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.

Introduction to shrinky dinks

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.

  • (When I was making these Shrinky Dinks Christmas ornaments, I sat in front of the oven and watched the whole process through the glass. The kid in me couldn’t resist.)
  • You can also use permanent markers (like Sharpies) to color in your Shrinky Dink creations, however, colors may darken when baked.
  • It is sometimes called shrink film, shrinkies, polyshrink, or shrinky dinks.
  • The shrink plastic is quite brittle, so it is best to use small, sharp scissors for this, though most rough edges will be hidden once shrunk.
  • This brilliant shrink plastic charm bracelet is created by tracing over clip art with a sharpie and colouring with posca paint pens.

Shrinky Dinks is a tradename for sheets of polystyrene used in crafting; other names include Shrinkles and shrink plastic. The other pair of earrings were in the shape of angel wings, another favourite crafting theme of mine. This retro craft uses the basic skills your first learn as a child of colouring and cutting. And the colors are vivid, distinct, and so metallic they're all liquid gold touched by the rainbow gods. And I had to try a page right away using every single pen to swatch them all.

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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 ¾″ when shrunk. Once they flatten back out, bake for 30 more seconds.

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So they started signing licensing agreements with other companies. The setup started when their distributor M.W Kasch had some difficulties and K&B Innovations needed to figure out a new way to get their product to market. If you are browsing older Shrinky Dinks online or in your toy closet, you might notice different names on the box. In 1974, while the toy was still catching on, the demonstrations continued at malls and stores across the country. I read some interviews with toy store owners at the time who claimed they couldn’t keep anything Evel in stock, he was so popular. Not all of these toys were brand new, but they were being discussed in the media and were certainly on a lot of kids’ Christmas lists.

Can I use other markers besides Sharpies?

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!

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.

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.

Understanding How Shrinky Dinks Work

We just immediately pulled them out and pulled them apart carefully with spatulas (they are https://shrinky-dink.com/ hot), flattened them and then put them back in the oven. There is also a small window of time to flatten your Shrinky Dink with a spatula right after it comes out of the oven. They can also make your design uncomfortable to wear as jewelry or a keychain as it may be sharp. Use sharp scissors for simple shapes, or a craft knife for more detailed edges. Just remember to color boldly, as the colors will intensify but darken during baking.

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.