Shrinky Dinks: A Nostalgic Craft Adventure – How to Make Your Own!
Shrinky Dinks! The name alone conjures up memories of childhood crafting sessions, transforming flimsy plastic sheets into tiny, durable treasures. This classic activity is not only incredibly fun but also surprisingly easy to do at home. Whether you’re reliving your youth or introducing a new generation to the magic of Shrinky Dinks, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from gathering your materials to troubleshooting common issues. Get ready to unleash your creativity and create personalized charms, keychains, jewelry, and more!
## What Are Shrinky Dinks?
For those unfamiliar, Shrinky Dinks are thin sheets of polystyrene plastic that, when heated, shrink to about one-third of their original size and become thicker and more durable. The shrinking process concentrates the colors and details of your designs, resulting in vibrant and eye-catching creations. The magic lies in the type of plastic used and its reaction to heat.
## Materials You’ll Need
Before embarking on your Shrinky Dink adventure, gather the following materials:
* **Shrinky Dink Plastic Sheets:** These are readily available at most craft stores and online retailers. They come in various finishes, including clear, frosted, white, and colored. Consider clear sheets for tracing, frosted for colored pencils, and white or colored sheets for opaque designs. You can even find printable Shrinky Dink sheets designed for inkjet or laser printers (more on this later!).
* **Scissors:** A good pair of scissors is essential for cutting out your designs. Detail scissors can be helpful for intricate shapes.
* **Pencil:** A standard pencil is ideal for sketching your designs onto the Shrinky Dink plastic. Make sure it’s not too dull, but also not too sharp that it scratches the plastic excessively. If you are tracing, a mechanical pencil is even better to get fine lines. A white colored pencil or gel pen can be used on dark colored Shrinky Dink sheets.
* **Markers, Colored Pencils, or Acrylic Paints:** The choice of coloring tools depends on the type of Shrinky Dink plastic you’re using and the desired effect. Permanent markers (like Sharpies) work well on most surfaces, offering bold, vibrant colors. Colored pencils are excellent for shading and creating softer, more detailed designs, especially on frosted sheets. Acrylic paints can be used for opaque and textured effects, but be sure to let them dry completely before shrinking.
* **Oven or Toaster Oven:** An oven is required for shrinking your designs. A conventional oven works well, but a toaster oven can be more energy-efficient for smaller projects. Always supervise the shrinking process closely.
* **Baking Sheet:** A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is crucial for preventing the Shrinky Dinks from sticking to the surface during shrinking. You can also use a silicone baking mat.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** This prevents the Shrinky Dinks from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Oven Mitts:** Protect your hands when handling hot baking sheets.
* **Heat-Resistant Flat Object (Optional):** A spatula, thick book, or oven mitt can be used to flatten the Shrinky Dinks immediately after they come out of the oven, preventing them from curling.
* **Hole Punch (Optional):** If you plan to make keychains, jewelry, or ornaments, you’ll need a hole punch to create a hole for attaching jump rings or cords. Make sure to punch the hole *before* shrinking, as you won’t be able to punch through the hardened plastic afterward.
* **Jump Rings, Keychains, Cords (Optional):** These are needed to assemble your finished Shrinky Dink creations into wearable or displayable items.
* **Sandpaper (Optional):** If you want to add a textured surface to your Shrinky Dinks before coloring, fine-grit sandpaper can be used to lightly roughen the plastic.
* **Sealant (Optional):** To protect your designs from scratches and fading, consider applying a sealant after shrinking. Mod Podge, clear acrylic sprays, or epoxy resin are popular options.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Shrinky Dinks:
**Step 1: Design Your Shrinky Dink**
* **Brainstorm Ideas:** Start by brainstorming ideas for your Shrinky Dink creations. Consider themes, colors, and shapes. Look for inspiration in your favorite books, movies, or nature. You can create simple shapes like stars, hearts, and circles, or try more complex designs like characters, animals, or landscapes.
