Shrinky Dink Jewelry

These Shrinky Dink Pendants are amazing. They look amazing on earring backs, rings, on necklaces and on bracelets. The Shrinky Dinks are amazing to draw on, and in general, they look fabulous. Being the Harry Potter fan I am (don't judge), I couldn't resist making these cute pendants. Sadly, I don't have my ears pierced, but if I did, they'd look amazing. The great thing is that you can draw almost anything on it, be it the Transformer's logo, batman... Anything at all.

What you need:

• Shrinky Dink plastic -If you're planning to use color pencils, then get the Ruff N' Ready version. They cost about a dollar per sheet, and you can find them at your local Michael's. You can get a clear or frosted type. The clear type is shiny, while the frosted (the one I'm using) one has a matte finish. If you're going to trace an image, don't get opaque plastic.
• Color pencils, Sharpies or acrylic paint.
• Scissors/X-acto knife
• Earring/ring backs/hooks, or a chain
• Hole punch (only for pendants)
• Jump ring (only for pendants)
• Image to trace over (optional)
• E6000 (only if sticking onto backs)
• Oven or toaster
• Spatula/tongs
• Oven mitt

Step 1: Draw Your Image

Bearing in mind that your image shrinks by about 3 times the original size, draw or trace over your images using your Sharpies/color pencils/brush.

Tips:

If you're using acrylic paint, only put a very, very, very thin layer over the plastic

The color of the plastic will become much more vivid, so bear that in mind when you choose your color. For example, the bold Deathly Hallows (triangle) sign, which was a bluish turquoise color, turned dark green.

Step 2: Cut Out Your Images

Remember that you'll need to punch a hole later, so leave enough space for you to do that. Also, don't leave any sharp ends because you could injure yourself with the sharp end after it shrinks.

After you've cut out your images, punch a hole into the plastic. Remember that the hole can't be too close to the edge, because when it shrinks in the oven, the side with become thin, and there's going to be a risk of breaking it.

If you see scraps of plastic left, don't waste it, and draw little images there.

Step 3: Pop It in the Oven

According to the instructions on your packet, preheat the oven/toaster. If you're using Shrinky Dinks, it should be 375°F (195°c)

*For the adults who are going to be supervising their children, remember that this part is dangerous, and don't let young children get too close to the oven. Of course, you should let them see the Shrinky Dinks shrinking. That part is always a favorite.*

Then, cut off a piece of baking paper and layer it over a baking tray. The baking paper keeps the plastic from sticking to the tray. Carefully place your Shrinky Dinks on the tray, and make sure they're not touching each other.

While the oven is still preheating, grab your spatula, tongs and oven mitts. Once the oven is hot enough, pop it in, and watch it shrink.

Do not freak out if the sides curl up like crazy. It's supposed to happen. Once the plastic has shrunk and is lying flat, wear your oven mitts, grab your spatula or tongs, and open the oven. Flatten the plastic that is still slightly curled, and take it out to cool. If pieces stick together, use the tongs to pull them apart gently, then flatten the pieces. At this point, the plastic is still quite hot, so let it cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Final Touches

As you can see, the Shrinky Dinks have shrunk nicely and they look fabulous.

Put a jump ring through the ones with holes, or, using the E600 glue, stick your final product onto the ring/earring blanks. Put them on, and admire yourself in the mirror.

Have fun making your own Shrinky Dink jewelry!