How to make pebble magnets

Pebble crafts have never been cuter than these DIY magnets by Caroline South.

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Published: August 13, 2020 at 10:20 am

Hold on to sunny summer memories with Caroline South’s pebble magnet keepsakes.

Turn your fridge into a thing of beauty with these DIY pebble magnets. If you’ve got a sketch book filled with doodles, this clever technique can be used to make those mini illustrations into monochrome artwork. Or, if sketching isn’t your forte, just search online for royalty-free images to use instead.

You can source image transfer paper from most craft stores, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you insert your paper into the printer correctly and use the right substance to apply the decal to the pebble – we used Lazertran Inkjet Waterslide paper, which only works with pure turpentine. You’ll also get the best results with flat pebbles, as the transfer paper can easily stick to the surface. If you don’t live near a beach, you can pick up a small bag from your local garden centre and start on your pebble crafts journey.

You will need

  • Smooth flat pebbles
  • White acrylic paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Image transfer paper
  • Vintage clip art images
  • Pure turpentine
  • Clear matt varnish
  • Magnets
  • All purpose glue
  • Scissors

How to create the pebble magnets

You will need:

  • Stones
  • Paint
  • Glue

Step 1

DIY craft magnets step 1

Paint the pebbles white, giving them two or three coats of paint to get an even finish.

Step 2

DIY craft magnets step 2

Using an inkjet printer, print your images onto the chalky side of the transfer paper and allow to dry for at least 30 minutes. Cut the images to size, then soak in a bowl of water for about a minute, or until the image comes away from the backing paper.

Step 3

DIY craft magnets step 3

Paint the pebble with a coat of turpentine. Carefully position the image onto the pebble, smoothing out any air bubbles. Leave to dry, then secure the transfer by applying a coat of clear varnish.

Step 4

DIY craft magnets step 4

Once the varnish has dried, apply the magnets to the backs of the pebbles using strong multipurpose glue.

We hope you’ve enjoyed turning your pebbles magnets! Tag us your DIY pebble art pics on Instagram using #molliemakers.