How to Create Your Own Travel Map Magnets

n uprising trend to find new and unusual ways representing where you’ve been and where you’ve like to go, they’re almost a badge of honor amongst the travel community. Some people like to take a small amount of sand from each location, others like to collect souvineers like fridge magnets or mugs, however, we’d like to show you how to create something a little bit different.

They’re super fun, kid friendly, cheap and easy to make. You can personalise them with destinations you’ve been to and places you’d like to go in the future.

Materials you’ll need

Clear glass pebbles: Find them at craft stores, dollar stores, or even on nature walks near bodies of water. Choose various sizes and shapes for a visually interesting collection of magnets.
Old map: Use a world map, a city map, or any map that evokes special travel experiences. You can use a physical map you no longer need, or print out a specific location from an online map service. Consider the thickness and weight of the paper – a heavier paper stock might hold up better.
Round magnets: Select magnets that comfortably fit on the flat side of your chosen pebbles. Craft stores offer a variety of magnet sizes, so choose accordingly.
E6000 craft glue: This is a strong, permanent glue suitable for bonding glass and metal. Ensure proper ventilation when using it, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling and safety.
Pencil: For tracing the outline of the pebble onto the map.
Scissors: Sharp scissors will give you clean cuts on the map paper.
Paintbrush (optional): This can help with applying glue more precisely, especially for smaller pebbles or map cutouts

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Instructions

1. Preparation is Key

Wash and dry the glass pebbles thoroughly. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris that might hinder the gluing process. You can use warm water and a mild dish soap for cleaning. Let them dry completely before proceeding.
Plan your map snippets. Browse your chosen map and identify locations that hold special travel memories. This could be a city you visited, a landmark you saw, or even a route you took on a memorable road trip. Consider the size and shape of your pebbles when selecting areas on the map.

2. Tracing and Cutting the Map Snippets

Place the chosen pebble on the map, flat side down. Ensure it sits comfortably on the desired map location.
Use the pencil to carefully trace the outline of the pebble onto the map. Hold the pencil upright for a clean and accurate trace.
Carefully cut out the traced map outline. Sharp scissors will give you clean edges. You can leave a little extra border around the pencil line (about 1-2 millimeters) if you’re concerned about perfectly aligning the map with the pebble.

3. Attaching the Map to the Pebble

Apply a small dab of E6000 glue to the flat side of the chosen glass pebble. Tip: If you’re not comfortable using your fingers, a toothpick can help with this step.
Gently place the cut-out map section onto the glued area of the pebble, aligning the edges with the traced outline. The map image should be facing outwards.
Press the map firmly onto the pebble for a few seconds to ensure a good bond.
Set the pebble aside on a flat surface to dry completely. Letting it dry for at least five to ten minutes is recommended. However, consult the E6000 glue’s specific drying instructions for the best results.

4. Adding the Magnet

Once the map is securely glued to the pebble, prepare to attach the magnet.
Apply another small dab of E6000 glue to the flat surface of your chosen magnet. You can use your finger or the paintbrush to spread the glue evenly on the magnet’s surface. A thin layer is sufficient.
Carefully position the magnet on the back of the glass pebble, directly opposite the map cutout. Make sure the magnet is centered and sits flat against the pebble.
Gently press the magnet onto the pebble for a few seconds to create a strong bond

5. Drying and Displaying

Let your creation dry completely. The E6000 glue can take up to 24 hours to fully cure, so be patient! Resist the urge to use your magnets before the glue has completely cured, as this can weaken the bond.
Once completely dry, your travel-inspired glass magnet is ready to be displayed on your fridge or any magnetic surface.

Personalization and Creative Twists

Experiment with different sized pebbles and map cutouts. This creates a visually interesting collection and allows you to showcase various travel destinations on your magnets