DIY: How to Make Magnetic Paper Clips

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The March PaperClip Challenge: Theme and Rules
3. Creating a Magnetic Dog Paper Clip
4. Materials Needed
5. Step 1: Stamping and Coloring the Dog Image
6. Step 2: Preparing the Cardstock Strip
7. Step 3: Adding the Chevron Banner
8. Step 4: Embellishing with Rickrack
9. Step 5: Adding a Heart and Love Charm
10. Step 6: Attaching the Magnetic Strip
11. Step 7: Testing the Strength of the Magnet
12. Conclusion

The March Paperclip Challenge: Creating a Magnetic Dog Paper Clip

Hello everyone! Welcome back to my March paperclip challenge series. In this article, I will share with You how to Create a cute and functional magnetic dog paper clip. This project is part of the ongoing challenge in the Paperclip Art Facebook group, where each month, participants are given a theme to create unique paper clips. So, let's get started and make an adorable dog-themed paper clip.

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the steps, let's Gather the materials we'll need for this project. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Dog Rubber stamp
• Coloring tools (such as copic markers)
• Red cardstock strip (1 3/4" x 5 1/2")
• Black and white patterned paper strip (1 1/2" x Height varies)
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Rickrack trim
• Fabric tack adhesive
• Heart punch
• Distress ink (black soot)
• Love charm
• Foam tape
• Magnetic strip or magnetic sheet

Now that we have all the necessary materials at HAND, let's move on to creating our magnetic dog paper clip.

Step 1: Stamping and Coloring the Dog Image

Start by stamping the dog image onto a piece of white cardstock using the dog rubber stamp. Once stamped, use copic markers or any coloring tools of your choice to color in the dog. Feel free to get creative and personalize the colors Based on your preference. Once colored, carefully cut out the dog image using scissors, ensuring clean and precise edges.

Step 2: Preparing the Cardstock Strip

Take the red cardstock strip (1 3/4" x 5 1/2") and fold it in half at the 2 3/4" mark, creating a crease in the middle. Next, take the black and white patterned paper strip (1 1/2" x height varies) and adhere it to the bottom of the red cardstock strip. Trim any excess edges as needed.

Step 3: Adding the Chevron Banner

To create a cute chevron banner, measure the halfway point on the top edge of the black and white patterned paper strip (approximately 7/8" mark). Make a mark at that point. From that mark, draw diagonal lines towards the corners of the strip, creating the chevron Shape. Carefully cut along the marked lines to create the chevron banner.

Step 4: Embellishing with Rickrack

Now it's time to add some texture and visual interest with rickrack trim. Apply fabric tack adhesive along the folded edge of the cardstock strip, and carefully adhere the thick white rickrack trim in a desired pattern. You can use a ruler as a guide to ensure straight placement. Repeat the process on the bottom edge of the strip using a thinner rickrack trim, applying it at an angle for a stylish touch.

Step 5: Adding a Heart and Love Charm

To make the dog details pop, lightly ink the edges of a small heart punch-out with black soot distress ink. Adhere the heart onto the red cardstock strip near the chevron banner. Next, attach a love charm to the top corner of the dog image using a strong adhesive such as glue or a glue stick. This will add a cute and whimsical touch to the paper clip.

Step 6: Attaching the Magnetic Strip

To transform our paper clip into a magnetic one, we'll need a magnetic strip or magnetic sheet. Ensure that the magnet is strong enough to stick to itself. Peel off the backing of the magnetic strip and carefully stick it onto the back of the red cardstock strip, making sure it aligns with the fold of the paper clip. Fold the excess edges of the magnetic strip over the cardstock strip, creating a neat finish. Press the magnetic parts together to secure the bond, and use your nails to position and align the magnets. Let it dry for about 20 minutes to achieve a good seal, or leave it overnight for best results.

Step 7: Testing the Strength of the Magnet

Before we conclude our project, it's essential to test the magnet's strength. Ensure that the magnet sticks to itself firmly and can securely hold the paper clip. Place the paper clip onto a book or other metal surface to check if it holds well. If needed, apply a small amount of baby powder to the magnetic surface to reduce any stickiness. Additionally, you can also use magnetic sheets or magnetic tape strips as alternatives depending on your preference and availability.

Now you have your very own magnetic dog paper clip! These DIY paper clips are not only cute additions to your stationery collection but also serve a functional purpose. Join in the paperclip challenge to exchange creative ideas with fellow paper clip enthusiasts. Thank you for following along, and I hope this tutorial inspired you to make your own magnetic paper clips. Happy crafting!

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the process of creating a magnetic dog paper clip. Through simple steps, we transformed a regular paper clip into a functional and adorable accessory. From stamping and coloring the dog image to adding embellishments and attaching the magnetic strip, each step contributed to the overall charm and functionality of the paper clip. Remember, you can always personalize this project by using different colors, Patterns, or even experimenting with other animal themes. So, embrace your creativity and enjoy making unique magnetic paper clips that will brighten up your stationery collection.