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Jan 2011

Winter boredom cure: Shrinky-dinks

January 10, 2011 By 8 Comments
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A while back when my kids and I visited an old friend, her kids introduced my kids to the magical world of Shrinky-dinks! My children were instantly fascinated and spent the next two hours designing and shrinking Shrinky-dinks. If you don’t know what I am talking about, Shrinky-dinks are a children’s toy/activity kit consisting of large flexible sheets which, when heated in an oven, shrink to small hard plates without altering their color or shape. Most sets are pre-printed with outline images of popular children’s characters or other subjects, which are then colored in before baking. However, blank sheets (my personal preference) are available for the artistic child or even adult. You can create magnets, ornaments, charms and much more! If I am starting to sound like an infomercial, it is because they are such a great activity for children that will keep their attention for long periods of time. They are the perfect winter boredom cure! I bought mine at Michaels (craft store) in the scrapbooking section but they can also be purchased at www.shrinkydinks.com.  Here are some of my 6-year old’s Shrinky-dink creations:

BEFORE:

AFTER IT WAS SHRUNK IN THE OVEN:

Kelli France

Kelli France is a busy woman! Her degree in Elementary Education comes into play as a mother of three, Colorado Springs newborn photographer, and online photography mentor. She loves what she does because it gives her a creative outlet. Kelli also likes to read, rock her aerobics class, and enjoy weekly date nights (for her personal sanity) with her husband.

About Kelli


Kelli France is a busy woman! Her degree in Elementary Education comes into play as a mother of three, children's photographer, and online mentor to photographers. She loves what she does because it gives her a creative outlet. Kelli also likes to read (including lots of parenting books!), rock her aerobics class, and enjoy weekly date nights (for her personal sanity) with her husband. She currently resides in Colorado Springs.

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  • http://anagss.blogspot.com/ Ana GR

    Hi!
    I tried this but it always comes out curly!
    What is your tric/oven tiem and heat?

  • http://www.mymesskykids.weebly,com Jaime Fleming

    i vividly remember having Peewee Herman shrinky dinks as a very young child. maybe 4 or 5 years old.

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  • Amy

    Shrinky-dinks were so much fun when I was a kid. I am bummed that they can’t be used in a gas oven.

  • http://lifeineden.wordpress.com Life in Eden

    I hadn’t seen these in ages — then my niece was visiting and bought them with one of her gift cards. Two 7-year-olds had a blast all afternoon!

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  • http://www.theprairiehen.blogspot.com The Prairie Hen

    Dear Kelli,
    Someone showed me a really great way to use these in scrapbooking years ago and I always meant to go and get some to try… forgot… as usual! This mama-brain!!

    My friend, Foxy Roxie, drew some fun accent pictures (a table set with a fun doodle-y tea set, a cartoon apple tree and bushel basket, etc) on the plain sheets, cut them out and then shrunk them… they made darling charms for her page and were amazing in their tiny detail…

    I always wanted to try stamping on it too… hmmm… I think I smell inspiration!!! That is if I can manage to salvage a piece of the stuff after my three turkey’s catch wind of it’s existence!

    Love,
    Raimie @ The Prairie Hen

  • Allie

    I love shrinky dinks!! What I like even better is turning recycling into free shrinky dinks. There are tutorials out there, but essentially you use #6 plastic (clear takeout containers) and permanent markers. It shrinks up just the same, and it’s a great excuse to get carry-out sushi :)