Gypsum magnets - an exclusive DIY gift

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

It has become a good tradition to bring magnets made of gypsum and other materials from long trips. But such souvenirs can be made independently, then to give to friends for the holiday. Very few materials are needed for a large batch. And the gift will be exclusive.

Materials for work

To make DIY plaster magnets, you need very few materials:

1. Gypsum - it is sold in all hardware stores and is inexpensive. You can go to the art supplies department and buy stuff there.
2. Water - needed to dilute the working solution.
3. A disposable glass or other kneading utensil that you don't mind throwing away. It is better not to wash the dishes after plaster, as the sewage system may clog.
4. Kneading stick - this can be a wooden skewer, an old pencil or a pen.
5. Molds - you can buy ready-made in the art departments, or you can take cells from candies in boxes. They come in the form of shells, flowers, fish and other shapes. You can take silicone molds for baking or ice, or molds for apiaries fromchildren's set. In addition, you can make plates in the form of simple geometric shapes and then color them as you wish.
6. Paints - it is best to take acrylic. They fit well and do not get your hands dirty after drying. But you can make homemade paints by adding gouache to PVA glue until you get the desired shade. For durability, such a craft will need to be varnished.
7. Magnets - you can buy them separately or peel off old souvenirs.
8. Glue universal or double-sided tape.

When everything is ready, you can start creating.

Knead

Before starting work, you need to prepare all the necessary materials, because the plaster hardens very quickly. Cover the workplace with newspaper.

The mixture for gypsum magnets is diluted with water in a ratio of 3:2, respectively. Pour 2 tablespoons of liquid into a glass and pour 3 tablespoons of gypsum. Not vice versa! Stir with a stick until smooth.

When kneading, there is a reaction in which a slight hiss is heard. When the sounds stop, the freezing process begins. This means that you need to quickly pour the mass into molds. To make the surface even, you need to walk on top with a piece of cardboard, like a spatula.

While the gypsum is liquid, it is necessary to make a mark for the magnet. To do this, you need to attach it to the form that has not yet solidified, then remove the magnet and leave it to dry.

Drying

After a couple of hours, the blank of the gypsum magnet will harden and can be removed. After that, leave for at least a day. For thistime the workpiece will dry out, it will turn white.

Coloring

It's time to paint the plaster magnet. This process is limited only by the imagination of the creator. After the paints have dried, the magnet can be varnished. Stick a magnet on the back wall with glue or double-sided tape.

Gypsum magnets, the photo of which will serve as inspiration, can be made with children. It's a pretty simple and fun process. And coloring is one of the most favorite steps for kids.

Sets

Specially for children, kits are produced that contain everything you need to create plaster magnets. Having bought such a set, you can master the execution technique and make the first crafts. Plaster magnets are a great option for creativity and a cute gift for loved ones.