Remember these guys from when you were a kid? Frikkin sweet, right? Turns out the magical Shrinky Dink material is just plastic #6, the same stuff that most transparent take-out boxes are made of. This stuff is PERFECT for making all kinds of crafts, charms, and decorations. Here's how:
Step 1: Start saving up any plastic#6 you can get your hands on. Don't be shy, I totally asked around the office for empty containers at lunchtime. (I'm not crazy, I'm CRAFTY.) Look for the symbol:
Step 1: Start saving up any plastic#6 you can get your hands on. Don't be shy, I totally asked around the office for empty containers at lunchtime. (I'm not crazy, I'm CRAFTY.) Look for the symbol:
Step 2: Cut out the flat pieces of the container. (Apparently the shaped parts can also be used because when you bake them they'll flatten, but I didn't try.) Grab your materials: sharpies(any color), scissors or Xacto knife, aluminum foil, templates to trace.
Note: Something to remember when you're picking your template is that the design is going to shrink to about 1/3 of its former size. If you draw anything too small, it'll be hard to see in the finished piece. DON"T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE FORCE...I mean shrinkage. It's surprising, you'll see later.
Step 3: Stick your plastic down to your template with a little folded-over tape to keep it in place while you trace your design. I wanted to make some charms using just text, so I printed out the words in a font I liked in outline format.
Step 4: Cut out your shape carefully with your scissors or Xacto knife. I used the scissors for most of it and used the Xacto to cut out little pieces and to cut out the holes for hanging.
Side note: I sing the song of Xacto knives, because they are the SHIZ. I swear I use mine for every project. They're great for detail work or when you just need a pointy or sharp thing to scrape/cut/make holes in something. Plus, you just buy one and then buy the replacement blades for super cheap. Economical and incredibly useful.
Side note: I sing the song of Xacto knives, because they are the SHIZ. I swear I use mine for every project. They're great for detail work or when you just need a pointy or sharp thing to scrape/cut/make holes in something. Plus, you just buy one and then buy the replacement blades for super cheap. Economical and incredibly useful.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a regular ol' baking sheet or flat pan with aluminum foil and be sure to smooth the foil flat. Place you cut-out shapes on the foil, spacing them out a little so they don't touch. Bake for 2-3 minutes. Mine took about 2.5 minutes, so check on yours around 2 mins. They should curl up, then flatten out as they shrink.
Step 6: Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy! The plastic should now be a few millimeters thick, inflexible, and slightly opaque.
There you have it! I made a few text-charms for necklaces and pendant for my brother that could be a necklace or a keychain.
Leave a comment below with your favorite short quote and I'll pick and make the coolest one and send it you FREE!