Sunday, January 11, 2015

Making Magnets for your Stateroom door

Adding an extra touch of magic to your Disney Cruise can be as simple as making magnets to decorate your stateroom door.  I have previously given tutorials on how to create and personalize your own graphics, but I never really detailed how to make actual magnets.  
Please follow Disney Cruise Line rules and don't use any kind of adhesive on the doors.  If you use anything other than magnets you will be fined.  Stateroom doors are metal, so magnets will stick to all doors except concierge which I believe are wood.  
The first thing you need to do is collect designs that you would like to make magnets with.  You can find many FREE designs by doing a Google search to find sites with awesome DISigners willing to help you create designs and even help you personalize them.  If you would like some of my designs to work with you can find me on the Facebook page Graphics for all Lovers of Disney.  Many other awesome DISigners are also there ready to help.  Please be respectful of the rules and please do not use the designs for anything other than personal use.  



Here are two design samples of what you can find on the Facebook page linked above.



Once you find your images and have them personalized you are ready to print.  There are a few ways that you can turn your images into magnets.  
~ Printable magnet paper can be printed at home. This is probably the most expensive option as magnet paper and ink are not cheap.  Also, according to many cruisers the magnet pages are not that strong and do not stay on some of the doors as well.  You can purchase magnet paper at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart and any office store. 
~ You can print onto photo paper or card stock, laminate and then add magnets to the back.  You don't have to laminate, but it does add a layer of protection and thickness to the paper for a sturdier magnet.  Magnets with adhesive backing can be found pretty easily at office, craft and big box stores. Dollar stores can also be a good place to find many handy craft items.  You can even use those little magnets you get as advertisements to glue to the back of your image.
~ Often times cruisers have the images printed for them and then they just add magnets to the back.  If you feel like splurging a bit, Vistaprint will print magnets for you.
Please remember that it is all in fun and:
Don't put any magnets out that you are not willing to lose. 

If you have any tips or questions please leave a comment below.