Styrofoam Pins and Magnets

Copyright © 1996 by Sue Albert.
This project involves clip art decoupage to styrofoam shapes (meat tray or paper plate). A pin that I made with meat tray styrofoam was mistaken for a ceramic pin.

This project is rated VERY EASY to do.

What You Need
 

  • Printed pictures
  • Styrofoam meat tray or paper plates (paper plates make a thinner backing)
  • Plaid Royal Coat Decoupage or Mod Podge
  • Tacky glue
  • Metal pin and/or magnet for back of pin

 
How To Make It
 
  1. Choose or print small dove pictures or small St. Patrick's Day pictures that would be a good size for a pin or magnet. Color with non water based markers if necessary. Here is a link for Barryís Clip Art Server.
  2. Cut the design out and glue or decoupage it to the styrofoam backing chosen.   Cut the styrofoam around the design.  If you cut the paper, there is a good chance of tearing it.
  3. Paint the design and the sides of the thicker backing with mod podge. Let dry.
  4. Glue or tape chosen backing onto back.


Hints:
  • Cut up an old magnet that you are tired of -- Strong magnets will be more useful.
  • Glaze design with a thin layer of clear translucent glitter glue for a shimmering effect.
  • Pins take a long time to dry. The magnets are a better project to do in class. Also, the pin back breaks off easily from the foam. It's best to reinforce the back with something that won't break apart so easily if a pin is made.
  • You can also make beautiful circular pins with the tops to milk/water plastic jug containers.