Bottle Cap Photo Magnets

Bottle Cap Photo Magnets

This project was in Martha Stewart Living, January 2008. The first batch adorns my own refrigerator, but I've also made these as gifts before. This is an easy, inexpensive project that doesn't leave you feeling like, "Now what do I do with it?" In fact, you will find that they bring you continued smiles.

Supplies:

bottle caps

1" circular craft punch

photographs

clear casting resin

strong craft glue

magnets (ideally with adhesive backing)

Collect bottle caps -- twist-off caps work best, as you don't have to worry about them bending, but I've also used standard bottle caps that have been removed gingerly.

Cut 1" circles from photographs that have been reduced in size (or pick small details from larger photographs, magazine covers, etc.). Using a small dot of glue, attach pictures to inside of bottle caps. This is an important step -- the clear casting resin will cause the photos to float to the top if glue is not used or allowed to fully dry.

Following instructions on the box, prepare clear casting resin and fill each bottle cap to the rim. Tiny bubbles will often form on the surface, but will most likely smooth during the drying process. If you have any large bubbles, try to pop them before allowing caps to dry and harden overnight.

Attach magnets (or thumbtacks!) to the backs of the bottle caps. If using glue, let dry overnight.