Create a simple and elegant magnetic organizer from a dollar store cookie sheet — you can use it as a kitchen command center, a makeup organizer or a handy memo board. Dollar store cookie sheets are great for crafters; they’re made out of steel, which means they are magnetic! This gorgeous idea is from The Crazy Crafty Lady: [DIY a Magnetic Organizer]

Project Estimate:

• Cookie sheet, $1
• Scrapbook paper, on hand or $1
• Mod Podge, on hand or $1

Total: $1 and up

The post DIY Magnetic Organizer from Dollar Store Cookie Sheet appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Every year when I wrap Christmas gifts, I like to add some extra elements to the packaging that will serve as another little gift, like an ornament or a piece of jewelry. Over at Leigh Laurel Studios, Karin has come up with another such idea: magnetic fabric gift tags! She made hers with sheets of magnet made to send through a printer, but this would also work with old business card magnets or other advertising-type magnets that you might already have on hand. She also uses an iron-on fusible layer to attach her fabric, but if you don’t have any of that on hand, you could use Mod Podge instead. And you can use up some of that stash of fabric scraps with this project as well! [how to make magnetic fabric gift tags]

Project estimate:

• Fabric, on hand or $1 and up
• Sheet magnet, on hand or free and up
• Fusible iron-on backing or Mod Podge, on hand
• Cookie cutters, on hand
• Trim and embellishments (optional), on hand or $1 and up
• String or twine, on hand

Total: Free and up!

The post Make Magnetic Fabric Gift Tags appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

There isn’t anything in life that can’t benefit from a little washi tape makeover and these locker accessories are no exception. Upgrade these dollar store basics into a cute locker kit. Not going back to school? They make great fridge accessories, too!

Project estimate:

• Magnetic picture frame, $1
• Dry Erase polaroid frames and pen, $1
• Magnetic pocket, $1
• Mini tissue box, 2 for $1
• Button magnets, $1
• Hot glue, on hand
• White craft paint, on hand
• Paintbrush, on hand
• Permanent marker, on hand
• Washi tape, on hand or $1 and up

Total: $5 and up

Step 1: Make the Dry Erase Board

Remove the stock photo from the magnetic picture frame and flip it over to the white side. Cover the paper with washi tape in a pattern. Fold the excess tape over to the back.

Re-insert washi covered stock photo back into the picture frame.

Cover the dry erase marker from the picture frame set in coordinating washi tape as well.

Step 2: Make Picture Frames

Cover the Polaroid-style frames with two different patterns of washi tape, being careful to match patterns and seams. Label them with a Sharpie if desired.

Step 3: Make Pen Holder

Give the magnetic pocket a light coat of white craft paint on the outside as well as inside. Allow to dry before covering the sides in coordinating washi tape patterns (don’t forget to cover the visible insides as well!)

Fill with cute pens.

Step 4: Make magnetic tissue box.

Cover the sides of the tissue box in coordinating patterns of tape. To make the monogram emblem, punch out the oval on the top of the box and cover in solid colored washi tape.

Fold the excess around to the back and use the permanent marker to write a fancy monogram on the front. Adhere to the tissue box with hot glue. Use hot glue to adhere two button magnets to the back of the tissue box to make it magnetic if desired.

Enjoy your cute coordinating accessories on a budget!

The post Tutorial: Washi Tape Locker Accessories appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Several months ago, I explained how to “crack” glass floral stones (tutorial here).  It’s an inexpensive, easy project that’s fun to do.  I like to use fine glitter to create a sparkly ombre effect on the glass.   Dollar Tree carries small multi packs of glitter that are already color coordinated, so it takes the guesswork out for you.  I turned my ombre cracked glass stones into magnets and pushpins.

Project estimate:

• Glass Floral Stones, $1
• Glitter, $1
• Magnets and/or Thumb tacks, on hand
• Double sided tape, on hand
• Glue, on hand
• Dimensional Magic, on hand or $3

Total:  $2 and up

Step one:  Make the cracked glass stones, as explained in this tutorial.

Step two:  Cut a piece of double sided tape to fit the back of the stone.  Press it onto the stone.

Step three:  Pour the glitter onto the double sided tape.  I started with the lightest color and progressed to the darkest color, to create an ombre effect.

Step four:  Seal the glitter with the Dimensional Magic.

Step five:  Glue a thumb tack or magnet to the back of the stone.

Isn’t the effect pretty?  I think the pink/purple combo looks like a space galaxy.  The smaller stones that I used for the pushpins would make beautiful earrings, and the larger stones would make fun statement rings.  You could use different colors of glitter to match holidays or even school colors.  Have fun crafting and creating!

