Glass marble magnet supplies in Toronto

November 26, 2007 6:48 AM

I want to make glass marble magnets. Where can I find supplies in downtown Toronto?

I need:

- round strong magnets (1/2" and 3/4");
- clear flat glass marbles (1/2" and 3/4");
- silicon sealer (glue).

I know to look for the glass marbles in the "fake flowers section" at Michael's, but the nearest Michael's is in Mississauga and that's too far. I need something downtown. Maybe the bead stores along Queen West? Hardware stores? Curry's?

posted by heatherann to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

DeSerres (formerly Loomis Art Stores) has a location at Richmond and Spadina. They've been revamping the stores a bit to have more Michael's type stuff.
posted by winston at 7:05 AM on November 26, 2007

Do you have a Loonie Store or equivalent near you? They probably have the marbles (and maybe the magnets too).
posted by slowfasthazel at 7:12 AM on November 26, 2007

Best answer: Try Dollarama for the marbles, magnets and glue. They have a pretty big crafts section in the larger stores. The one on Queen in Parkdale was particularly big and well stocked with craft stuff. Though it's been several months since I lived in Toronto I'm pretty sure I've seen all the items you need there.

Canadian tire would have the glue and possibly the magnets.

If I didn't find them in those places I'd probably go to Walmart in Dufferin mall, where they have a large craft section.
posted by Melsky at 7:21 AM on November 26, 2007

These glass pebbles are often sold as filler for vases, so if you have a home furnishing store like Pier One or Crate and Barrel you will likely find them.
posted by agregoli at 8:17 AM on November 26, 2007

If you want really strong magnets, Lee Valley (on King, w of Spadina) has rare earth magnets.
posted by scruss at 9:23 AM on November 26, 2007

I made these before and it was a nice way to spend a few hours. Two tips I have are:

1. Try to find completely see-through marbles, not the iridescent ones, because they show the picture underneath more clearly.

2. Strong, thin magnets are if you can find them.

Have fun!
posted by catburger at 2:18 AM on December 2, 2007

Ahem.. Strong, thin magnets are BEST if you can find them.
posted by catburger at 2:19 AM on December 2, 2007