So, here’s the before:

Note the random magnets for Blockbuster and a podiatry clinic...and the sweet pea packages that have been hanging there sadly since the summer...

And here’s the after:

Here’s a couple of magnet close-ups:

Here’s how:

First, I found flat plastic discs (mine are square) but you can also use the round glass fillers that florists sometimes use. I also ordered Diamond Glaze, sold by a company called JudiKins, which is a water-based dimensional adhesive that dries crystal clear. I’d been waiting for it to arrive from an Etsy supplier — and let me tell you, it was well worth the wait. It’s really neat stuff. Lastly, I caved and ordered the vintage paper pack from Three Potato Four. I was going to use random paper I collected myself but the one-of-a-kind paper packs on this site kept calling my name. (I already have an idea for my old postcards, don’t worry.) By the way, consider this Wallpaper Idea #4 because you could absolutely use wallpaper samples for this project.

From there, I cut the paper to fit the square pieces of plastic. I had old ads and wrapping paper, etc. so I just cut from different parts of each design. (Lora Grady, one of the amazing fact-checking interns at Chatelaine, helped me with this project and she was a little addicted to this part of the process.)

Then, you put a dollop of Diamond Glaze on to the plastic disc and spread it around with the paper square. Hold the paper, design-side down, against the plastic for a few seconds or until it adheres. The glue sticks really, really well unless you miss a corner of the paper. Then you’re susceptible to peeling. Just be sure to get as much coverage as possible.

Lora, with the plastic squares

Lora and I made a little more than 40 discs. Next comes the magnet part and the final reveal of the newly designed refrigerator door.

Our collection of finished squares

1. Book bookends — I’ve been looking for fun, inexpensive book ends for my ever-growing collection of books. I’ve finally given up the search and decided to make them myself. I need my dad’s saw and my mom’s heavy-duty glue-gun though, so this one will happen over Thanksgiving.

2. A door-knob coat hanger — This one may or may not end up being a wallpaper project. I’m not sure yet. Stay tuned to find out.

3. The magnets — FINALLY the magnets. I’m still waiting for my Diamond Glaze but I expect it any day now (or so says UPS). 

4. Chest of drawers makeover — Blaine has a chest of drawers that he is really attached to. One drawer is falling off and the others could use a facelift. This is definitely going to be a wallpaper project worth checking out.

So, that’s the roundup so far. With a little luck, I’ll have all of these projects finished by November 1st. I’m hoping for the magnets this weekend as long as UPS delivers on its promise for my glue!

Next store — same run-around. No one has a glue that will dry clear and stick to glass or plastic. Not without a serious production involving measuring cups, rubber gloves and, in the second case, safety goggles.

So, I went back to Etsy, my favourite happy place, and ordered Diamond Glaze. This product is made for projects just like my fridge-magnet makeover, so I will have to be patient and wait for it to arrive in the mail. Sigh.

In the meantime, this is sort of what my magnets will look like — only square and more vintage (I ordered these ones back before Christmas. And no, I didn’t make the calendar, either. I wish).

Check back in this week — I went on a field trip this Saturday, to a very cool place, and came home with a fun and fancy project. I may or may not post it on Wednesday (wink, wink).