DIY Cute Food Kitchen Magnets: Easy Polymer Clay Tutorial

Updated at: 27/05/2025

Love adorable kitchen décor but hate the price tags? Then get ready to unleash your inner artist and create your own collection of cute food-themed magnets! This easy-to-follow tutorial will guide you through the simple process of making charming polymer clay magnets, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your refrigerator or any magnetic surface. Forget mass-produced designs; you'll be crafting unique and personalized pieces that reflect your style and personality. Think miniature pizzas, juicy burgers, or even stacks of delicious pancakes – the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!

Using readily available materials and straightforward techniques, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can whip up these delightful little magnets. From preparing the clay and shaping your chosen food designs to baking and adding the magnetic backing, this project is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Ready to get started and create your own edible-looking, yet completely inedible, masterpieces? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cosplay clay (or polymer clay)
  • Acrylic paints
  • Floral wire
  • Resin
  • Magnets
Safety Guidelines
  • Polymer clay needs to be baked according to the manufacturer's instructions to harden properly. Improper baking can result in a soft, sticky, or even unsafe magnet.
  • Always supervise children when working with polymer clay and baking it in the oven. The oven will be hot, and the clay can contain small parts that pose a choking hazard.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when baking polymer clay, as some clays may release fumes. Avoid inhaling these fumes directly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Shape Creation

    • Create an egg shape by rolling the clay. Embed the magnet directly into the clay.
    • Roll a stem, then create a cap using a ball of clay. Use a tool to create an opening at the bottom of the cap and shape it with your hands.
    • Create a thinner top and a small ball at the bottom. Add more clay to build the shape and bend the pieces into place.
    • Make more mushrooms with thinner stems using the same method as step 2.
    Make more mushrooms with thinner stems using the same method as step 2.Make more mushrooms with thinner stems using the same method as step 2.Make more mushrooms with thinner stems using the same method as step 2.Make more mushrooms with thinner stems using the same method as step 2.
    Shape Creation
    • Create three balls for the tomatoes, add leaves and a stem.
    • Start with balls of clay and shape them slightly differently. Add magnets (one or two).
    • Make an onion.
    • Use one or two magnets.
    Make kidney beans: Use one or two magnets.Make kidney beans: Use one or two magnets.Make kidney beans: Use one or two magnets.Make kidney beans: Use one or two magnets.
    Shape Creation
    • Add details to the basic carrot shape.
    • Put clay on floral wire for the stem, create the cap using clay on top of foil. Add more clay to cover the foil.
    • Create a segmented body with clay, bend it into shape.
    • Add clay to floral wire, create a slightly larger head, add rings, and bend into shape.
    Make a worm: Add clay to floral wire, create a slightly larger head, add rings, and bend into shape.Make a worm: Add clay to floral wire, create a slightly larger head, add rings, and bend into shape.Make a worm: Add clay to floral wire, create a slightly larger head, add rings, and bend into shape.Make a worm: Add clay to floral wire, create a slightly larger head, add rings, and bend into shape.
    Shape Creation

  2. Baking and Base Coating

    • Bake the clay pieces. Once cooled, paint with a dark base coat (black and brown mix). Add layers of color from dark to light, dabbing the paint on.
    Bake the clay pieces. Once cooled, paint with a dark base coat (black and brown mix). Add layers of color from dark to light, dabbing the paint on.
    Baking and Base Coating

  3. Painting and Detailing

    • Use watercolor pencils for details (seal afterward).
    • Add speckles using a toothbrush. Add a layer of resin to make them waterproof.
    Add speckles using a toothbrush. Add a layer of resin to make them waterproof.Add speckles using a toothbrush. Add a layer of resin to make them waterproof.
    Painting and Detailing

  4. Finishing Touches

    • Glue the magnets back into the pieces.
    Glue the magnets back into the pieces.
    Finishing Touches

Read more: Easy Clay Heart Sculpting: From Charm to Button

Tips

  • Ensure the back of each piece is flat for easy fridge adhesion.
  • Cosplay clay offers flexibility and is less fragile than polymer clay, making painting easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Baking

Reason: Polymer clay can bake unevenly, leading to some parts being soft while others are hard or even burnt.
Solution: Ensure even clay thickness and bake according to the manufacturer's instructions, using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

2. Cracking or warping

Reason: This often happens due to rapid temperature changes during baking or using too much clay in one piece.
Solution: Bake at a consistent temperature and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, creating thinner, more manageable pieces.

3. Weak Magnet Adhesion

Reason: The magnet may not be securely embedded in the clay, leading to it falling off.
Solution: Use strong magnets and ensure they are completely embedded within the clay before baking.

FAQs

What kind of polymer clay is best for making magnets?
Most polymer clays work well, but oven-bake clays like Fimo, Sculpey, or Premo are popular choices due to their durability and ease of use. Ensure it's specifically designed for baking.
How do I attach the magnets to the polymer clay?
After baking and cooling the clay, use strong craft glue or a specialized adhesive designed for polymer clay to attach small, flat disc magnets to the back of your creations. Allow ample drying time before handling.
How long do I bake the polymer clay magnets?
Baking times vary depending on the clay brand and thickness of your pieces. Always check the instructions on your specific clay packaging. Typically, it's between 15-30 minutes at a temperature specified on the packaging (usually around 275°F).