More RATZ

June marks the second round of the RATZ swap. This month we're making magnets. To be honest, I wasn't sure if this would be that much fun - I mean, it's just magnets, right? I was wrong! I am loving this swap so much. Who knew it would be so much fun to make magnets?! So far I've made button magnets and I am totally obsessed!

So much so, that I ordered more supplies. I haven't actually attached the magnets yet (my supplies will arrive today) but I ordered the super-duper hardcore rare Earth magnets so I'm sure they will stick.


One of the things I like about making the button magnets is that I can use scraps of fabric which, as you know, I have plenty. Also, there is the instant gratification of having completed something quick and simple. Most of my projects have steps and/or are time-consuming to some extent. These let me feel like I accomplished something and sometimes I need that.

I think the magnets would make a nice gift or 'extra'. My plan is to sell them too. I've been working on an inventory for awhile now and will be opening shop soon. However, that's a post for another day ;)

The button covers come in a variety of sizes. The ones shown above are #45 Flat Backs. The other type have a wire back so that you can attach the button to something else. You need the flat backs to attach the magnets.

If you are interested in making your own, check out this tutorial: http://www.abernathycrafts.com/2012/05/super-strong-fabric-magnets-tutorial.html

I found all of my supplies on Etsy

As far as which ones will be sent to my partner, that remains a mystery ;) I'm also making another type of magnet and will share everything once the swap is over.


Happy Crafting
~Beth

RATZ Swap

It's been awhile since I've participated in any swaps and I was kind of missing it. However, I knew I wouldn't have time to get involved in anything major like a doll quilt or bee swap so I missed out on quite a few. But then Susan (iamchickenfoot) Tweeted about a quick little swap happening for May and I couldn't pass it up. It's exactly what I was looking for - small, quick and fun. After all, it is called the Rapid and Tiny Zakka Swap or RATZ, for short.

The theme for May was key fobs/key chains or anything that can hold a key. There are just so many variations and styles! I had a lot of fun with this and I even experimented with leather, which was interesting...

Here are some of my trials/experiments and the package I sent to my partner. June is magnets. If you're interested, check out the Flickr Group to learn more or to check out all the fobs.

These were the first two I made. They weren't
quite my partners style but I think
I know exactly where to send them...

My attempt at leather. I like that it doesn't fray but
it's hard to keep the shape. And oh, that diamond was
paper-pieced!

In the end, I decided to go with a pouch and a fob.
I love those turtles! I hope my partner does too :)