Jan
27

DIY Gemstone Magnets

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a little sneak preview of this project last Saturday. I’ve been meaning to do it for quite awhile, actually--ever since I found the gemstone silicone mold! With Valentine’s day right around the corner, I figured this was the perfect time. This project is pretty similar to the DIY concrete magnets I made back in August…but with some improvements. First off, I used stronger magnets this time, because the last time, I used regular magnets from the craft store and the concrete was a little heavy for them. They can stick to the fridge, but they can’t hold much more than one piece of paper. So this time, I got some neodymium ones. I also decided to paint the magnets this time. I like color, but you can also leave them concrete if you prefer.

DIY concrete gemstone magnets -- perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift!

You will need:
-cement, water, and a stir stick
-a cheap bucket for mixing it in
-gemstone silicone ice cube tray (from Amazon)
-neodymium magnets (also from Amazon)
-acrylic paint, varnish, and a paintbrush

How to make concrete gemstone magnets

The directions are pretty simple: mix the cement with water in your bucket. You won’t need much. Spoon it into the molds. I only filled them up about two-thirds of the way because I didn’t want my magnets to be too thick.

How to make DIY concrete magnets

Once the concrete has started to harden a little, carefully place the magnets in the center of each gem. Let the concrete harden all the way (I left mine overnight).

DIY concrete gemstone magnets -- pop them right out of a silicone ice cube tray

Once the concrete is fully set, pop the concrete gems out of the ice cube tray. Since it’s a silicone mold, this should be fairly easy to do. You’ll notice that the magnets are really secure since the concrete set around them.

Concrete magnets // At Home in Love

Sand down any ridges that formed around the edges.

DIY concrete gems -- give them out for Valentine’s Day!

Now you’re ready to paint! You can paint your gems any color you like--I went for red and pink to really play up the Valentine’s Day effect. I painted the bottoms first, and once they were dry I flipped the gems over and painted the tops.

Painted concrete gems

The last step is to add varnish to really make your gemstones shine.

DIY gemstone magnets to give out for Valentine’s Day

Look how shiny and pretty they are! These are so easy, it wouldn’t take very long to make a bunch. Then you could box them up and give them away as Valentine’s Day gifts! The pink and red ones would be great for girlfriends, coworkers, etc. since they’re pretty girly. For your guy, you might want to keep them concrete, or mix in some different colors like green and blue.

You’re a Gem // At Home in Love

I also made a little printable that you could use, which says: “You’re a Gem. Happy Valentine’s Day!” I couldn’t resist--I love a good play on words. If you’d like to use the template I made, you can download it here!

You’re a gem // DIY magnets by At Home in Love

Now our fridge is a little prettier!

Hope you guys enjoyed this little DIY. I think it turned out super cute, and it’s a project that would be sweet any time of year, not just Valentine’s Day. Gemstone magnets would also be great thank-you gifts for bridesmaids, don’t you think?

P.S. If you liked this post, you should also check out the one I wrote with all kinds of cute gemstone/faceted ideas.

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  1. Posted by kelsey on Monday, January 27th, 2014

    these are lovely!
    Ladies in Navy
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, January 27th, 2014

      Thank you!!
  2. Posted by Debbie on Monday, January 27th, 2014

    Very cute! I love easy, fun, cute crafts. Gold glitter paint would be fun to try.
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, January 27th, 2014

      Me too!!! Easy crafts are my fave.
  3. Posted by Tara on Monday, January 27th, 2014

    So, so cute, and perfect photography.

    Please check out my prints, would love to send you one :).
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, January 27th, 2014

      Thank you, Tara! These are the first pics I've taken with my new camera lens. I'm loving it, and I'm glad you are too :)
  4. Posted by Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs on Monday, January 27th, 2014

    So pretty!
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, January 27th, 2014

      Thanks, Michelle!
  5. Posted by lena on Monday, January 27th, 2014

    How darling!
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, January 27th, 2014

      :) Thank you Lena.
  6. Posted by Amy B on Monday, January 27th, 2014

    I love these Aileen!!! How cute and perfect for Valentines Day!
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, January 27th, 2014

      Thanks Amy!! Next time you come to Seattle I’ll give you some :)
  7. Posted by Jessica (Coco/Mingo) on Monday, January 27th, 2014

    Aileen, I love this so much!! First off, to use those gem ice trays as a mold is just genius! Second, I love that it looks great either kept as concrete - but I love it even more painted pretty Valentine's colors! And to top it off with the varnish to make it glossy...all so perfect!
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, January 27th, 2014

      Aww, thank you so much Jessica!! You’re so sweet. I was really tempted to keep them concrete--I think it looks really good too. But shiny pink still wins in my book :)
  8. Posted by Vanessa on Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

    These came out so smooth! Lovely job :)

    http://cafecraftea.blogspot.com
  9. Posted by Alexis @ Persia Lou on Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

    These are so perfect! I totally made a "you're a gem" Valentine too, but mine didn't come with sweet concrete gem magnets. Seriously I need that mold right now.
    • Posted by Aileen on Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

      It's pretty awesome! Get it :)
  10. Posted by Jennifer on Thursday, January 30th, 2014

    Oooh my goodness. These are beautiful! :)
  11. Posted by Moorea Seal on Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

    You are SO awesome. I love these!
    xo Moorea
  12. Posted by Niyasia on Monday, September 8th, 2014

    This is such a cute gifting idea! Especially for a best friend or maybe a significant other. Love it will definitely be using this for something
    • Posted by Aileen on Monday, September 8th, 2014

      Yay! So glad you love this idea. I’d love to see photos if you ever make them!
  13. Posted by cindy on Thursday, January 22nd, 2015

    I wondered if you could use polymer clay for these adorable little gems too.
    Such a cute little idea
    • Posted by Aileen on Friday, January 23rd, 2015

      You totally could!
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