Gettin' Crafty Post #7: Magnetic Poetry

For an introduction to this new series of Gettin' Crafty posts, visit Post #1.

I. Supplies 

Color-a-Mag Magnetic Paper (from Michael's)

Krylon Magnetic Paint (from Home Depot)

Markers

II. Prep

Note before I begin this description that my intended plan for this craft did not work. With my fiance's help, I cut up a cardboard box and spray painted small squares with the magnetic paint, so the kids would be able to use their magnets on their own small board. The paint seemed to work, but we only tested it with a very small magnet. When I got it to work on the day of the craft, none of the cardboard pieces would hold a magnet at all. 

The only other preparation required was to cut the magnet paper on the cutting board into various sizes. My original idea was that kids would use it to make words of different lengths, but when the magnetic paint failed, I advertised it as simply "make your own magnets" instead and most of the kids drew pictures instead of writing.

III. Instructions

The sign I put out with the craft invited the kids to create their magnets and then test them out on some metal bookends. It was not a very well-attended program, and unless I can figure out how to make magnetic boards for each child, I won't be doing it again.

Next time: Stencils.