September 25th is National Comic Book Day! After Action Comics #1Superman was first released in 1938 the format gradually rose to popularity and has still remained a fond pastime. Today, we often see comic book characters outside of their multipanel pages. They come to life on TV and movie screens and make appearances on merchandise ranging from clothes, home decor, school supplies and almost anything else that you can imagine.  If you are a fan of flying superheroes or the maniacal villains they keep at bay, then you’ll want to see these DIYs to celebrate National Comic Book Day.

Custom Fridge Magnets

Here is a DIY superhero fridge magnet tutorial from Crafts by Amanda that we recommend. If you don’t want to cut up a perfectly good comic book to make magnets, there are some pretty neat printables that you can use instead. If you are using a comic book though, be sure to check the value of it before altering! A near-perfect copy of the Action Comics #1 sold in August 24, 2014 for over $3.2 million dollars, so don’t underestimate their worth.

Magnetic Comic Book Clutch

The costume is possibly the single most important feature of any comic book character, which is why this DIY superhero clutch with magnetic clasps from Set to Stunning is perfect for comic book lovers.

Superhero Pin Magnets

This magnet project, superhero pin magnets from T Muffin, would make a great gift for teachers. Paint some clothespins, glue on a character and a magnet and you have a nerdy gift set.

DIY Character Magnets

superhero costume magnets Be the star of your own comic book adventure with these DIY superhero costume magnets.

Supplies

  • Polymer clay
  • Picture
  • Neodymium magnets or self adhesive magnets
  • Glue
  • Foam board or magnetic photo frame
  • Magnetic paint (optional)

Steps

  1. First, you’ll need to take a picture of yourself (or another member of your family) and make it stick to the fridge somehow. You can do this by either using a magnetic photo frame, sticking it on with magnets or turning it into a magnet.
  2. To turn it into a magnet, glue the back to an equally sized piece of foamboard. Let dry and put some self adhesive magnets to the back or glue a neodymium magnet. (To make the magnet magnetic, put some layer of magnetic paint on the back of the photo or top of the foamboard.)
  3. Now that you have a magnetic picture to work with, you can create your own superhero costume or mimic existing superhero costumes with some polymer clay.
  4. It is best to use a head on picture, in which your head and feet all fit in the frame. This way, you can match up your clay costume pieces to cover the clothing and shoes in your picture.
  5. Once you costume(s) is designed, place the clay pieces on a baking sheet and put in an oven for 9-10 minutes at 275°.
  6. Remove and let cool. Then glue neodymium magnets to the back of the pieces and you have a personalized superhero magnet and picture set!
You don’t have to be just a hero either. If you want to play for the dark side, you can create a villain persona and base your costume magnets on it. Either way, these magnets can make for a fun DIY activity and fridge accessory even after National Comic Book Day is over.