Learn how to make DIY magnets and magnetic gaming time chart that no one can guess it's a cookie sheet. It will even be a nice wall art for a boy's room!
In the last post, I made a frame for the magnetic gaming time chart that I want to use to manage my son's video game time. Since I used a cookie sheet, there was no way I was hanging it on my wall without modifications! 😉
Now, for the final step of the project: the bottom of the cookie sheet and the DIY magnets.
Also, if you want to see how I intend to use the magnetic chart, refer to this post that gives you tips on how to manage video game time. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience and at no extra cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
How to cover the bottom of the magnetic gaming time chart
Required materials
- Cookie Sheet
- Mod Podge (I used the matte version)
- Brush
- Mat photo paper
- Colour printer
Each blue line represents a day of the week and the dotted lines divide the day into three: morning, afternoon and night. Do you like the Pikachu I drew to stay in the theme? 😁 You can easily make all of it in a software like Word.
Then, I printed the result on two letter size matte photo papers.
Then, cut one of the two printed sheets of paper so the drawing fits perfectly.
Second, I spread Mod Podge directly on the cookie sheet. I placed the first printed sheet trying to remove as many bubbles as possible.
I finally added Mod Podge over it. You'll see the sheet of paper becoming wet and wrinkles begin to appear. You can try to remove them as much as possible by adding Mod Podge and pressing with your fingers. But be aware that it will never be perfectly smooth.
DIY Magnets for the magnetic gaming time chart
Required material
- Plastic caps (from recycled plastic water bottles)
- Magnets (a bit smaller than the plastic caps)
- Printer
- Mat photo paper or scrapbooking paper
- Art Resin Epoxy Resin or Mod Podge
- Heat-it Craft Tool (or Embosser)
- Free printable and/or cut file (subscribe below to access it)
Once again, I made a printable file to help you. I have two versions available depending on whether you have a Cricut (or any other cutting machine) or only a printer.
For my part, I printed on a white cardstock paper and added stamped ink on it to give it a little texture.
Then, I asked my daughter to colour it.
Assembling the magnets
First, I started by dropping the magnets at the bottom of the plastic bottle caps. Many wondered on Instagram and Facebook what I was doing when they saw that picture! hihi
Second, I added the paper circles on top.
Then, I mixed the ArtResin according to the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, I poured it into the water bottle caps taking care not to overflow them and spill the ArtResin.
Uh...
Without spilling?
Not really!!! I made a mess!
That's why it's important to wear gloves and to protect your work surface with parchment paper or wax paper!
But even if there was resin on the caps, because of the overflow, it was easy to remove.
Is it just me who looooves scratching and pulling the glue in thin layers like that? 😁
In the manufacturer's instructions, they talk about using a torch to remove the bubbles in the resin. Since the caps are plastic, I thought it was not a very good idea! What do you think? haha
So I used my Heat-it craft tool to remove the bubbles. It is very helpful since it heats up without making too much wind.
And now, 24 hours later, it's dry and I have beautiful custom magnets (note that the manufacturer recommends 72 hours to ensure that it is completely dry).
If you do not want to invest in resin ...
I did the test by applying the same technic but with Mod Podge instead of resin. I must say that it is relatively good considering the difference in price! The few disadvantages are that the drying took 1 week (and still, it was a little flexible after a week) and it is a bit less transparent than the resin.
How to hang the magnetic gaming time chart
To install the magnetic gaming time chart on the wall, I used these picture hooks. I was surprised by how strong they were. And it is also supposed to be easy to remove, without causing damage to your walls.
We are finally ready to use the magnets and the magnetic gaming time chart to manage the video game time. I just have to distribute the magnets in the appropriate places (yellow for watching videos and blue for video games). When time is used, my son can simply put the magnets in the reserve (on the right). For more information on gaming time management, you can refer to this post.
Just a reminder that you can see how I made the Pikachu frame by following this link. The difference between with and without a frame says it all! Which one do you prefer? 😉
Pssst: I simply used the E6000 glue (industrial type) to glue the frame to the cookie sheet et it holds like a charm!
To get access to this file and a lot more, just fill out the form below.
This magnetic gaming time chart has been a lifesaver for me. I hope it inspires you to make one and helps you manage your kid's video game time or even simply screen time!
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