How to make Shrinky-Dink Pendants

This article is to help you make your own shrinky-dink pendants to use for cell phones, braclets,necklaces ect. There are many types of shrinky-dink paper, this is for the kind of shrinky-dink you draw on but you can use any type.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Frosted Shrinky-Dink paper (the ruff n' ready kind)can be found at most craft stores (like Michaels)
• Markers or colored pencils
• Sizzors or box cutter
• a pencil with an eraser
• Clear acrylic spray
• Single hole punch
• An idea for your pendant

1. Pre-heat oven to suggested level. Make sure to read all directions given on the shrink y-dink.

2. Gather all materials and read directions that come inside shrink y-dink packaging.

3. Using one sheet of shrink y-dink and a pencil draw outline of the shape you want your pendant to be. *Note: Make sure it is bigger than you want it to end up because it will shrink down alot. See packaging for exact amount. Draw an image inside using the pencil if you want.

4. Add color inside your outline. Making sure that you color on the rough side. DO NOT USE water based markers (sharpies work very well) *Note: If you want a 3d look ad an image to the smooth side and a background on the rough side. This will make the image appear infront of the background.

5. Add color to any outline you drew using the plain pencil (if you want a border color in your border using marker ect)

6. Cut out your outline and add a hole using a single hole punch. (make sure you leave enough room on the edge to prevent breaking)

7. Erase all plain pencil marks, if you don't they will cook on and be on your pendant. If you like you can draw using plain pencil only and create a pendant with no color (just make sure any pencil (even color) is on the rough side)and marker is on the smooth side.

8. Cook for suggested time on old cookie sheet. Wait till it has cooled before removing it (other wise it will warp). Use a spatula to remove your pendant from the cookie sheet.

9. Spray with clear acrylic coating and let dry. Spray on all sides that received color. (if you only drew on the rough side only spray that side, if you only drew on the smooth side only spray that side) This is to prevent color from smearing or rubbing off on your skin. Clear nail polish sometimes works but may smear. Clear Acrylic spray works best.

10. Add any type of holder to your new pendant by using the whole punched into it earlier (thread string through it or add jewelry clasps ect).

Tips & Warnings

• I found using the regular oven was faster.
• Using a small toaster oven does work but mine took longer this way.
• For the most part the shrink y-dink directions work well, I have a very strong oven and it still did not burn them when I left them in for the recommended time. (about 3 mins)
• Not recommended for children without adult supervision.
• Follow the shrink y-dink directions and warnings
• Shrinkys will burn on the bottom so make sure to check them every so often if you leave them in longer than recommended.
• If you are doing this alot with a regular oven it may use up alot of electricity.