* **Sketch or Trace Your Design:** Once you have an idea, sketch your design onto a piece of paper. Remember that your design will shrink to about one-third of its original size, so make it larger than you want the final product to be. If you’re using clear Shrinky Dink plastic, you can trace a design from a book, magazine, or online image. Simply place the plastic sheet over the image and trace the outlines with a pencil.
* **Consider Line Weight:** Keep in mind that fine lines will become even finer when the plastic shrinks. Thicker lines will generally work better, especially when using colored pencils. If you’re using markers, experiment with different line thicknesses to see how they translate after shrinking.
* **Don’t Forget the Hole:** If you plan to use your Shrinky Dink as a keychain, pendant, or ornament, remember to punch a hole in the plastic *before* shrinking. Use a standard hole punch to create a hole large enough to accommodate a jump ring or cord. Be sure to position the hole strategically, considering how the finished piece will hang.
**Step 2: Color Your Design**
* **Choose Your Coloring Medium:** Select the coloring medium that best suits your design and the type of Shrinky Dink plastic you’re using. Permanent markers are great for bold, vibrant colors, while colored pencils are ideal for shading and creating softer effects. Acrylic paints can be used for opaque designs, but be sure to let them dry completely before shrinking.
* **Apply Color Evenly:** When coloring your design, try to apply the color evenly to avoid streaks or uneven patches. If you’re using colored pencils, use light pressure to build up the color gradually. If you’re using markers, avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause the ink to bleed. For acrylic paint, thin layers are best to avoid cracking during shrinking.
* **Consider Color Intensity:** Remember that the colors will become more intense when the plastic shrinks. Lighter colors will become brighter, and darker colors will become richer. Experiment with different color combinations to see how they look after shrinking.
* **Add Details:** Once you’ve applied the base colors, add details to your design with finer markers or colored pencils. You can add shading, highlights, and textures to make your design more realistic and interesting.
**Step 3: Cut Out Your Design**
* **Use Sharp Scissors:** Use a sharp pair of scissors to carefully cut out your design. Follow the outlines of your design closely, but don’t worry about being perfectly precise. Small imperfections will be less noticeable after shrinking.
* **Cut Smoothly:** Try to cut smoothly and avoid jagged edges. Jagged edges can become more pronounced after shrinking, so it’s best to create a clean, even cut.
* **Leave a Border (Optional):** If you want to create a border around your design, leave a small margin of plastic around the edges. This can add a nice finishing touch to your Shrinky Dink.
* **Be Careful with Intricate Shapes:** If your design has intricate shapes or small details, take your time and be extra careful when cutting. Use detail scissors if necessary to navigate tight corners and curves.
**Step 4: Prepare for Shrinking**
* **Preheat Your Oven or Toaster Oven:** Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 325°F (160°C). It’s important to preheat the oven to ensure that the plastic shrinks evenly. Using too high a temperature can cause the plastic to curl excessively or even burn.
* **Line Your Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the Shrinky Dinks from sticking to the baking sheet during shrinking.
* **Place Your Shrinky Dinks on the Baking Sheet:** Place your cut-out Shrinky Dinks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping. Give them some space to shrink without bumping into each other.
**Step 5: Shrink Your Designs**
* **Bake the Shrinky Dinks:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven or toaster oven. Bake the Shrinky Dinks for 2-3 minutes, or until they have shrunk to about one-third of their original size and are lying flat.
* **Watch the Process Closely:** It’s important to watch the shrinking process closely. The plastic will curl up and contort in various ways before eventually flattening out. This is normal. However, if the plastic starts to burn or smoke, remove it from the oven immediately.
* **Flatten if Necessary:** If the Shrinky Dinks are not lying completely flat after shrinking, you can use a heat-resistant flat object, such as a spatula, thick book, or oven mitt, to gently press them flat while they are still warm. Be careful not to burn yourself.
* **Let Cool Completely:** Once the Shrinky Dinks have flattened and cooled, remove them from the baking sheet and let them cool completely on a flat surface.
**Step 6: Finishing Touches (Optional)**
* **Apply Sealant:** To protect your designs from scratches and fading, consider applying a sealant after shrinking. Mod Podge, clear acrylic sprays, or epoxy resin are popular options. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the sealant.
