What are Shrinky Dinks?
Shrinky Dinks are thin sheets of plastic that can be cut and printed with designs. When placed in the oven, the plastic shrinks to about one-third of its original size. It’s a fun craft activity for children and adults alike! The possibilities of what you can create with Shrinky Dinks are endless and the results can be quite impressive.
Materials Needed
To get started with Shrinky Dinks, you’ll need a few basic supplies. You’ll need the actual Shrinky Dinks plastic sheets, which can be found in craft stores or online. You’ll also need scissors or a craft knife to cut out the shapes you want. If you plan to print your own designs, you’ll need a printer and ink. Finally, you’ll need an oven or toaster oven to shrink the plastic.
Creating the Designs
If you plan to make your own designs, you can either draw them freehand on the plastic or print them out on a computer. If you choose to draw your designs, you should use permanent markers like Sharpies, which won’t fade after baking. If you plan to print your designs, make sure you have a printer that can handle the plastic sheets. Once your design is complete, use the scissors or craft knife to cut out the shapes.
Shrinking the Pieces
When you’re ready to shrink the pieces, preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the pieces are spaced out so they don’t touch. Bake the pieces for about 2 minutes, or until they are flat and have shrunk to about one-third of their original size. Let them cool before handling.
Adding Color or Glitter
Once the pieces have cooled, you can add some color or glitter. If you want to add color, use acrylic paints or permanent markers. For a more sparkly effect, glue some glitter to the pieces. If you want to make jewelry, you can glue jump rings or earring hooks to the pieces.
Finishing Touches
When all of your pieces are finished, you can assemble them into whatever you’d like. You can make jewelry, magnets, ornaments, decorations, and more. If you used jump rings, you can string them together to make necklaces, bracelets, and keychains. Once your project is complete, you can share it with family and friends or even sell it!
Conclusion
Shrinky Dinks are an easy and fun craft activity for both children and adults. With just a few supplies, you can create all sorts of fun and unique pieces. From jewelry and decorations to magnets and ornaments, the possibilities are endless. So grab some Shrinky Dinks and get creative!