DIY Network

Magnet Foam Stars Learn how to make star magnets out of packing foam. From "Craft Lab" episode DCLB-218

Guest Yvonne Palermo joins host Jennifer Perkins and demonstrates how to get started on making star magnets out of packing foam. They create simple hassle free designed magnets out of their own sketching using assorted acrylic paints and small magnetic strips.

advertisement

	Guest Yvonne Palermo proves how fun and easy it is to create foam magnets — such as this star.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Host Jennifer Perkins made a fun foam strawberry magnet.

Magnet Foam Stars

Project designed by Yvonne Palermo.

Materials:

small piece of EPS foam
magnets
mixed sandpaper (heavy and light coarse: 1/4" size)
container for water
pencil
hot wire foam tool
paint palette
assorted colors of acrylic paint
paint container
crafters glue
paintbrush
paper towels
old clean pre-dampened rags (for wiping tools)

1. Lightly sketch out a star shape onto your foam.

2. Cut out the star shape with a preheated hot wire foam tool (figure A). Don't force the wire — let it melt through the foam. Remove the finished shape and place the excess foam aside.

3. Begin sanding the cut out shape with a heavy-grade coarse sandpaper and work into a lighter coarse sandpaper to finish. Use the sandpaper to fine out the edges and eliminate the bubble like texture of the top and sides of foam.

4. Take the hot wire tool and carve out a small notch (equivalent to the size of the magnet — figure B). Take craft glue and place a small amount inside of the notch before inserting the magnet. Remove any excess glue with your finger.

5. Begin painting your star magnet using any desired acrylic paint and a paintbrush (oil and spray paints will not work on foam). Acrylic paint acts as a great sealant. Allow the shape to dry for about half hour. Once dried, the magnets are ready for use.

RESOURCES :

Foam Coat Sealant and Hot Wire Tools
Hot Wire Foam Factory
Website: http://www.hotwirefoamfactory.com/home.php

Utrecht Acrylic Paint
Toll-free: 800-442-0455

Jacquard Products
Rupert, Gibbon and Spider, Inc.
Manufacturers of Pearl-Ex Pigments
Website: www.jacquardproducts.com

GUESTS :

Yvonne Palermo
Cosmocometdesigns
E-mail: art@yvonnepalermo.com
ydpalermo@comcast.net
Website: www.yvonnepalermo.com