Magnets

You would think that putting a magnet on a marble would be pretty straightforward. I had no idea how complicated it could get.

My first goal was to make a quality product. I like strong magnets so I made sure to get Neodynium, also called Rare Earth magnets. These are the strongest magnets. What I didn't realize, and I don't know why it's common sense, is that the tiny magnets would have a tiny pull.

The tiny magnets looked very cute on my marbles. However, they don't have the strength that I prefer. I put them on my refrigerator and they can hold up one paper. When I took it to work I felt it didn't hold up the things I needed them to. I was very disappointed with the quality and have now taken these particular magnet I had to take out of my store.

I am now using magnets with a 6lb pull strength. Yes, now I'm learning all about the different magnets and how they measure strength.

I have also learned more about glues. I found Gorilla and Loctite glues don't work for what I need. I am happy with e-6000 glue, although I will continue to experiment.

White Bear

The white bear wanted to get in the blog doing his impersonation of the Abominable Snow Bear. He usually hangs out on my computer with his buddy the Moose.

With this bear I learned that while I love long fake fur, I don't like to work with it. It was very difficult. So difficult in fact that I never gave him ears. This doesn't seem to bother him, nor does the fact that his right eye is a bit torn. He may end up with an eyepatch very soon.

I'm not the best bear maker, I just love to make things that aren't very practical.