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I feel like I could make the charms, but I’m not creative enough for the beading! I also found some actual Shrinky Dinks at Dollar Tree back in the toy department by the crafts for kids. I’m new to this shrinky dink fun, ordered some sheets but can’t wait to get started! Are you sure you’re using #6? I’m a Gen X too and loved doing Shrinky Dinks as a kid and would’ve loved to have been able to do them with my son… Now I’m going to make my own with the kiddos I watch. Had I seen them in the 90, I would have had my children making them.
Grab Some Inspiration for Making Homemade Shrinky Dinks:
You will see the plastic curl up and then it will flatten back out. Each oven is different so watch closely. Bake plastic at 350 degrees for 2- 3 minutes. Our 2″ circle became about 3/4″ when shrunk. Once they flatten back out, bake for 30 more seconds.
Easy Ways to Use Shrinky Dinks as Gifts
I started with a basic project (Doodle Charm Earrings), and that led to other questions. Their enduring appeal bridges generations, ensuring their place in the annals of crafting history. The simple act of crafting and shrinking became a rite of passage for many, bonding families and friends.
I remember standing by the toaster oven with my sister watching the little plastic sheets curl up and melt. DIY shrinky dinks are so easy to make for free with supplies you already have around the house! If you’re here in St. Louis, head over to Michaels and look for real Shrinky Dink plastic.
Supplies
Batch #3 was the best shrinky dink, in that they shrunk well, thickened well, and stayed flat. They barely shrunk, barely thickened, and several never uncurled. I cooked them in a corrugated pie tin (I don’t know if cooking surface affected my results,) They shrunk a little and thickened a little. Cut into desired shapes, decorate with sharpies as desired.
- We are using the template created by Anne Oliver for her free heart embroidery design that we have for you on Gathered.
- Or maybe you want to do another science project?
- There was a time in elementary school that our teachers would have us create our own artwork with generic Shrinky Dink plastic.
- A 3 year old will blast through coloring this package in approximately 38 seconds a piece of plastic and then be ready to shrink them in the oven.
- Use a hole punch to create a hole in the top of the cup, where you will later attach a keychain or string.
I did remember to punch holes into everything ahead of time so that it could be used as pendants or keychains. I got to work drawing and quickly learned that the fine tip Sharpies didn’t draw very well on the plastic. I cut out all of the flat surfaces of the container and a couple of the ridged edges just to see what would happen. I finally got one with some flat surfaces that was labeled #6!
Buying Guide for Shrinky Dinks
As it shrinks your colors also become more condensed, so they appear darker! I’ll also be drawing my own design but as this shrink film is transparent you can also trace a page from a coloring book, magazine or book! For this project I’m making a key chain but check out some other ideas of things you can create at the bottom of the post! You can cut shapes out of the shrink film before you shrink it, as well as punch holes in it for key chains, etc. I typically use colored pencils or markers on the shrink film.
Shrinky dinks can also be turned into jewelry, however, these school supplies were sized for keychains. Easily craft these back to school Shrinky Dinks using the free traceable templates – and turn them into keychains and jewelry! If you’re looking to get great results with your own Shrinky Dinks, choosing the best markers and coloring tools is key! Now that you have a bunch of fun, little shrinky dinks https://shrinky-dink.com/ created, what will you make with them?? I started by outlining all of my shapes with black, and then went back and colored them all in. This science coloring page features beakers, test tubes, and vials for kids who love chemistry.