DIY: Mother's Day Magnets

I am not an artsy person.

But when it comes time for Mother's Day, I think we all sort of panic, dearly ready to give Mom that PERFECT gift, but with no idea on what to make. Here is my idea on a quick, simple craft that even small kids can do (with adult supervision!), and something that Mom will love anytime!

You will need:

• Air-dry clay 
• Small-tipped paintbrushes
• Adhesive magnets (the flat strips worked best)
• Toothpicks
• Acrylic Paint 

Step #1:

Roll and shape the clay until it is in a shape or somewhat round, however you want it. Keep in mind that you will need damp fingers, and the clay will need to be dampened several times very lightly .Think of yourself as a potter, and work the clay until it is a shape you want, such as an oval or flower.

Using a toothpick, draw out a design and blow off any peeling clay. Do this while the clay is damp so it dries in the design you want.

**The more clay you add, the more chance of it cracking. So keep it damp, and add layers one at a time.

Step #2:

Leave the clay in a safe, dry place overnight to dry out. This may take a day, a night, a few hours, or a couple of days.

Step #3:

Once the clay is dry, it's time to decorate! Using a toothpick, trace back over your design from Step 1, or redo it all over again (but this will add more time to the craft). If you are satisfied, decide on a base coat of paint. Paint the clay, making sure to keep the colors separate so they don't bleed into each other. Add several layers of one color to make it solid. 

Step #4:

Once the painting is done, and once the clay is dry, go back over the clay and re-paint any peeling areas. Let it dry.

Step #5:

Once it is all dried, take the clay and stick an adhesive magnet on the back. 

Step #6:
Leave the magnet to dry/be left alone until you are ready to wrap it. Add lots of tissue paper so the magnet is not disturbed!

Step #7:
Give to Mom!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Jesus loves you!

---KatG