What Is a Shrinky Dink? A Complete Guide for BeginnersIf you’re looking for a fun, creative craft that’s simple enough for kids yet versatile enough for adults, Shrinky Dinks might be exactly what you need. But what is a Shrinky Dink? In short, a Shrinky Dink is a special type of craft material made from thin sheets of polystyrene plastic. When heated in a regular oven, these sheets shrink to a fraction of their original size and become thicker, harder, and more durable.
In this topic, we’ll explore what Shrinky Dinks are, how they work, their history, and creative ways to use them. Whether you’re a parent looking for a weekend activity or a crafter searching for new ideas, this guide will help you get started.
What Is a Shrinky Dink?
A Shrinky Dink is a craft material made from polystyrene plastic. You can draw or print designs on it, cut them out, and then place them in the oven. As they heat up, they shrink in size but become thicker and more rigid. The result is a small, sturdy charm or decoration that can be used for keychains, jewelry, ornaments, magnets, and much more.
The History of Shrinky Dinks
Shrinky Dinks were invented in 1973 by two housewives from Brookfield, Wisconsin Betty Morris and Kate Bloomberg. They came up with the idea as a children’s craft project for Cub Scouts. The idea quickly grew in popularity and turned into a well-loved product sold in toy stores and craft shops around the world. Today, Shrinky Dinks are used not only for children’s projects but also for creative art pieces and even professional design mockups.
How Do Shrinky Dinks Work?
Shrinky Dinks are made from polystyrene plastic sheets that have been stretched and processed. When heated to around 325°F (163°C), the plastic returns to its original, unstretched size. This causes it to shrink dramatically, usually to about one-third of its original size, while becoming thicker and more solid. The design or coloring applied to the plastic shrinks with it, becoming more vibrant and bold.
Types of Shrinky Dinks
There are different varieties of Shrinky Dink sheets, each designed for specific uses:
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Clear Sheets: Perfect for tracing or printing images.
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Frosted Sheets: Ideal for coloring with colored pencils or markers.
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White Sheets: Great for opaque projects where vibrant colors are needed.
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Inkjet Printable Sheets: Made for printing custom designs directly from a computer.
Materials Needed to Make Shrinky Dinks
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Shrinky Dink sheets (clear, white, or frosted)
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Permanent markers or colored pencils
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Scissors
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Hole punch (if making keychains or jewelry)
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Baking tray
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Parchment paper or aluminum foil
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Oven or toaster oven
How to Make Shrinky Dinks Step by Step
1. Draw or Print Your Design
Using permanent markers or colored pencils, draw your design on the Shrinky Dink sheet. If you’re using clear sheets, you can place the design underneath and trace it. Make sure to draw larger than your intended final size, as the piece will shrink.
2. Cut Out Your Design
Carefully cut around the edges of your drawing. Smooth, rounded edges work best, as sharp corners may curl during baking.
3. Punch Holes if Needed
If you plan to make keychains, charms, or jewelry, use a hole punch to add holes before baking. Remember, the holes will shrink as well, so make them larger than you think you’ll need.
4. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
5. Bake
Place your cutouts on the tray and bake them for 1-3 minutes. You will see the plastic curl up, then flatten out again. Once flat and fully shrunk, remove them from the oven.
6. Cool and Flatten
Let the pieces cool for a few minutes. If any pieces are still slightly curled, gently press them flat with a spatula while they are still warm.
Creative Uses for Shrinky Dinks
1. Keychains
Design fun and colorful keychains with personalized drawings or names.
2. Jewelry
Create earrings, bracelets, and necklaces with unique shapes and designs.
3. Magnets
Turn your Shrinky Dink designs into refrigerator magnets by gluing small magnets on the back.
4. Gift Tags
Make personalized gift tags for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
5. Ornaments
Design holiday ornaments that can be hung on Christmas trees or used as home decor.
6. Custom Buttons or Pins
Add pin backs to make custom buttons and accessories.
Tips for Success with Shrinky Dinks
1. Remember the Shrink Factor
Always make your designs about three times larger than the desired finished size.
2. Use the Right Coloring Tools
Permanent markers work well on smooth surfaces, while colored pencils are better for frosted sheets.
3. Don’t Overbake
Overbaking can cause discoloration or burning. Watch the pieces carefully and remove them once they flatten.
4. Flatten Quickly if Needed
If your piece doesn’t flatten completely, you can press it with a spatula or a book as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Bake Shrinky Dinks in a Regular Oven?
Yes, a regular home oven or toaster oven works perfectly. Just make sure to follow the temperature and time guidelines.
Are Shrinky Dinks Safe for Kids?
Yes, they are generally safe for children to use, but adult supervision is recommended, especially during the baking process.
Can I Print My Designs?
If you have inkjet-compatible Shrinky Dink sheets, you can print any design directly from your computer.
Will the Colors Fade?
The colors usually become more vibrant after shrinking, but avoid using water-based markers, as they may run or fade.
How Much Do Shrinky Dinks Shrink?
They typically shrink to about one-third of their original size and become about nine times thicker.
Why Shrinky Dinks Are Great for Crafters of All Ages
Shrinky Dinks offer an easy, affordable way to express creativity. They’re fun for kids, but adults love them too. Whether you’re making gifts, accessories, or just enjoying a relaxing craft, Shrinky Dinks are incredibly satisfying. The process is magical watching a flat piece of plastic curl, shrink, and harden is entertaining and rewarding.
They are also great for classrooms, art projects, and party activities. You can use them to teach kids about art, colors, and even basic science concepts like heat and material transformation.
A Shrinky Dink is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a creative canvas that transforms into a lasting piece of art. Whether you’re new to crafting or an experienced artist, Shrinky Dinks open up endless possibilities for fun, colorful, and personalized projects. All you need are simple materials, a little imagination, and an oven to turn your drawings into charming creations.
So gather your supplies, start designing, and enjoy the magic of Shrinky Dinks!