Creating something new is such a great way to relieve stress. I think we’re all much happier when we’re creating, even if we’re not the absolute best at it. Making music, making art, writing, cooking, designing, taking pictures, dancing, practicing jiu jitsu … These are all examples of creations. And the good news is that you don’t have to be perfect to create. You can just start from where you are. BAM, you’re a creator. You’re an artist! That’s the beautiful thing about art. We all have it in us and we can ALL express it. We have to get past the notion that only the best should be creating. What a silly notion! We should all be creating. I mean, haven’t we all heard the saying that the woods would be a very silent if no birds sang except the very best. 

For more thoughts on art, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND READ THIS. I read this awhile ago and I always think about it when I think about creating. In my opinion, very thought-provoking, very enlightening, very interesting.

One of the ways I like to create is by crafting. I’ve been really lucky to have such a crafty mother and to know crafty people who teach me crafty things. If you’re one of my close friends, you’ve probably gotten one of my crafts for Christmas or your birthday. I’ve  knitted approximately one million scarves. For this post, I wanted to share one of my recent crafts because I’ve been getting some requests for it. Hopefully, I’ll have more crafting in the future to share.

bottle cap magnets. Here we go!

First, you’re going to need a few things.

1. Bottle caps. You can get them for real cheap HERE.

2. Crafting magnets. Not too strong, not too weak. Get them just right.

3. Clear Top Coat. I use this one:

4. Crafting glue. I use this one because it came highly recommended by the fine people at Hobby lobby. 

After you gather up all of your materials, the first thing you’re going to need to do is cut 1 inch circles out of a picture or design that you want to use. This is what it looks like when it’s cut out:

After you get all of your cutouts ready, you just use the beacon glue to glue them into your magnets. I then let them dry - usually overnight- because if you don’t let it dry completely, the top coat and glue may have a reaction and make an ugly magnet. I have lots of those ugly ones on the island of misfit bottle cap magnets, aka, my fridge.

After the glue has dried, the tough part begins …. the mixing of the EnviroTex Lite. This IS a really wonderful top coat - so clear, so shiny - BUT you must mix it really well, according to the directions in the box. This involves pouring equal amounts of two goopy liquids together.

And then you stir and stir and stir. And you even pour everything into a new cup after all of that stirring and stir some more!

I did a third pour into a new cup, just for good measure. I also use cups with wellness messages on them for another good measure. :)

Now that you’re done with all of that stirring, you’re ready to pour! Be careful!

Sometimes your magnets may get a little bubble that floats to the top.

If this happens, never fear! Blow on it gently, or lightly run a small flame over the top. It disappears.

Let your magnets dry completely. Definitely overnight this time! When you come back and say good morning to your little creations, they will have a smooth, nice shiny coat and you’ll be so happy.

You only have one more step! Glue the magnet on the back!

Congratulations! You did it. 

You can use all sorts of things in your magnets. My vintage wallpaper and birdies have been a big hit (according to myself). 

Look at this cute OU set Maggie made! Such a great idea too. By the way, Maggie is really the mastermind behind the bottle cap magnets. She let me embark on the journey with her.

Let me know if anyone has any questions! I am happy to help. Happy crafting!