Easy DIY Photo Frame Refrigerator Magnets
I don’t keep much on my refrigerator because I don’t like clutter. The one exception has been four photo frame refrigerator magnets I got at the Target Dollar stop years ago. Well, they’re starting to fall apart and I thought I’d make them more my style while I’m creating my own. Let’s make some vintage-inspired easy DIY photo frame refrigerator magnets!
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Dollar Tree Apothecary Vintage-Inspired Photo Frames
I’ve had these bright colorful magnet frames I put a few of my favourite family photos in and they’ve sat in their prominent position for years. But now they’re starting to fall apart.
My toddler loves to get up on her stool and point out each family member in the photos. So, to me, it also promotes family recognition for her. They’re her favorite things to take off and put back on as well as her alphabet magnets, but way cooler.
When they started falling apart I knew I had to replace them. But chose to go in a different direction when I found these at the Dollar Tree. They remind me of apothecary cabinets with the metal label holder on the front.
Honestly, you could do pretty much anything if you wanted to stain them or paint them you could. I was tempted to try staining and maybe I will eventually, but I think I like them as is. I’m going to live with them and see what I think in a few months.
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Supplies Needed to Create Your Own Photo Frame Refrigerator Magnets
- Lightweight Photo Frames
- Business Card Sized Magnets
- Hot Glue Sticks
- Hot Glue Gun
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Photos (or Photo Paper to print your own!)
Step One – Take the Easel Back Off the Frames with Pliers
To create a perfectly flat back for a magnet to adhere to I had to take the easel back off the back of my photo frames.
This was a quick simple process with a pair of pliers, they came right off with a slight twist and pull.
I chose to purchase 8 photo frames. There are 7 members in my family and then 1 for a full family photo. But you can get a few or a large quantity to make for gifts as well!
After adhering a few magnets I realized it was actually better with these frames to turn the back over so the flat part was facing outwards. It gives a better magnet adhesion.
Step Two – Cutting Your Photos to Fit Properly
You can use it as a template in two different ways.
- 01 If you have a steady hand you can hold the paper on the photo while you cut.
- 02 You can turn the photo over and trace the paper then cut the edges of your photo.
I chose to leave the top of the photo alone and cut the sides and bottom. Line up the paper on the front of the photo first. This way you know where you want to cut before you start cutting.
Take out the white paper that comes with each frame and use it as a template for your photo.
I typically prefer unstaged photos, but recently I had some beautiful family photos taken by my soon-to-be sister-in-law who is a very talented photographer. I love how naturally posed all my kids are.
Step Three – Adhere the Magnet Using Hot Glue
There’s not really a hard part to this process, but this is the most time-consuming.
Heat up your hot glue gun fully, because you’ll want it really hot to properly adhere the magnet to the back of the frame.
Make sure when you’re gluing the magnet on the back you aren’t gluing the backing shut so you can’t add your photo later. Only add glue to the inside of the frame “door”. Far enough that it won’t bleed over the edges. You also just need a little bit, not a lot.
Then put your magnet on and hold it down for a few seconds.
Step Four – Add Your Photos and Display Your Frames on Your Refrigerator!
And that’s it! You just have to add your photos and put them on display on the front of your fridge.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Julie
Notes & Recommendations
After having lived with these for a few days I have just a few notes to add.
- They still look amazing and stick pretty good to the fridge. However, I would probably recommend you put them in an area on your fridge where your children don’t climb. My monkeys have already knocked a few off, but they have survived! So I’m impressed. The glass didn’t even break.
- Because of the metal clasp on the back of the frames make sure you’re applying the magnets far enough inside so the clasp doesn’t have to close on TOP of the magnet and interfere with it sticking to the fridge.
- I tried a few just using the adhesive that was on the back of the magnets. And while it does stick very well to the frame itself, the magnet didn’t stick AS WELL to the fridge. The hot glue makes the magnet stick out further from the frame and creates a stronger bond.
FAQ
Thanks for stopping by!
julie
Meet the Author
Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→