These DIY Halloween magnets are shaped like pumpkins! They are easy to make, and I love their silly faces and nail stems.

Yay! I’ve been waiting for Halloween crafting to officially-or-not-so-officially get into swing. Who am I kidding? I love Halloween all year round! Man Podger Walter has come up with some cute little DIY Halloween punkin magnets that you can quickly make as small gifts for Halloween lovin’ friends.

He’s going to list them (and more) in his Etsy shop later today if you’d rather buy than make. In the meantime, check out the tutorial below, straight from Walter.

This project is so adaptable and FUN to create. This tutorial will show you how to make a jack o’ lantern magnet. I am seeing a lot of imagery for Halloween popping up in craft stores, and I spent the whole weekend having fun illustrating “Halloween” images.

But don’t fret if you can’t draw . . . use scrapbooking paper, cupcake liners, stickers, stencils, etc. Or cut out triangles and mouths and decoupage to your delight. A little imagination, effort and time is all you need to make these Halloween magnets!

My favorite time of the year is Halloween. I am fascinated by the imagery and colors . . . make these quality magnets and pass them out as treats. Trick or Treat? I’ll take a Treat!

How to Make Halloween Magnets

Some of the basic supplies and tools you will need for this project:

Mod Podge Gloss

FolkArt Paint (I used Pumpkin)

Small pieces of wood 2″ x 2″ x 1/2″

Pencil

Mod Podge Tool Set

Drill Press

3/4″ Forstner Bit

3/4″ Magnets

Industrial Glue

Tape Measure or Ruler

Awl

Philips head screwdriver

Scissors and/or craft knife

Black or green wire

Chopstick or thin dowel

Halloween images (if you print on an inkjet printer, spray the images with clear acrylic sealer before Mod Podging or the ink will smear)

Step One: Prime and Decoupage

• Prime 2″ x 2″ x 1/2″ wood with FolkArt paint (225 Pumpkin).

• Let dry for 15 minutes! Then start decoupaging to your liking. I find that this is the perfect time to seal with Mod Podge.

Step 2: Drill Press (OPTIONAL)

A: Use a ruler and measure one corner to the opposite corner. Repeat other side – you should have an “X.”

B: Take the AWL and press into the “X,” making a pilot hole.

C: Align the back of the MAGNET with the 3/4″ Forstner Bit.

D: Drill! The magnet will lay in this indentation.

This step is optional, but I do it because I am a perfectionist and aim for quality. This step will lend to a stable and secure fit and also looks polished.

If you have neither the time or the drill bit, just glue the magnet to the back with industrial epoxy.

Step 3: Make a Stem and Vine

A: Take a cup hook and with two pliers, manipulate the form (see photo).

B: Mark the TOP of the jack o’ lantern where the stem will be attached.

C: Use the AWL and press firmly, making a hole.

D: Take a chopstick or thin dowel and wrap some wire around it. This will be the vine.

Step 4: Assemble: Layout the Stem, Vine and 3/4″ Magnet

• Insert a small drop of industrial glue into the cavity and on the magnet. You don’t need much glue! Press with thumbs to make sure the magnet is nested.

Step 5: Assemble (Stem and Vine)

Wrap the vine (wire) around the base of the cup hook. Screw the cup hook into the pilot hole that you made. Tip: I used a rusty roof nail that was bent to the side. Add a small dab of glue into the hole and insert the nail. Wrap the wire vine around the nail.

My Halloween magnets are complete! I think I will name one “Trick” and the other “Treat!” These cute jack o’ lanterns will make a statement on the family ice box or refrigerator. It’s also a great way to showcase kids’ art.

Want some additional Halloween ideas? Check out these other projects: