Easy DIY Shrinky Dink Instructions

Are you looking for a fun craft idea for the whole family? Learn all the tips for creating a shrinky dink craft. Use our free template to create the cutest state shrinky dinks for keychains, magnets, and more.

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We have a new love for a childhood favorite craft. Our whole family is super excited about shrinky dinks. You can make more advanced shrinky dinks like the design we will share or more kid-friendly designs and scribbles. No matter what, watching your design shrink is super cool!

How To Shrink Shrinky Dinks

You need a heat source. The most common way to shrink shrinky dinks is in your oven or toaster oven. A heat gun or blow dryer is also said to work.

For our shrink dinks, we like to cook them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet at 325 degrees F for 1 to 3 minutes. You will see the plastic curl and twist as it heats up. Wait 30 seconds after the last one is laying flat. We have yet to overcook a shrinky dink but watch the oven pretty closely while shrinking.

Design Ideas

For Kids

• Simple name writing. There is something so special about their handwriting at those younger ages.
• Their favorite drawing: whether a monster or flower.
• Simple shape cut out and scribbled with different colors. Punch a hole and create a fun Jackson Pollock-like charm.
• Rainbows work really well for Shrinky Dink designs.
• Anything goes, this is why we love shrinky dinks!

For Adults

• Small charms for jewelry
• Fun designs for magnets
• Garden markers
• States Outlines
• Succulents
• Food drawings
• Simple shapes repeated
• Name designs
• More rainbows
• Add charms to paint flower pots or other household items

Honestly, you can draw anything you really want on your shrinky dink. Here are cute little garden markers we made just by sketching with permanent markers and cooking the same way we explain in this post.

Our State Idea

We love (no pun intended) state artwork. The best part all you need is a black sharpie and our template or your own drawing. Simple trace the outline carefully and words of your choice.

Cut out the shrinky drink carefully and punch a hole if you plan on hanging. These would make fun charms, keychains, Christmas ornaments, or magnets. 

Notes About Cooking In The Oven

Don’t worry if these twist and turn. This is completely normal. We thought ours was going to touch together, but after it flipped and bent it ended up straightening out. You can see this in the picture below.

How Small Do They Shrink?

Here you can see the size difference from the template to the actual end result of the shrinky dink. Our Shrinky Dink is about 1/3 size of the original and a lot thicker than the original film.

Using Our State Template

If you would like to change the size, you could always adjust your printer settings to make it scale differently. We also only recommend printing the page you need and not all the pages (no need to waste ink). I guess you would print all the templates if you are making 50 states!

Recommend Supplies

• Shrinky Dink Film
• Hole Punch
• Cookie Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Permanent Markers
• String, Pin Backing or Magnet (optional)

How To Make a Shrinky Dink

Before You Begin: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 1: Create A Template

You can draw your own or use our printout. You also do not have to use a template and could simply draw directly on the film.

Step 2: Trace Drawing Onto Shrinky Dink

Carefully line up the film to the template. Begin to trace your artwork onto the Shrinky Dink film.

Step 3: Add More Details or Colors

If you are using colored pencils you will want to color on the rough side. With permanent markers, you will color on the smooth side.

Step 4: Cut Out Design

Cut out your shape once you are done coloring. You will not be able to cut the plastic after it has been in the oven.

Optional: Punch A Hole

Use a hole punch to add a hole near the top, but not too close to the edge.

Step 5: Place Shrinky Dink On Cookie Sheet

We like to cover our cookie sheet with parchment paper first.

Step 6: Place In Oven

You will cook your Shrinky Dink at 325 degrees F for 1-3 minutes. Watch your project. Take the cookie sheet out of the oven after the Shrinky Dink has been laying flat for 30 seconds.

Step 7: Let Cool

Let your craft cool down. Add a string, keychain of magnet.

Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!

Related Easy Crafts & DIYs

• Fun Nail Polish Dipped Mugs
• Large Rainbow Word String Art
• Easy Word Canvas Art Idea For Kids
• How To Melt Crayons On Canvas

Now we think we need to make more easy shrinky dinks with this family-friendly craft idea.