Nature Finds: Rock Magnets

With the amount of rocks that come through the doors of our home, each summer we have had to think of a few ideas of what to do with them.  This magnet idea was inspired by more of a spacey feel.

Materials

• Rocks
• Acrylic craft paint (paint tray if needed)
• Paint brushes
• Crafty tray
• Modge Podge (optional)
• Thin craft wire
• Wire cutters (or scissors if the wire is really thin like the ones we chose)
• Beads (we used neon mini pony beads and a variety of metallic beads)
• Magnet buttons
• Strong hold glue
• Painter’s tape

Directions

• Collect rocks, wash them (we would recommend re-using a container to avoid chipping certain types of sinks and then the container can be rinsed and re-cycled) and let them dry overnight.  For younger children you may want to chose rocks that have a flat area that is easy to paint and be sure that there would be a spot to affix the magnet (and for it to lie flat) on the back.  As well, be sure to match the size of your rock to how powerful your selected magnets are!

• Paint your rocks (we used craft grade acrylics).  If you want only a portion of the rock painted, cover the parts that you would like to avoid painting with painter’s tape.  You may need to apply a few coats and allow for drying time in between.  When they are completely dry, remove your tape if you used this method.

• We covered some of our rocks with a thin layer of Modge Podge for a glossy finish.

• Have an adult cut your wire to a length that could wrap around your rock and twist together.

• Lace your beads on your wire.  We went through the holes (coming around the exterior of the beads) 2-3 times to anchor them in specific spots on the wire (see photograph).

• We then put a little glue on the spots where we wanted the beads to sit on the rock on the front of the rock and affixed the string of beads.

• Twist the two ends of the wire together at the back of the rock, placing a bit of glue underneath to secure it to the rock. We found (and we used a thinner wire so this worked) that it was helpful to glue to magnet over the twisted end on the back.   Larger rocks may require several magnets.  Allow your glue to dry overnight or according to the directions and enjoy your magnets!

Purpose

• Using found materials in different ways.  Combining materials such as paint, stone and wire.

Safety Notes

• Rocks, beads and magnets can be a choking hazard.  Magnets can be particularly dangerous if several are swallowed.  Be sure to seek immediate medical attention.
• Wire should be cut by an adult.
• The ends of wire can be sharp.  Exercise care.
• Follow the directions on products regarding ventilation, drying time etc.
• Strong hold glue should be applied by an adult.