How to Make Shrinky Dink Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a Christmas party favorite. You place it above an archway in the home, and whenever two people stop beneath it at the same time, they are supposed to give each other a kiss. To smaller children, this concept is gross; at that age, boys and girls have cooties. So this craft is aimed toward the older folks. The Shrinky Dink mistletoe can be used instead of the real thing: You can tape it to your archway or you can hang it from a fan.

Things You'll Need

• Shrinky Dink sheets
• Cookie sheet
• Scissors
• Pencil crayons

Instructions

1. Buy a package of Shrinky Dink sheets. Your local craft store should have them, or you can order them from the manufacturer. (Follow the link in Resources.)

2. Take out a Shrinky Dink sheet, rough side up. Lay the smooth side against your table.

3. Use a black pencil crayon to draw an outline of the mistletoe. If you are not sure how to draw mistletoe, you can always place a picture of some mistletoe underneath your Shrinky Dink paper. You will be able to see through the paper and simply trace the mistletoe.

4. Color in the mistletoe with your pencil crayons. Add some red and green, which are the most common Christmas colors.

5. Cut out the mistletoe with your scissors. Make sure you leave a clear space all the way around. This allows some room for the mistletoe to shrink later on.

6. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

7. Place the Shrinky Dink rough side up on the cookie sheet.

8. Place the Shrinky Dink mistletoe in the oven for 60 seconds and remove.

9. Allow to cool and then use.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a hole puncher to punch a hole in the top center of the mistletoe. Slide a string through the hole and wear the Shrinky Dink as a necklace or hang it in a window.

• Place a magnetic strip on the back of the mistletoe and stick it on the refrigerator.

• Keep a close eye on the mistletoe while it is in the oven. It can burn in a matter of seconds.

Resources

• Shrinky Dink Store