Do you want to add a unique, custom touch to your fridge or other magnetic surfaces? Then making your own die cut magnets is the perfect activity for you! With just a few supplies and some creative ideas, you can quickly and easily make personalised magnets that will show off your style or promote your brand.
Whether it’s for fun or business purposes, these homemade magnets are sure to be eye-catching conversation starters. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started on creating our very own die cut magnets!
Why magnets?
Before we jump in, you might wonder why you should even bother with magnets as a business owner or designer. Well, custom magnets are secret marketing powerhouses that can really boost your reach without breaking the bank.
Speaking of, magnets are a cost-effective and versatile marketing tool. They can be customised to fit any brand's aesthetic and message and used in various ways: free magnets as part of a giveaway, promotional die cut magnets or even as personalised gifts.
Moreover, magnets have a high perceived value and offer long-term visibility as they are long-lasting and can be used repeatedly. In addition, magnets can be placed on any metal surface, increasing their reach and making them a convenient and effective way to get your message in front of your target market.
By investing in magnets, business owners, designers, and Etsy sellers can create a lasting and positive impression on their audience while staying within their budget and supporting sustainability. You can find out more about them in our article on what a die cut magnet is.
Should you make your own custom magnets?
Deciding whether or not to make your own custom magnets largely depends on your specific business needs and budget. While creating your own magnets can be a fun and creative process, it's essential to consider the upfront costs and time investment involved.
Do you need a large batch of custom-shaped magnets? Or do you have no previous experience making stickers, labels or magnets? Then, ordering custom magnets from a reputable supplier may be a better option for you - but more on that later.
If you have the resources and desire to create a small number of standard magnets, making your own can offer greater flexibility. Remember that creating your own magnets requires specific tools and materials, such as die-cutting machines and magnet sheets, which can add to the overall cost. It's also important to factor in the time it takes to create and cut each magnet and any additional design or artwork development.
Recommended reading: Can I use die cut magnets on my fridge?
Making your own die cut magnets: Step by step
Step 1: Design your custom artwork
Designing your custom artwork is the first crucial step in creating your own die-cut magnets. This is where you get to unleash your creativity and develop a design that perfectly captures your message or brand. It's best to use bright colors and bold fonts that grab attention and make your sticker stand out. Ensure that your design is simple yet memorable, and that it effectively communicates your intended message.
You can create your artwork using various graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva. The key is to ensure that your design is of high resolution and in a vector format - it can be scaled up or down without losing quality.
Step 2: Choose the right material
Once you have your design ready, it's time to choose a suitable material for your die cut magnets. Generally, magnets are printed on flexible magnet sheets in various sizes and thicknesses. The thicker the sheet, the stronger the magnet - but remember that this can also add to the cost.
If your magnetic sheet is not printable, you will also have to order paper or vinyl to print your design on. The material yo select will determine the look and feel of your magnets.
Step 3: Print your design
It's time to print once you have your design and material sorted. Ensure that the software settings are correct before printing as this will affect the quality of your magnets.
When printing on paper, use a normal printer setting and don't scale up or down in size. Also, check that there is enough ink coverage throughout the design - if not, adjust the ink density settings or consider switching to a higher-quality printable sheet.
Step 4: Laminate your print
Lamination is important to ensure your magnets last and look great in the long run. Laminates can protect your magnets from moisture, scratches or general wear and tear. Make sure you choose a high-quality laminate that won't peel off easily - this will help extend the life of your magnets and give them an attractive glossy finish.
Laminating is an optional step. If you already use a waterproof material for your magnets, you can skip it.
Step 5: Attach your printed design to the magnetic sheet
Once your design is printed and laminated, it's time to attach the magnetic sheet. This is a straightforward process - all you need to do is place the printed side down on top of the magnet sheet, making sure that both surfaces are appropriately aligned.
You can then use an adhesive spray or double-sided tape to secure the two surfaces together. Wait until the adhesive has dried, before you move on to the next step.
Step 6: Cut your magnet into shape
The final step is to cut your magnet into the desired shape. If you are using a die-cutting machine, all you need to do is insert the printed magnet sheet and let it do its job. If not, use sharp scissors or a craft knife to carefully trim around your design and give it its final shape.
And that's it! Now you can enjoy your custom die-cut magnets and get ready to spread your message.
Conclusion
Making custom die-cut magnets can be a fun and creative process - with the right materials, tools and some patience, you can easily create attractive and long-lasting magnets for any purpose. Making your own custom magnets can be a cost-effective and sustainable option, but it's essential to consider the level of skill and resources required before embarking on this project.
We hope you enjoyed this guide! Whether you decide to order your magnets or make them yourself - may the power of magnetism be with you.