How to Make Shrinky Dinks
Once you learn How to Make Shrinky Dinks, it is so easy and fun. Get creative and make lots of fun designs with these DIY shrinky dinks.
Yield: 1
Equipment
- Shrinky dink material You definitely want to order this paper. We have tried other materials but the sheets definitely work the best.
- Sharpies We prefer sharpie brand but you can use any type of permanent marker or colored pencils for decorating.
- Scissors
Instructions
How to make shrinky dinks:
- Print out pictures to trace from your favorite sites or use cookie cutters to trace different designs. However, you can definitely create your own design as well. There are tons of free printable options online too.
- Then use sharpies to decorate your designs. We used fine tip and the regular markers for our design.
How to bake shrinky dinks:
- Cut out the items. Then place on a cookie sheet with the side that is colored up so that the color does not transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake at 325 degrees fahrenheit for 3-10 minutes. The time will vary based on the size of your designs. Larger pieces will take a longer time to shrink. The plastic will shrink to about 1/3 of their original size once they are finished.
- Remove from the oven with an oven mitt.
Notes
Tips and tricks:
We had a lot of issues with our shinky dinks curling on the edges when baking. It helps to lay a silicone baking sheet over the top of the shinky dinks. This will prevent the shinky drinks from curling while cooking.
Another option is to gently press down on them using the oven mitt once out of the oven. You can also lay something gently on them that is flat after baking. This should help to prevent them from curling.
If you would like make a key chain, use a hole punch. Remember, that anything you create will shrink to about 1/3 of the original size.
The kids can make key chains to give as gifts or to hang on their backpacks. There are tons of fun options. Oven times vary. We baked at 325 degrees but you may need to turn your oven to 350.