I created this Shrinky Dink charm necklace with some of my favorite book covers. Crayons and colored pencils stay more true to their unshrunken colors. Keep sheets flat in a file folder or plastic sleeve to prevent curling. We just immediately pulled them out and pulled them apart carefully with spatulas (they are hot), flattened them and then put them back in the oven.

For this project, I created a printable template to make this craft even easier for you. Also check out the caterpillar into butterfly craft that we made! I just used a pack of clear shrink film that I picked up in the kid’s section of the craft store. This part MUST be supervised by an adult – in fact, I had a few issues with the plastic not melting evenly and I needed to pull them out half way through the process and un-stick them from themselves. I found that even after the ink is “dry”, coloring over it with a wet marker just ‘melts’ it all over again, and colors will mix in ways you might not want them to mix. If you prefer a matte finish, you can use Sharpies OR colored pencils!

Things You Should Avoid

Shrinky Dinks® have been a beloved arts and crafts activity for over 50 years because they allow kids to easily create detailed mini art pieces with no mess. “I bought a starter kit for my daughter’s 7th birthday party and they were a huge success! The colors stay so vibrant after baking.” Our kits are perfect for birthday parties, sleepovers, camp, or as gifts. Shrinky Dinks® have been a favorite arts and crafts activity for over 50 years — because they work, they’re fun, and kids love them.

• On my test pieces, the image shrunk about 65% of the original size.
• If you ever want to make your own, four to six images per page works out to be about the right size for necklaces or keychains.
• Shrinky Dink pieces are perfect to put on a necklace or bracelet as a charm.
• You want to be able to watch the pieces bake as they will curl, and then uncurl when they are done baking.
• After the container is cut in half, the kids cut off the rough edges to make a flat square for drawing.

Easy Shrinky Dink Crafts

In those days before colored pencils could be used to decorate Shrinky Dinks, Morris said her product sold so quickly in Brookfield, Wisconsin, “Sears ran out of permanent-ink markers.” Their versatility made them a favorite for kids, who could turn the shrunken plastic creations into keychains, jewelry, or decorations. Using polystyrene plastic, which shrinks dramatically when heated, they created a product that kids could decorate, cut out and bake into sturdy miniatures. Watching them shrink and curl was mesmerizing, making crafting feel more like a science experiment you could hold in your hand.

DIY Shrinky Dinks: Use Recycled Plastic To Make This Retro Craft!

You can turn a simple drawing into wearable ear art with only a few supplies. In conclusion, making Shrinky Dinks without an oven is shrinky dink plastic sheets a fun and creative way to revisit a childhood favorite craft. – Feel free to experiment with different methods and tools to create unique and innovative Shrinky Dink projects that reflect your personal style and creativity.

If you are using shrinky dink sheets, shrink film, or shrink paper, make sure you use the heating instructions according to the package directions. Begin by cutting the takeout container into two separate flat sheets, but be careful not to tear it, as it is thin and tears easily. With all the basic stuff sorted, it’s time to place them on a cookie sheet or parchment paper on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes. Once you have drawn the rainbow on the plastic sheet, cut it out with scissors and fill in the colors.

Answers to Your Questions About Making DIY Shrinky Dinks

The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. As soon as it comes out of the oven, place parchment paper on top and press firmly with a book for 30–60 seconds. Stick with official Shrinky Dinks Shrinkable Plastic or a comparable shrink film product designed for ovens.

What You’ll Learn

Sharpies (or any regular alcohol-based permanent markers) don’t represent that problem. Slide unopened film sheets back into their opaque envelope and place them in a vertical file rack to avoid curling. If you need to press the piece flat, cover it with parchment and use a heat-resistant spatula, keeping hands clear of steam.