Craft The Cutest Kitchen Fridge Decor With Budget-Friendly Polymer Clay

DIY home projects don't always have to be as big as contemplating whether a bathroom renovation is worth the financial investment. Sometimes it's the little details that can add the most charm — not to mention that they can also be a fun project for a rainy afternoon. If you have been on the DIY side of TikTok or Pinterest, there is a good chance that you have already come across these fun polymer clay magnets, but what you may not know is how easy they are to make. Using polymer clay, all you need to do is mold and bake your creation, and then glue it onto a magnet — yes, it's really that simple.  

Though many people opted for a food-specific theme, making everything from pineapple to pasta, the options are truly endless, and various creators have made everything from animals to plants. There is truly no cap on creativity here. The great thing is that this is also a super budget-friendly craft, and you could even repurpose old magnets instead of buying new ones. While you will need time, patience, and a bit of creativity, the materials themselves can easily be found at your local craft store. This may start out as simply being a creative pasttime, with enough practice, the magnets could also make for a great gift.

You don't need much to try this craft. All you really need do is make the decorative part of your magnet from the clay and then put it in the oven to bake for however long is suggested on the packaging of your clay. Most polymer will stick together quite well just from baking, but if you are concerned, you can also use a bakeable bonding agent for extra adhesion. Since the clay is made from plastic polyvinyl chloride, it is lightweight and bakes quickly in the oven. This clay also comes in a range of colors so you can create finished pieces without having to paint it after it leaves the oven. Air-dry clay, which is generally cheaper than polymer, can also work. However, it does not have the same waterproof qualities and is usually limited to a single natural color, which means you will have to paint it after drying.

Regardless of the type of clay and whether or not it is painted, you will want to consider sealing it with Mod Podge, resin, or some other type of sealant. This will both help to protect the surface from damage (especially if it is painted) and give it a high gloss finish that will result in a more polished (literally) end product. If you have some additional clay leftover, you may want to try other polymer crafts – like these quirky DIY kitchen cabinet drawer pulls that can add some spice to the room.