It’s summertime and that usually means looking for fun things to do to keep the kids occupied. That may be why you landed at this post in the first place! Well, count your lucky stars that you did because shrink film DIY projects will be a hit with your kids.
Trust me when I say that the kids won’t be able to wait to get back to school to show off their new shrink film DIY pins and zipper pulls that they made all by themselves!
Shrink Film DIY Project Supplies:
- Clear Shrink Film
- Permanent Markers
- White Acrylic Paint and Paint Brush
- Clear Sealant
- Darice Scissors
- Darice Tie Tack Pins
- Finish Findings
- Darice Hole Punch
- Darice Hot Glue Gun
- Printable Shrink Film Stencils
Preheat over to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Download and print the Shrink Film Stencils. Using a permanent marker, trace the design onto the shrink film. Optional: the shrink film directions does say to roughen up one side of the shrink film with sandpaper. Since we were using permanent marker I chose to skip this step, but I would recommend doing so if you use colored pencils or another medium.
Fill in the design with permanent markers.
If adding a finding to create a zipper pull, punch a hole in the top of the design.
Cut out the design.
Place on a baking sheet – I line mine with tinfoil. Place in oven for approximately 5 minutes or until the designs are laying flat and are about the thickness of a nickel. Note: the designs will curl and move as they shrink. This is normal. Read the product directions to ensure you obtain optimum shrinkage!
Remove from oven. I carefully remove from the baking sheet immediately as well because I find they a) cool faster and b) lay smoother that way. This is optional though and if you choose to do so, be careful – they’re hot!
Once the designs are cool, paint the back of them with acrylic paint. I do this for the pins and lanyards because if they are going on any other color than white, that color can change the way they look, making them less vibrant.
Once the paint is dry, cover it with a clear sealant.
Allow the sealer to completely dry and then, using a hot glue gun, attach the tie tack to the back. Allow glue to dry for several minutes before use.
If turning into a zipper pull, simply fit the finding through the hole.
Now you’re ready to wear and show off your beautiful shrink film DIY creations!
If your kids loved this project, they may want to check out our post on sweet shop themed homemade pins. You’ll love the darling ice cream cone and donut!
Kim Conner, blogger at Inspiration Made Simple, is a graphic designer,
crafter, and full-time, outside the home, working mom of three. Inspiration Made Simple is filled with fun craft ideas, tons of free printables,
party ideas, and other inspiration. When Kim is not creating, you can
usually find her reading or playing with her children.
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