Shrinky Dinks: The plastic still shrinks, creative possibilities keep growing

If you don’t want to buy shrink film, then you can use #6 plastic containers that you have on hand. Shrinky Dinks were very popular in the 1980s and they are coming back full force nowadays. Once popped in the oven, they magically shrink down to approximately 1/3 of their original size. Pre-cut shapes and let younger children decorate with stickers, stamps, https://shrinky-dink.com/ or stencils. Shrinky Dinks are a fantastic craft for children, but a few safety tips go a long way. In just a few minutes, usually 1 to 3, they begin to curl, twist, and then flatten as they shrink.

Free Shrinky Dink Templates

Place the plastic on a thin cookie sheet (not the insulated type) covered with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Our 2″ circle became about 3/4″ when shrunk. Cut a shape out of the plastic (plastic shrinks about 1/3 of the original size). Once they flatten back out, bake for 30 more seconds.

DIY Shrinky Dinks Valentine Keychains – Materials:

Just like a few years back when my US colleague told me that his children were doing home schooling and he was teaching them about “car”. Actually, PSLE did not come to my mind when I started writing this post. Erhmm… maybe one of the PSLE Science question will ask how density of the polystyrene plastic change as it shrink down to 1/3 of its size. The shrink plastic is the material for Shrinky Dinks, a toy invented in the 70s which amaze kids by shrinking down to 1/3 its original size when heated.

Notes on Coloring the Pieces (Before Baking)

Make sure the correct printer is selected, the correct number of copies you wish to print are entered, and the “Add Bleed” setting is turned off. It should be the same size as the printable shrink plastic you are using. Make sure the correct Material Size is selected for each mat. The Cricut will use the border markers to know where to cut when the images are loaded. Select all the layers of the photo and offset and click “Flatten.”

The Shrinky Dinks will curl up and then flatten. Place your designed and cut Shrinky Dinks on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet. Additionally, make sure children understand the proper safety precautions, such as washing their hands thoroughly before and after handling the Shrinky Dinks. You can also add textures and patterns to your Shrinky Dinks using materials like glitter, sequins, or even fabric.

• Either send it to me by email or share it on my facebook page– I’d love to add it to my Shrinky Dinks Fun Pinterest Board!
• Their unique opaque pigment ink is perfect for creating bold designs on various surfaces such as paper, wood, glass, metal, and even fabric.
• They went on the license the product to the Colorforms corporation, which produced Shrinky Dink kits using popular characters; the kit featuring the Smurfs (shown above in plastic figurine form) was the biggest seller and Shrinky Dinks mania took off.
• And if you’re looking for more simple craft ideas, we’ve got lots.
• – The shrinking process usually takes just a few minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the plastic sheet.

This type of plastic is very hard-wearing and does not break down under exposure to sunlight or extremes of heating or freezing. After the pieces lay flat, allow an additional 30 seconds of baking time to complete the process. Yep – plain old #6 containers make the perfect shrinky dink art. If you’re wondering can you use #5 plastic for making shrink plastic, unfortunately the answer is no. #6 plastic is the only plastic you can use. You may have more options where you live, but this activity is fun too and you can still recycle the scraps for shrinky dink plastic. Typically, shrinky dink plastic if first colored on with permanent markers or colored pencils.

The templates

They can guide you on selecting the right thickness (typically 0.007 inches for standard projects) and finish (matte or glossy) based on your intended use. If you’re nostalgic for the classic Shrinky Dink kits from the 80s or 90s, eBay is your best bet. Many listings include customer reviews, which can guide you in choosing the right thickness or finish—matte for a subtle look, or glossy for vibrant colors. These kits are particularly useful for parents or educators working with kids aged 8 and up, as they minimize the need for additional purchases.

I was with my jewelry maker friend, Ling, the other day discussing about her new online store “Felicity Findings”. I love how they look when they’re done, and the possibilities are endless with the images you can print out. Add some brass jump rings and key rings and you’re good to go! Now, you could honestly just go ahead and add some keychain hardware to these and call it a day.