: Done. It sticks to your fridge immediately.
Designing Magnets
Abstract shapes: Flat, colorful blobs with no specific form still look interesting. Geometric: Circles, triangles, squares, hexagons. Clean and modern. Letters or numbers: Spell words or mark calendars. Character magnets: Small sculpted faces, animals, or figures. Themed: Seasons, holidays, inside jokes relevant to the recipient. Nature-inspired: Leaves, flowers, mushrooms, rocks. Painted detail: Simple baked clay with painted designs on top.
Making Magnets in Batches
This is where magnets shine. You can make 20 magnets in 30 minutes (10 minutes conditioning and shaping, 15 minutes baking, 5 minutes gluing magnets). This is the perfect project for making multiples: gifts for a party, inventory for a sale, or trying tons of design variations.
Production Tips
Keep shapes consistent for an organized look. Use the same clay colors across a batch to tie them together. Pre-cut magnet pieces so gluing is fast. Make a production line: shape all pieces first, bake them all, then glue magnets to all of them. You'll finish faster than doing one at a time.
Magnet Strength
Basic adhesive magnets are strong enough for lightweight decorated pieces. If you want them to hold heavier items, use stronger rare-earth magnets (but these are more expensive). For basic magnets on a refrigerator, adhesive magnets work perfectly.
Finishing Options
Leave natural (matte finish). Paint with acrylic paint and seal. Apply glaze for shine. Add glitter for sparkle. Seal with clear coat for durability.
Why Magnets Sell Well
If you're making these to sell: Magnets are inexpensive to produce (clay and magnets cost about $0.50 per piece). They're profitable (you can sell them for $3-5 each or more). People love them as small gifts. They're easy to display at markets or online. You can make themed sets (seasons, holidays, inside jokes).
Common Issues
Magnets falling off: Use strong glue and let it cure fully. Press firmly when attaching. Magnet not strong enough: Heavier pieces need stronger magnets. The adhesive magnets that come in craft packs are lightweight. For heavier magnets, buy rare-earth magnets or magnet strips from hardware stores. Glue seeping out: Use just enough adhesive. Wipe excess immediately.
I like to put rare earth magnets directly between a very thin layer of clay on the back of the piece. The 275F heat will not damage the magnet (they don't get damaged until they hit around 500F).
Rare earth magnets:
Scaling Production
Once you've made 5, you understand the rhythm. Making 50 becomes just a time commitment, not a learning curve. Use cookie cutters to create identical shapes. Make an assembly line. Time yourself and optimize. You might surprise yourself with how many you can produce in an afternoon.
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