* **Add Hardware:** If you’ve punched a hole in your Shrinky Dink, you can now attach jump rings, keychains, or cords. Use pliers to open and close the jump rings, and attach them to the hole in the Shrinky Dink. Then, attach the jump ring to a keychain, pendant, or ornament.
* **Display Your Creations:** Once you’ve added the finishing touches, it’s time to display your Shrinky Dink creations. You can wear them as jewelry, hang them as ornaments, or give them as gifts.
## Tips and Tricks for Shrinky Dink Success
* **Experiment with Different Materials:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of Shrinky Dink plastic, coloring mediums, and finishing techniques. The possibilities are endless!
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Like any craft, making Shrinky Dinks takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Keep experimenting and refining your technique.
* **Supervise Children:** Always supervise children when they are working with Shrinky Dinks, especially when using the oven or toaster oven.
* **Ventilate Your Workspace:** When using markers, paints, or sealants, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
* **Store Your Shrinky Dinks Properly:** To prevent your Shrinky Dinks from scratching or fading, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
## Troubleshooting Common Shrinky Dink Problems
* **Shrinky Dinks Curling Too Much:** If your Shrinky Dinks are curling too much during shrinking, try reducing the oven temperature slightly or placing a piece of parchment paper on top of them while they are baking. You can also gently flatten them with a heat-resistant object immediately after they come out of the oven.
* **Shrinky Dinks Sticking to the Baking Sheet:** If your Shrinky Dinks are sticking to the baking sheet, make sure you are using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can also try lightly greasing the baking sheet with cooking spray.
* **Shrinky Dinks Burning or Smoking:** If your Shrinky Dinks are burning or smoking, reduce the oven temperature immediately. You may also need to adjust the baking time.
* **Colors Fading or Scratching:** To prevent colors from fading or scratching, apply a sealant to your Shrinky Dinks after shrinking. You can also store them in a protective case or bag.
* **Uneven Shrinking:** Uneven shrinking can occur if the oven temperature is not consistent or if the Shrinky Dinks are not placed evenly on the baking sheet. Make sure to preheat your oven properly and distribute the Shrinky Dinks evenly on the baking sheet.
## Printable Shrinky Dinks
Did you know you can buy Shrinky Dink paper that you can print on? This opens up a whole new world of possibilities! Here’s how to use printable Shrinky Dink sheets:
1. **Buy Printable Shrinky Dink Paper:** Make sure you buy the correct type for your printer (inkjet or laser). It’s usually clearly marked on the packaging.
2. **Design Your Image:** Create your design on your computer using your favorite image editing software. Make sure the resolution is high enough for a clear print.
3. **Print Your Design:** Follow the instructions on the Shrinky Dink paper packaging for printing. Usually, you’ll need to print in reverse (mirror image) because the printed side will be facing down during shrinking.
4. **Let the Ink Dry:** Allow the ink to dry completely before cutting out your design.
5. **Cut Out Your Design:** Cut out your design as described above.
6. **Shrink!** Follow the shrinking instructions as described above.
## Shrinky Dinks: Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the basic Shrinky Dink technique, you can explore more advanced techniques and creative applications:
* **Layering:** Create multi-layered Shrinky Dink designs by shrinking individual pieces and then gluing them together. This can add depth and dimension to your creations.
* **Embossing:** Add texture to your Shrinky Dinks by embossing them with stencils or textured rollers before shrinking.
* **Decoupage:** Decoupage your Shrinky Dinks with patterned paper or fabric scraps after shrinking. This can add visual interest and unique designs.
* **Resin Coating:** Coat your Shrinky Dinks with epoxy resin for a glossy, durable finish. This can protect your designs from scratches and fading and give them a professional look.
## Conclusion
Making Shrinky Dinks is a fun and rewarding craft activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple materials and a little bit of creativity, you can transform ordinary plastic sheets into unique and personalized treasures. So, gather your supplies, unleash your imagination, and get ready to shrink your way to crafting success! Whether you’re making keychains, jewelry, ornaments, or other decorative items, Shrinky Dinks are a fantastic way to express your creativity and create lasting memories.