But our friends had a shrinky dinks kit that came with a heater and the works. But since I wasn't ready to adopt a new family fixture, I decided to try making our own shrinky dinks from the used plastic that I had with our toaster oven.
I wasn't expecting perfection for the first time, but I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked.
You can turn the shrinky dinks from used plastic into charms for bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and beautiful creations for any holiday. Let your imagination be your guide. Reuse and create beautiful handmade charms, and jewelry anytime easily with plastic, sharpies and a toaster oven.
1. Plastic: Not every plastic container tops will work. We've tried several and the thicker plastic just curl up and not flatten out. So look for the #6 mark on the plastic. If there's none, then you just have to experiment. I find the thin covers on salads, and bakery items work for us.
2. Sharpies
3. Scissors
4. Hole puncher
5. Toaster (or regular) oven, preheated to 350*
6. Stencils if your child needs a little help (optional).
Draw shape or use stencil to shape your image.
Color in your image. Use the hole puncher and punch where you will hang the charm.
Preheat the toaster or oven to 350 degrees. Put the plastic charms in. Watch the charms curl up and then flatten. When they are flatten, they will also thicken.
I love my toaster oven BTW. I have it since year 2000 and it is the most used appliance in the house. A little worn as you can see, but that toaster is a producer! And recently it has became a crafts tool like you wouldn't believe.
Notice the plastic charms are now thickened. The hole remains and ready for you to string a necklace or onto a key chain.
Here are Self Sagacity's Thursday Two Questions #156
1) Have you heard of shrinky dinks before?
2) What other ways have you re-used plastic containers?
Message about Thursday Two Questions: Since I have been enjoying the shares from week to week, whether it's motivation, or tutorials, questions, recipes, or ranting from the commentators. I am open to ANYTHING you wish to link, so link-up and thanks for stopping by. Smiles.
18 Comments
I have not heard of shrinky dinks before, and this looks like a great project to do with children Trinity's age!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun. I think it is also a fun project for adults. It doesn't require much investment. And you can create so many beautiful things.
Deletewow, those are very cool, never heard of it before, should try doing this too
ReplyDeleteI think you should. If you have an eye for making and creating with drawings, you can do amazing things.
DeleteI have not heard of this before. If I had small kids at home, especially with my girls, then this would be a huge hit. Good job figuring out how to do this without having to buy special things. Recycle, me? I usually toss everything because I usually do not have the space to store it, if there is not an immediate need for it. Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI didn't figure it out, but I did figure out what I had at home that was similar to the materials needed
DeleteHow cool that you can make your own. I remember loving these as a child!
ReplyDeleteYes. I am still making them as I find the plastic. It is too cool not to do.
DeleteIt is the first time I am hearing of shrinky dinks. They are very beautiful and I like the various ways that they can be used. Fascinating! I use plastic containers to store various items. Thanks a lot for hosting and enjoy the rest of your week.
ReplyDeleteI am glad this was news to you! It's hard to be original with so many bloggers and info out there.
DeleteShrinky Dinks have been around for years but every so often, they become popular again. I remember making Mother's Day napkin rings with my grand-daughters Brownie Troop at least 20 years ago. One of the most fun things we made were lace up shoe decorations. You decide on a shape, ie; a duck, a frog, or a flower and make 2 alike. You color it just like the example in the post. Instead of one hole, you punch 2 holes spaced evenly and bake the pieces as directed. The child laces the shoes with the shrinky dink at the bottom between the left and right holes and continues lacing as usual. We used to add glitter and gems to make them even more sparkly.
ReplyDeleteNow that is quite fun! I will have to try that one day. I can't believe that this technique has been around for so long and still is so wonderful to do with kids.
DeleteLove this shrinky dinks idea! I've never tried making them from recycled plastic before, but you've inspired me to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteYippee! Give it a try, it will be so much fun!
DeleteThese are so very cool! I'd not heard of them, but they sound amazing. I'll have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Patti
How perfect that you've left the hole there for hanging on the Christmas tree, wearing as a necklace, what have you!
ReplyDeleteThis is quite interesting and creative.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of it before.
Glad you had this fun time with her!
How long should that plastic art stay in the microwave oven and what if it melts? Is there a possibility to melt too???
ReplyDeleteHave a thought? Please leave a comment here, and I will return as soon as possible. Thanks - If you have a minute, why not check-out the sibbling of Self Sagacity.com Blogger Broadcast. Extra Links = Spam = Delete.