SHRINKY DINKS USING RECYCLED PLASTIC
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Who remembers doing Shrinky Dinks? If you’re anything like me, I am sure you loved it. But wait…you don’t have Shrinky Dink paper? No problem!
WHAT DO I NEED?
- PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH THE NUMBER 6 ON THE BOTTOM OR SHRINKY DINK PAPER
- SHARPIES OR ANY PERMANENT MARKER
- HOLE PUNCHER (OPTIONAL)
- OVEN
- BAKING SHEET COVERED IN ALUMINUM FOIL
HOW DO I MAKE THEM?
- LOOK FOR THE NUMBER 6 ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PLASTIC (see photo below): Did you know that you can make Shrinky Dinks from any plastic that has the number 6 on the bottom? Think salad containers, take out containers, some strawberry and blueberry containers and some plastic cups. Be sure to look for that number 6 because other numbers will not work.
- CLEAN AND DRY THE PLASTIC
- CUT THE PLASTIC INTO SHAPES (you can also trace shapes prior to cutting)
- COLOR, WRITE OR DRAW WITH SHARPIES
- PUNCH A HOLE WITH HOLE PUNCHER (optional and only if you want to make a keychain or hang it from something) Be sure not to punch the hole too close to the edge. The hole will look big but it shrinks a lot!
- BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 1-3* MINUTES *IMPORTANT: You must watch the plastic heat through the oven window. If you can’t see or do not have a light, you can crack the oven door open a bit to watch. The entire design will curl up and move a lot. Do not panic! It will curl a lot before it flattens.
- USING AN OVEN MITT, REMOVE THE BAKING SHEET – you can press down using a mug or a bowl to completely flatten the Shrinky Dink if the edges are still a little curled.
