These fun and super easy dictionary magnets are made using flat marbles and snippets from dictionary pages, though you could make them with any words you choose!
Why we love this project
I have made a ton of these easy dictionary magnets, and they only take a few minutes to create! Use words that relate to your interest or hobby, whether that be for girls or boys.
Think of words that relate to your field of work so you can hang them on a filing cabinet or toolbox. They’re also a sweet way to remind someone of their importance by using words of affirmation. I think they would be a great project for kids to stick on their locker at school. Other ideas could be sports or hobby-related words, see the end of this post for several more suggestions!
Helpful Project Information
- Age Level: 10 and up
- Mess Factor: Minimal
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Complete: Less than 30 minutes
- Cost Estimate: Less than $15.00
How to Make Dictionary Magnets
NOTE: Several people asked if I had a circle punch, which I did not. So if you have one that will work for the size of your glass marbles, by all means feel free to use it.
Start out by identifying the word you want to use. Place your glass marble over the top of the word and trace it with a pen.
Cut the circle out, but cut inside the circle by about 1/8-inch. You want the paper to be small enough to fit on the back without any paper overlapping or sticking out the sides.
Use a sponge applicator to add a thin layer of decoupage medium to the front side of the paper (the side with your word).
Place the marble on top of the paper and press it down. You will have a short window of time where you can reposition the paper, so get it where you want it, then turn the marble upside down. Paint a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the back. Let that dry for a couple of minutes.
Add a “dollop” of decoupage medium to the back of your magnet.
Place the magnet on the back of the marble and press it in place. Let it dry for about thirty minutes and you can hang it!
Dictionary Magnet Ideas for Professions
- CPA/Finance: accountant, money, finance, numbers, calculate, taxes, fiscal, balance
- Mechanic: tools, wrench, pliers, car, automobile, engine, transmission, grease, oil
- Carpenter: hammer, nail, lumber, drywall, build, construct, house, wall, craftsman
- Lawyer: legal, court, judge, plea, law, defense, prosecute, justice, ethics
- Doctor: stethoscope, health, cure, humanitarian, scalpel, surgery, medical
- Pilot: airplane, flight, jet, airport, fly, sky, clouds, travel, destination
Magnet Ideas for Sports Fans
- Football: stadium, pigskin, leather, football, jersey, helmet, lineman, quarterback
- Basketball: court, dribble, basketball, traveling, basket, hoop, tall, jump
- Baseball: bat, baseball, glove, base, pitcher, bleachers, field, spring, cap
- Hockey: hockey, puck, stick, ice, goalie, rink, winter, goal, helmet, fight
Holiday Dictionary Magnet Ideas
- Valentine’s Day: valentine, heart, love, sweet, caring, like, chocolate, cupid
- Mother’s Day: mom, love, maternal, mother, mommy, child, caring, parent, compassion
- Father’s Day: dad, daddy, father, hero, mentor, provider, caring, parent
Dictionary Magnets with Crafty Words
Supplies
- Round flat glass marbles can be found in the floral department, aka vase filler
- Dictionary
- Decoupage medium I used matte finish
- Pen
- 3/4 inch round magnets
Craft tools
Instructions
- Go through the dictionary and find a word you would like to use. Place your glass marble over the top of the word and trace it with a pen.
- Cut the circle out, but cut inside the circle by about 1/8-inch. You want the paper to be small enough to fit on the back without any paper overlapping or sticking out the sides.
- Use a sponge applicator to add a thin layer of decoupage medium to the front side of the paper (the side with your word).
- Place the marble on top of the paper and press it down. You will have a short window of time where you can reposition the paper, so get it where you want it, then turn the marble upside down. Paint a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the back. Let that dry for a couple of minutes.
- Add a "dollop" of decoupage medium to the back of your magnet. Place the magnet on the back of the marble and press it in place. Let it dry for about thirty minutes and you can hang it!
Expert Tips & FAQs
- If you have a circle punch that will work for the size of your marble you can certainly use that instead of scissors.
This post originally appeared here on Jan 24, 2014.
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[email protected] says
So beautiful 😍 and u explained it very nicely….thank u🌻
Paula says
I’m in the process of building my ancestral tree (on paper). Now I’m going to build my ancestral tree using these marbles using their faces or a part of their handwriting, or their birth and death dates. I’ll have the tree on my refrigerator and it will be like having dinner all together every day.
Judy says
I typed words from the computer such as PRAY LOVE FAITH to fit the size of the marble. Worked great for me!
Beth Hargett says
I love the idea of these dictionary magnets!! I’m going to get the supplies tomorrow and my grandson and I are going to make these for his teacher gift! Thank you so much for sharing this! #BestIdeaEver
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Beth! These are one of my favorites and I think probably the most universal and versatile gifts ever! ;)
Debbie R. says
I’m curious about how these hold up over time. Decoupage medium doesn’t sound strong enough for keeping the magnets attached as it is usually 50% water and 50% glue.
Amanda Formaro says
Actually a true decoupage medium is not just water and glue, only homemade versions are :) Decoupage medium is a more complex mixture, making it a reliable glue as well as a sealer. These particular magnets are a year old now and I still use them everyday. They are hanging right here in my office. I have other magnets I have made over the years using Mod Podge and other decoupage mediums and have never had a problem with them. :)
Share says
I absolutely love all of your ideas and the way you explain them makes it easy to try! Would you have suggestions for an 8yo, 3rd grade boy to make crafts for market? we participate in Tampa Kids Market which are located in large Tampa Markets throughout the bay area. Kids apply, come up with a product, make, talk about, and sell at their own vendor tables (no fees!) My son came up with a neat bookmark idea because he loves to read and his little siblings love to grab bookmarks from their spots! Anyway he makes loops of ribbon with embellishment similar to Pandora charms… Lately he’s been trying to come up with other ideas. Id like to be able to show him several that are simple enough for him to add his own touches, and fun as he loves helping other children at the markets make crafts at his table too!
The Teacher Treasury says
I want to do this!!! How creative =)
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you have fun!
Juls says
I love these! I’ll definitely be giving them a try, so good I had to share on My Favourite Friday online finds! http://julshiddengems.blogspot.ie/2014/02/my-favourite-friday-online-finds.html
Juls x
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much for the feature Juls!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
These are so great! I love the “gift” word ideas!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Angie! I have lots swirling around in my head LOL
HawaiianLibrarian says
OMGosh this is a fabulous actvity for the older elementary and teen students at the library. Mahalo for sharing.
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you HawaiianLibrarian!
Shaina says
I love the idea of using a dictionary for this craft. Now I want to make all the magnets.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Shaina, definitely fun!