Are you looking for a unique way to announce your upcoming wedding date? Why not DIY some save the date magnets and make an impression? It's easier than you think, with just a few simple steps.
You'll need some materials like printouts, laminates, and magnets—but don't worry if it sounds intimidating. We'll guide you through the process of creating your own funny, creative design that will be sure to make all your guests smile. So let's get started on this fun project—it could even become one of your favourite event-planning memories!
Create your own design
When you create save the date magnets for your wedding, you can design your own artwork and make it come to life. If you are an experienced designer, this step will be super easy. But if you are new to the world of design, we've got some tips for you.
Keep it simple
When designing artwork for custom magnets, it is essential to keep your design simple. This will ensure that the final result looks professional and polished. Complex designs can be hard to read when printed on a small surface like a magnet, so by keeping it simple, you can make sure your message comes across clearly. Additionally, using fewer colours and elements in your design will help save time and money while making an impactful statement. By choosing only the most critical elements of your design and leaving out any unnecessary details, you'll have a much better chance of producing an impressive finished product that everyone will love!
Be aware of the size of your magnet
When creating custom magnets, it is vital to consider the size of your design. Magnets are usually quite small—the average size is 2 inches by 3 inches—so remember this when designing your artwork. If you include too many elements in a design intended for a small space, it will be hard to read and look cluttered. Keep it simple and ensure all essential elements are visible, even when the magnet is viewed from a distance. You can find more tips in our article "What is the best size for a save the date magnet?"
Convert your fonts to outlines
When creating custom magnets artwork, you'll need to convert your fonts into outlines. This means that instead of using regular text, you will use vector artwork. This is important to ensure that the fonts remain consistent and legible regardless of the size of your design.
Select a CMYK colour mode
Once you have converted your fonts to outlines, it's time to select a colour mode. For custom magnets, the best option is usually CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black). This mode will allow you to accurately print your design in full colour. Additionally, it is important to note that the colours you see on your screen may not always be the same as what is printed on your custom magnets, so double-check them before you send off your artwork for printing!
Free online tools to use
You do not need a fancy and expensive design tool to create your own artwork. Instead, use free online tools like Canva or Graphic. These contain pre-made templates and design elements you can edit or modify to create your own design.
Using these tools also means the design elements are already print-ready, meaning they will print at a high resolution without being blurry.
Here are some more great and free resources:
- FreePik - Hundreds of icons and images you can use
- Pixabay - Free photos you can download to make custom photo save the date magnets
- Unsplash - Full of royalty-free images
Gather your equipment
Once your design is ready, it is time to gather your equipment. This is where DIYing your magnets can become expensive because you need some gear, such as a printer, a cutter and a laminator. If you already own these, then making your own magnets is easy.
On top of that, you need your printable material, a magnetic material, scissors or a Xacto knife and potentially glue.
Select your material
Finding the right material is foundational. If you are lucky, you can find magnetic printable materials. However, since magnets tend to disrupt electronics, you are not very likely to stumble across that. This is why many magnets are made from two components.
- Printable material: The printable material is usually high-quality vinyl. You can choose between various colours and effects. We recommend using an adhesive-backed vinyl as this will make is easier to transfer your printed design onto the magnet.
- Magnetic material: Of course, you need something magnetic. Use a thin, flexible and permanent magnetic sheet. This makes cutting your magnets much easier.
Print your design
Printing your design onto the vinyl material of your choice is an essential step in creating your custom save the date magnets. To ensure a high-quality result, it is essential to use a high-resolution printer with inkjet or laser technology and good-quality paper. Additionally, you should select a printable adhesive vinyl compatible with your chosen printer model for optimal results. When printing, check the colours on the preview before sending it off to print, as this will help you avoid any surprises when it comes time to transfer your design onto the magnet!
Laminate your printouts
Once you have printed your design, it's time to laminate it. Laminating your printouts will protect them from UV rays, dust, and moisture. This is essential for the longevity of your custom magnets—without lamination, the designs may fade or smudge over time. When laminating your prints, make sure to use a laminating machine that is specifically designed for magnets. This type of laminator will ensure the best results and provide the highest-quality protection for your design.
Transfer your design
Once you have printed and laminated your design, it is time to transfer it onto the magnetic sheet. This process can be tricky if you use a non-self-adhesive material for your magnet, but with the right tools and techniques, you can get perfect results every time. A self-adhesive material will make this step much easier, as the sticky backing of the vinyl allows for an easy application directly onto the magnet surface. Not only does this save time and effort in transferring your design, but it also ensures that it stays securely in place without any gaps or inconsistencies. So if you’re looking for professional-looking custom magnets that last long term, choosing a self-adhesive material is worth considering!
Cut your magnet
Once you have transferred the design, it's time to cut out your magnets. This can be done using scissors or a Xacto knife for precision cuts. Ensuring all edges of your design are clean and even will help create a professional-looking finish. Additionally, it's essential to take extra care when cutting out intricate details such as curves or small text, as any mistakes here can impact the overall look of your magnets.
And there you have it—you are now ready to create your custom save the date magnets! With a little time and effort, you can easily make personalised magnets perfect for any special occasion. So what are you waiting for? Get creative and make something special today!