Fun fact for today. Did you know that you can print and cut Shrinky Dinks with your Cricut? This step by step tutorial will show you how you can print and cut lots of designs and create accessories with Shrinky Dinks Ink Jet paper. I remember Shrinky Dinks from my childhood. I would trace, color, and bake. Today, we will choose designs from Design Space and make some key chains, pins, and bookmarks!
So, let’s get started. Your supplies will be determined by the accessory you decide to make. Below is a list and links to the supplies:
Supply List
- Shrinky Dink Ink Jet Paper
- Design Space
- Printer
- Cricut
- Mat
- Scissors
- Oven or Toaster Oven
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Markers
- Paper Clips (Bookmark)
- Key Ring
- Pin Back
- E6000 or Super Glue
- Clear Gloss Finish
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Shrinky Dink Paper
First of all, let’s talk about Shrinky Dink Paper. The first time I first tried to do this project, I used the Shrinky Dink paper, and the colors from my printer ran together. Then I bought the Shrinky Dink Paper made of Ink Jet Printers, and it made all the difference in the world. So, I recommend spending a little extra on the Ink Jet type. Here is a link for you!
Design Space
I used Design Space to create my designs and flatten them to create a print then cut image. But you could actually use any program that will allow you to print a design. Your images will shrink to about 30% the size after cooking, so be sure to make the image large enough. So, you need to make your initial image 3 times larger than you would like your final Shrinky Dink. For example, if you want a 1-inch tall Shrinky Dink, you need to make it 3 inches tall in Design Space.
Check out the Video Tutorial for a step-by-step tutorial to create an image for your Shrinky Dink using Design Space.
InkJet Printer
You must use an Inkjet printer if you want to print your image. I use my Epson Workforce Printer.
Scissors or Cricut
Cuttng our your images out of the paper before cooking them in required. I like to use my Cricut Maker to cut the image with the Print then Cut feature. Check out the Video Tutorial for a step-by-step tutorial to create an image for your Shrinky Dink, and I will share with you the material setting that will cut the Shrinky Dink paper with your Cricut Maker. But you can also use scissors. I also use a hole punch to create a hole for my key rings! They are the perfect size after cooking.
Oven or Toaster Oven
I use my oven, but I have seen lots of videos that people also use a toaster oven. Either will work. I preheat my oven to 300 degrees and bake for 3 minutes.
Parchment Paper
Line the bottom of the cookie sheet with parchment paper. I then place another sheet of parchment paper over the Shrinky Dinks before I cook them. Shrinky Dinks will curl during the cooking process, and the parchment paper helps to keep them flat.
Bowl or Glass
I use a bowl to flatten my Shrinky Dink after they have cooked. They are still pliable when they come out of the oven.
Baking Shrinky Dinks
Now for the fun part. Let’s make our images shrink!
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.
- Line a cookie sheet with Parchment Paper.
- Place your cut-out images on top of the parchment paper and then cover them with another piece of parchment paper.
- Place your cookie sheet into your preheated oven and cook for approximately 3 minutes. Baking times will vary.
- When your Shrinky Dinks have curled and have flattened out on your tray, it is time to pull them out. They will be hot, so be sure to use an oven mitt or potholder.
- Place the cookie sheet on an area that can stand the heat (i.e., cutting board) and remove the top layer of Parchment paper with a flat bowl or glass.
- Using your bowl or glass, press each Shrinky Dink flat. If you are not satisfied or will not flatten, you can place them back in the oven for a minute and flatten again. They will not burn at this heat level.
Sealing Shrinky Dinks
The last step is optional. I like to give my designs a gloss seal. There are lots of different options for sealing. The Shrinky Dink product that I use, Grafixarts, has a great FAQ on Sealing Shrinky Dinks. Check it out HERE!
I hope you like this Inspiration Friday project! I would love to see what you make!
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Social Media Links
CLICK HERE If you would like to join the Facebook Group, Crafts and Inspiration hosted by Fun Stuff Crafts! In the group, I share and encourage members to share tips and projects.
