Is your refrigerator looking bare? Why not spruce it up with some decorative magnets? These are easy to make, and can be a fun project for the family to do together. Read on to learn how to make refrigerator magnets.

Making your own refrigerator magnets is a fun craft, and you will be able to use your creation for practical purposes. With magnets, you can post drawings, photographs, and other papers right in plain sight, where you will be able to see them on an everyday basis. Kids love making magnets, and adults will enjoy this activity as well!

Here's what you will need:

• Small magnets, or a sheet of magnet "paper" (available at craft stores)
• A glue gun or strong glue
• Sturdy, colorful cardboard or thick felt
• An exacto knife
• Markers
• Acrylic paint
• Decorative items such as glitter, beads, sequins, ribbon, and colorful thread
• Photos that you are not afraid to cut up (optional)

1. If you have a magnet sheet (as opposed to hard, individual magnets), use your exacto knife to cut them to the size and shape you desire.
2. Use the exacto to cut your cardboard or felt to the desired size and shape.
3. If you are making photo magnets, cut out the parts you wish to use; you can experiment with fun and interesting shapes, such as stars, hearts, and even asymmetrical circles and other shapes.
4. Once you have the shapes you want, glue the magnet to what will be the backside of the cardboard, felt or photograph.

Once your magnets have been glued to the base of your design, you should allow a few minutes for them to dry completely so that they do not slide apart as you decorate.

• Once they are dry, you are ready to begin your designs! The sky is the limit here. First, draw or paint a pattern or picture with your markers and/or acrylic paint. (if you are using photos, you may wish to just leave them as-is). Then, you may glue on your decorations. Don't worry about perfection, or achieving a "polished" look. Refrigerator magnets look great when they have a homey, hand-crafted feel!