The post Tutorial: Ombre Glass Magnets and Push Pins appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Back-to-school is just around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about school-related projects again. Projects like this magnetic locker pouch by Instructables user Jessie Marie. Her design is sturdy enough to hold all of your essentials and – perhaps the best part – it’s a no-sew project. (And it uses recycled cardboard plus scrappy bits of fabric, so it’ll also cost you next-to-nothing to make!) [how to make a magnetic locker pouch]

Project estimate:

• Fabric, on hand or $1 and up
• Duct tape, on hand or $1 and up
• Cardboard, on hand
• Magnets, on hand or $1 and up

Total: Free and up!

The post Make a Magnetic Locker Pouch appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Those “silver” trays from Dollar Tree are some of my favorite items to craft with — they’re made of steel so they work with magnets, and make great magnet boards! This cute project, by Tricia from Simplicity in the South, was posted over at Fox Hollow Cottage. Maps plus magnets? Yes please! [how to make a magnetic map board]

Project Materials:

• Silver-tone tray, $1
• Old map, on hand
• Spray paint, on hand or about $3
• Mod Podge, on hand
• Magnets, on hand or $1

Total: $1 and up

The post Make a Magnetic Map Bulletin Board appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

While cruising at my local Dollar Tree, I saw some magnetic vent covers. They are basically a large sheet of blank magnet. They were just crying out to be crafted. I decided to pair them with some patterned tissue from the gift wrap aisle and my trusty Mod Podge to make these cute fridge magnets that look like strips of washi tape!

Project estimate:

• Magnet vent cover, $1
• Tissue paper, on hand or $1 and up
• Mod Podge, on hand
• Foam brush, on hand
• Scissors

Total: $1 and up!

Step 1: Remove your vent cover from it’s package and give it an even coat of Mod Podge using your foam brush. Because the tissue paper is thin and porous, be sure your coat is not very thick or it will crumple the tissue paper

Step 2: Carefully apply the tissue paper, smoothing with your fingers to work out any bubbles or wrinkles. I chose 2 different patterns to work with. Once the tissue paper is smoothed out, apply another thin coat of Mod Podge with your foam brush. Let dry.

Step 3: Once dry, trim the excess tissue paper from the edges. Did you see my clearly labeled “kid scissors”? Make sure you don’t use your nice scissors for this in case any of the Mod Podge hasn’t cured all the way.

Step 4: Use your scissors to cut the magnet sheet into strips. I cut the ends a variety of ways to make them interesting. Some are straight, some are at an angle and some are zig zag to look torn.

These sheets will make a LOT of magnets. So make a lot and give them as gifts to your friends!

The post Tutorial: Faux Washi Magnets appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I must be dreaming of spring already.  Christmas has barely passed and I’m ready for pastel colors, flowers, and playing outdoors.  Those wishes inspired this sweet chalkboard magnet.  Made to look like a window decorated with flowers, it can do double duty as fridge decor and a mini message keeper.

Project estimate:

• Mini chalkboard ornaments, $4.00 for pack of 12
• Paint, on hand
• Miniature watering can, $1.50 for two
• Fabric flowers, on hand
• Magnets, on hand
• Glue, on hand

Total: $5.50 to make two magnets

To make your own mini window magnet:

Step one:  Cut the strings off the chalkboards and paint.  (Optional:  give them a distressed look by using ink).

Step 2:  Glue the chalkboards together to look like a window.

Step 3:  Glue the miniatures and flowers to the “window”.

Step 4:  Glue the magnets to the back.

The chalkboards are small, so you don’t have a ton of writing space, but it’s enough for little reminders or motivational messages.  Start making them now while you’re stuck indoors, and when spring rolls around you’ll have little gifts ready for Easter, Mother’s Day, and teacher appreciation!

The post Tutorial: Mini Chalkboard Magnet appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

I admit it; I love cheesy, plastic Halloween jewelry.  I love it even though I very rarely actually wear it, and by mid-November my silly rings have usually been cast aside.  A spider ring might not make a high-fashion statement, but what about other uses for them?  Uses like these creepy spider magnets!  Delia from delia creates turned a whole bunch of rings into a whole collection of spooky fridge decorations with just a couple of super easy steps.  Now this is an idea for these rings out of which I can see myself getting much more use!  [how to make magnetic spiders]

Project estimate:

• Spider rings, $1
• Magnets, on hand or $1 and up
• Glue, on hand

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make Magnetic Spiders appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

Popsicle sticks are one of those staple craft supplies that turn up everywhere from preschool classrooms to the stashes of artisans.  With such a wide range of folks using them, it shouldn’t be surprising that there is just as much variety in the projects you can make with them!  Over at Morning Creativity, Erlend used them in a way we hadn’t seen yet:  making heart magnets!  You won’t believe how easy the process is, and everyone will be amazed that you made them from such humble materials!  [how to make popsicle stick heart magnets]

Project estimate:

• Popsicle sticks, on hand or $1
• Magnets, $1 and up
• Glue, on hand

Total:  $1 and up

The post Make Popsicle Stick Heart Magnets appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.