The Magic of Shrink Plastic Jewelry
Five-year-old Betty made this shrink plastic jewelry for her siblings and they turned out wonderfully. Plus, we had the best time making them, hanging out in the kitchen one-on-one. Betty kept saying, “I LOVE doing projects with you, Mom.” Made me so happy! This was the first time I’ve ever tried shrink plastic and it is awesome. Seriously. So fun, and such a satisfying project for kids. It really feels magical.
Shrink plastic is a type of thin, flexible plastic that transforms when baked. This makes it perfect for creating custom jewelry, decorations, and other crafts. The project costs about $1, making it a great option for kids’ projects or as a budget-friendly gift idea.
How to Make Shrink Jewelry
Step One: Gather Supplies
The main things you’ll need are:
- Sharpies
- Scissors
- Shrink plastic (you can buy a six-sheet pack for about $6.00)
- Hole punch
- Circle templates
- Embroidery floss
Step Two: Trace Circles onto a Sheet of Shrink Plastic
We tried two different styles and several sizes. You can use a ruler or a template to draw the circles, or you can get creative and freehand it.
Step Three: Cut Out the Circles
Cut out the circles carefully, making sure to get a clean edge.
Step Four: Draw Whatever You Like on the Medallion
We tried all sorts of things. Owls, elephants, cats, trees, skulls, rainbows, etc. You can also thicken up the border circle by running the marker over it a second time.
Step Five: Add Color
This was Betty’s favorite step. She would draw something in black (or ask me to draw it) and then color it in like a coloring book page.
Step Six: Punch a Hole Where You Want Your Medallion to Hang
Note: you MUST punch the hole before you bake the plastic. It will be too thick to punch once it shrinks.
Step Seven: Place Your Medallions on a Piece of Baking Parchment
Bake them according to the directions on the shrink plastic package. Mine instructed to bake at 300 degrees for 2-3 minutes. But in my oven, it only took about 10-15 seconds! The medallions will bend and curl and go crazy in the oven, and then they’ll mostly flatten out.
Step Eight: Your Medallions Are Finished!
You can now use them any way you like. We strung them on embroidery floss to make bracelets and necklaces. You could also string them like beads or make them into charm bracelets or even a keychain.
When we were done making jewelry for her brothers and sisters, Betty made a few more pieces for herself. They are my favorite! So sweet and bright.
Tips and Variations
- Use different colors and patterns to create unique designs.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes of medallions.
- Add texture to your designs by using glitter or other embellishments.
- Create a themed set of jewelry, such as a set of animal-themed medallions.
- Use shrink plastic to make decorations, such as ornaments or garlands.
Conclusion
Making shrink film jewelry is a fun and satisfying project that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. With just a few simple supplies, you can create beautiful and unique jewelry that’s sure to delight. So why not give it a try? Gather your supplies and get creative!
Verdict: Shrink plastic jewelry is a fun and budget-friendly project that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. With its easy-to-follow instructions and limitless design possibilities, it’s a great way to get creative and make something special.
