Recycled State Map Magnets

By: Amanda Formaro from craftsbyamanda.com

The Recycled State Map Magnets craft is an easy project that could help your kids learn the states and capitals in the US. Even some adults do not know all the states or where they are geographically, so you can learn along with your kids, too. This free craft tutorial shows you how to make state map magnets out of a recycled road map. Refresh your geography knowledge with this eco-friendly craft that you can make with your kids in order to help them learn at home. This charming idea is extremely simple, requiring only a basic knowledge of how to decoupage on wood. Plus, once you have finished this DIY craft, you can display it in your home on your fridge or really anywhere else in your home.

Primary TechniqueGreen Crafting

Easy

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Materials:

State shaped puzzle pieces or other simple wooden shapes (squares, circles, etc)
Outdated road atlas
Decoupage medium
Scissors
1/2-inch button magnets
White craft glue

Note: You can achieve a similar feel by simply using circle or square shaped (or even hearts!) wood pieces.

Instructions:

Locate the city you would like to appear on your magnet. Place your wood shape over the city and trace around it with a pen or pencil.
When cutting the shape out, cut about 1/8-inch inside the trace line. You want to leave a border of your wooden shape showing. My states were all different colors, which made for a very visually pleasing magnet when finished. Alternatively, you can paint wooden shapes in different colors to achieve the same affect.
Apply a thin layer of decoupage to the back of the map and press it onto the wooden shape. Once it is positioned properly, allow it to dry for about 40 minutes before applying a coat of decoupage over the top.
When completely dry, glue a button magnet to the back and let dry completely before using.

Make every day Earth Day with our free printable eBook, Recycled Craft Ideas: Easy Crafts to Make with Recycled Materials. Discover ways to reuse materials such as wood, fabric and even popsicle sticks. Get your copy now.

More Crafty Ideas For You

We love the creative spirit behind making Recycled State Map Magnets! It's a fantastic way to repurpose old maps and add a touch of personalization to your fridge or magnetic board. If you're a fan of this craft project, we have a few more ideas that you might enjoy.

For those who enjoy working with recycled materials, we recommend trying your hand at creating Recycled Book Page Coasters. This project involves cutting up old books or magazines and decoupaging the pages onto coasters for a unique and literary-inspired look. It's a fun way to give new life to old materials and add a vintage touch to your home decor.

If you're looking to take your crafting skills up a notch, consider making Embroidered Hoop Art. This project involves using embroidery hoops as frames for your hand-stitched designs, allowing you to create beautiful and personalized pieces of art. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, embroidery is a versatile and rewarding craft that can be customized to suit your skill level.

For those who enjoy crafting gifts for loved ones, we suggest trying your hand at DIY Photo Coasters. This project involves transferring your favorite photos onto ceramic tiles to create custom coasters that are both practical and sentimental. It's a thoughtful gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Plus, you can personalize the coasters with different images to suit the recipient's taste and style.

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elocin1104 2800379

Jul 15, 2018

This is a great diy project. If you are going on a road trip, you can stop at rest areas and get free maps, which you can then use for these awesome magnets. I am thinking I would just use whatever shapes I could find for the wood pieces, because I dont necessarily need the state shapes to match.

mulberrygalprinces s

Jun 17, 2018

I would like this for the grand kids. I come from a generation that had to learn the states and the Capitol of each. They don't teach that any longer. That's why my 12 year old nephew thinks Vermont is out near Colorado. This would be a great helper in learning.

Morehouse17

Mar 31, 2018

This is a great learning tool to have on the fridge. If your kids were anything like mine were when they were young, no matter what room I was in, they wanted to be there also. I always kept the magnetic letters and used them when possible. This would have been a great puzzle to have on the fridge.

Delphine Bryant

Mar 29, 2018

I am really liking this learning tool. For little hands, I want to make the pieces a little larger before I cover the foam with map paper and I want the capital to be visible so that my grand babies can learn their states and capitals when hanging out in the kitchen with me.

Mark

Mar 27, 2018

So cute! I love maps, and this is such a cute way to incorporate them )

SissieSass

May 28, 2017

If your kids are anything like mine were, then this craft will be just the thing to keep them out of my hair a few seconds more when I am cooking. They will fiddle with these map pieces for hours. I am sure of it! Thanks for the educational fidget spinner take off.

princess6860504

Apr 12, 2017

Is there such a thing as a sheet of magnet available at the craft store? Seems to me I have seen magnet strips sold in a roll. So here's my idea. You could use your old map of the United States, cut up all of the map, and glue the maps to the sheet magnet. I suppose you'd need an Xacto knife to do that.

Marilyn B

Jan 23, 2017

Upon first glance, you might think, why not just buy a puzzle of the US and glue magnets in the back? But actually doing this project with kids is a very good way to help them learn their states, shapes, and location. As a former teacher, hands on is one great way to learn and with this project, have some fun too! An imagine the pride kids would have each day putting their Mao together in the fridge! Super fun!