🫒 the Dirty Martini: a Dishwasher Magnet With Style!

Ever wondered whether the dishwasher is clean or dirty? Me too. It’s not always obvious! While many people use simple magnets to show if the dishes are clean or dirty, those tend to be boring and plain. I wanted to spice things up with something a bit more fun — and fitting for six college girls. Thus, I present the Dirty Martini 🍸.

1. Medium Draft Wood
2. Vinyl
3. Paint
4. Hot glue
5. Magnets
6. Paper

Tools

1. Laser cutter
2. Tweezers
3. Hot Glue gun
4. Scissors
5. Paint brushes

Software

1. SVG files of the martini glass and olive (provided in the Instructable)
2. Inkscape (to create the design)
3. Laser cutting software such as Glowforge
4. Silhouette Studio

Option 1: Create your own design

1. Download and open Inkscape.
2. Find reference images of a martini glass and olives.
3. Import the image into Inkscape.
4. Use Trace Bitmap → choose Edge Detection to convert it into a vector graphic.
5. Use the Node Tool to clean up and delete unnecessary nodes.
6. Tip: Fewer nodes = shorter engraving time!
7. When you’re satisfied, export your SVG file.

Option 2: Use the provided SVG file

1. Download the SVG file from this Instructable.
2. Open it in Inkscape.
3. Adjust dimensions or nodes as desired.
4. Save your custom version as an SVG.

1. Turn on the Glowforge laser cutter.
2. Securely place your draft wood on the bed — make sure it’s locked in place.
3. Import your SVG file.
4. Load it into the Glowforge software.
5. Clean the lens if the preview looks blurry.
6. Position your design on the board using Glowforge’s tools.
7. Delete unnecessary images (only keep the olive).
8. Create a 6x6 inch square base using the Glowforge shape tool.
9. Make sure your work order is correct:
10. Engrave the olive first.
11. Then cut the olive and base square.
12. Click Print → wait for the light → press the glowing button!

After Cutting:

1. Open the lid and remove the wood.
2. Gently push the pieces free.
3. Peel the protective film off both sides (tweezers help!).

1. Import your SVG into Silhouette Studio.
2. Delete extra images (keep just the martini glass).
3. Pick your vinyl color.
4. Stick your vinyl to the plastic backing.
5. Load it into the cutter.
6. Double-check your settings (vinyl type, blade type).
7. Press Send and watch your stencil come to life!

1. Take your 6x6 inch wood base and glue a piece of white paper on top.
2. Trim any excess paper.
3. Carefully peel and stick your vinyl stencil onto the paper.
4. Choose two colors of paint (I used blue for the border and pink for the glass).
5. Paint over the stencil and let it dry completely.
6. Once dry, peel off the stencil to reveal your martini design!
7. Flip the piece over and glue on magnets:
8. One in each corner
9. One in the center for the olive to attach
10. Glue another magnet to the back of your laser-cut olive.
11. Stick them together — you’ve got your “Dirty Martini”!

1. Place your magnet on the dishwasher.
2. Clean dishes? Stick the olive off to the side.
3. Dirty dishes? Place the olive in the martini glass — making it a true “Dirty Martini”!

Tips and Troubleshooting

1. Use thicker paper — thin printer paper can tear.
2. Feel free to use more than two colors for extra flair.
3. Make sure your magnets are strong enough to hold the olive piece.

Customization Ideas

1. Experiment with different vinyl colors.
2. Add background designs — stars, bubbles, or a personalized monogram.
3. Try different drink designs (a margarita or mojito theme could be fun!).

Final Thoughts

This project was such a fun mix of creativity and learning. I got to experiment with multiple tools — from Inkscape for design to the Glowforge laser cutter and vinyl cutter — and see how digital design translates into a real, usable object. It was especially rewarding to create something both practical and personal for our kitchen, and the “Dirty Martini” theme adds the perfect touch of humor and personality for a college apartment.

Through this process, I learned the importance of precision and patience when working with digital fabrication tools. I also realized how easy it is to turn a simple idea into something unique with a bit of design thinking. Every time we move the olive to mark “clean” or “dirty,” it’s a small reminder that everyday items can be made more fun and creative with a personal twist. 🍸