How to Make a Shrinky Dink Groundhog for Groundhog's Day

One of the most famous groundhogs in America is Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney Phil is brought out every February 2nd to see if he can find his shadow or not. The answer tells us whether we will have early spring or more winter. Children can watch Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog morning and then create him on shrinky dink paper. The groundhog will start out big, but will end up quite small.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shrinky dink sheet
• Pencil crayons
• Scissors
• Baking sheet
• Oven

1. Buy shrinky dink paper at the Shrinky Dink Store (see Resources).

2. Unwrap your shrinky dink package and remove one sheet. Turn it so that the rough side is facing you.

3. Use a brown pencil crayon to draw an outline of the groundhog. Make the groundhog larger than you actually want him so that you can make up for the shrinking that is going to take place.

4. Finish coloring in the groundhog with your pencil crayons.

5. Cut the groundhog out with a pair of scissors. Leave a clear edge around the groundhog so that it has room to shrink.

6. Set your groundhog on a baking sheet.

7. Set your oven knob to 325 degrees. Wait for it to heat up before continuing.

8. Stick the baking sheet in the oven for sixty seconds and then quickly remove.

9. Give the groundhog time to cool off before you play with it.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut a strip of magnet and stick it to the back of your shrinky dink groundhog. Add it to your refrigerator as a decoration.
• Don't take your eyes off of the shrinky dink while it is in the oven. It can burn in under two seconds.

Resources

• Shrinky Dink Store