How to Make Shrinky Dinks with Recyclable Plastic
by
ayisharu
- February 27, 2018
Making shrinky dinks is a fun activity to do with the kids.
It brings out everyone's creative side. And since this activity requires supervision by adults, this will be a great way to spend some quality time.
The shrinky dinks can then be used as bracelet charms, necklace pendants, or accessories for other projects. :)
There are activity kits that are ready for coloring and heating.
But since I love to doodle, I have decided to make shrinky dinks from scratch.
And good news! We don't need to buy shrink films - which are quite pricey for me - just to make these cute little charms. We could recycle plastic containers.
Here is a list of the things we need to make shrinky dinks:
- Plastic #6 - these are food containers and can be found in grocery stores. Look for number 6 inside 3 arrows.
- Permanent pen - ie. sharpie; don't use crayons or alcohol-based markers.
- Scissors
- Puncher
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Oven toaster
How to Make Shrinky Dinks with Recyclable Plastic
1. I drew the design I want for my shrinky dinks in a paper. For this post, I drew letters to spell out my children's names.
2. I then traced them on the plastic.
3. I then added patterns and colors.
4. I carefully cut them and punched a hole.
5. Put them on top of an aluminum foil or parchment paper to heat in oven. I used oven toaster. I suggest to preheat the oven for 2 minutes and heat the plastic for 1 minute.
6. The plastics will begin to shrink. Don't worry if they begin to curl, they will just flatten back.
If after heating it's still curled up, you may put another aluminum foil or parchment paper on top of the shrinky dinks and place a book or something flat and heavy.
7. Tadaaan! And the shrinky dinks are now done!
They can now be used as bracelet charms or pendants! ♥
PS: I have to be careful next time that the edges aren't too sharp once the charms have shrunk.
