I’m bringing shrinky Dink back into my life! And this time I am mixing it with some Zentangle for a fantastic Zentangle Shrinky Dink necklace!
My cousin Kelli and I used Shrinky Dink pretty often when we were little! I traced a picture of the United States one time. I was pretty darn proud of that because it was so detailed and looked awesome when it came out of the oven.
Well, I am bringing back my love of Shrinky Dink and this time it’s for jewelry. I have received a few compliments on this necklace since I finished it, and no one knows it’s made out of plastic designed for children’s art projects. I would say that is a success.
If you are not familiar with Shrinky Dink, it is a plastic sheet that you can draw and color on. Once you are done, you stick it in the oven and it shrinks to about 1/2 its size and thickens making the perfect material for jewelry pendants.
While I haven’t tried it out, I have heard you can actually use take-out containers because it is the same type of plastic. I will try it out soon and see what happens, as I always loved necklaces I even got couple necklaces here for me and my partner.
Shrinky Dink shrinks down to about half its size so you have to plan out what you want to make and what size you want it to be. I went with a 5 inch elephant that shrank down to about 2.5 inches tall. Using a colored pencil, I traced an elephant photo and then began zentangling the ears.
I’m glad I only did the ears and a little on the forehead. I think if I covered the whole thing it would be far too messy and dark. it needed some white space.
After zentangling the rest of the elephant, I carefully cut it out.
Follow the instructions on your Shrinky Dink package for temperature of your oven and how long to cook it.
I had a few problems with the trunk and the tusk. See, when it starts to shrink it curls up and then lays flat again. While it was curled up, the tusk and the trunk stuck together and never layed flat. I had to take it out of the oven, separate the two and reheat it to get it flat. I was sure it was gone, but I am very happy I was able to save it and reheat it to flatten.
Pro Tip: Using a hole punch is the perfect size for jewelry. It was the perfect size for adding a jump ring to then the chain.
I’m really impressed with the final product. You would never guess I drew that with a colored pencil!
I’m excited to try out a few more Shrinky Dink/Zentangle options!
Have you ever used Shrinky Dink?
PS! For more zentangle check out my shoes! For more jewelry projects check out my washer necklace!
Diana says
I’m surprised and pleased to read that you used colored pencil. So….. I don’t need to use those fancy permanent markers? Also, where did you get the Shrinky Dink stuff? Michaels?
Lauren says
Only certain pens work so I figured it would be easier to use colored pencil. Plus, I like the flat look of a colored pencil better than the glossy pen. I bought it at Michaels. It comes in pack of three sheets.
Melissa Taylor says
I love shrinky-dinks and zentangles! Great idea!
Lauren says
Thanks Melissa!
Geoff (Steep Stories) says
I would totally rock an elephant necklace.
Bill Volckening says
used to love Shrinky Dinks back in the late 70s early 80s
Elizabeth says
I used to love Shrinky Dinks. I had no idea you can still buy the plain sheets. I will have to try this with the Barbarian Horde this summer. That’s what I call my son’s friends when they are over en masse.
I have several friends who Zentangle but it is not my thing. I admire those of y’all who have the patience and talent for it!
Lauren says
I found them a Michaels so you can probably find it at any craft store.
I like to zentangle while I am watching TV. It’s nice to have something to do with my hands.
Elizabeth says
When I’m watching TV I keep my hands busy so I won’t snack! I’m usually doing crochet or hand sewing though.
Danielle says
WOW! This is so incredible. Are you selling these beauties anywhere?? I am a major jewelry junkie. Such a creative and simple idea. Thanks for sharing, cheers!
Lauren says
I’m not currently selling them but is it something you are interested in?
Bonnie says
This looks great! We love using shrinky dink around our house as well. The kids get fascinated watching it in the oven. I should play with it more. Thanks!