DIY Disney Mickey Magnets: Easy Fish Extender Gift Idea for Kids

I mentioned we are making fish extender (FE) gifts for our cruise. Although the cruise is a surprise, Lil’ J loves to craft, so she’s happily participating in helping me make different things for this gift exchange she has no idea about.

So yes, first, more on the details of fish extenders. You can read all about it here. But long story short, it’s a gift exchange between Disney Cruise cabin members. People hang decorated pockets outside their cabin door on little “fish extender” hooks and them people deliver gifts to one another.

I’m not much of a crafter so I immediately thought I’d just order all of the gifts off Etsy.

It started that way, I ordered mini Disney tote bags to collect seashells or other goodies in, and some Mickey soap. But then I joined a Fish Extenders Facebook group and kept seeing other great ideas that seemed easy enough to try and add to our little gift bags.

I starting with these DIY Disney Mickey Magnets. They’re inexpensive, and super easy, Lil’ J made these with me with little assistance.

What you’ll need:

-Scrapbook paper we found ours at Hobby Lobby in the single sheet section (way less than buying a whole book) but if you want variety you can get a full book of paper.
–Clear glass gems/ mosaic circles. Mine are about 1.5in but the smaller 1” ones work well too.
–Modge Podge
–Sponge brush
–Small round magnets
–Hot glue (or E6000)
-Scissors

Step 1

Position the glass bead over the scrapbook paper and trace it around the spot you’d like to be the center of your magnet.

Step 2

Cut the paper out.

Step 3

Barely tip the edge of the sponge brush into the Modge Podge. Add a thin layer to the back of the gem. A little goes a long ways.

Step 4

Place the piece of paper face down onto the modge podge. Press firmly and smooth out any bubbles. Let dry.

Step 5

Add another thin layer of Modge Podge over the back of the scrapbook paper. Let dry.

Step 6

Trim the extra paper off around the edges. I found it easier to do this holding the bead right-side up.

Step 7

Glue a small round magnet to the back of the gem, using just a dab of E6000. I tried using hot glue at first but it didn’t stay. Pressing firmly with E6000 did the trick.

And you’re done!

Adorable Disney magnets to make as stocking stuffers, add to gift bags, or use as fish extender gifts! Get your little crafters involved and make some magical memories together as you create these!