Shrinky Dink Plastic-Little Sprouts Learning

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Whimsical, shrinking pieces of shrinky dink plastic transform into miniature charms or artwork. They are not just a blast from the past; shrinky dinks are still as amazing and entertaining as ever.

Shrinky Dinks are thin sheets of plastic you can cut into any shape, color or draw on, and then bake in the oven to shrink them down to hard little decorations or trinkets. The possibilities are endless. You can make keychains, jewelry, magnets, ornaments, and so much more. Plus, it’s a great daycare activity for all ages!

Shrinky Dinks were invented in 1973 by two housewives from Wisconsin, Betty Morris and Katharine Denison. The invention was somewhat of a happy accident. They were trying to come up with an innovative craft idea for a Cub Scout project. While experimenting with different materials, they discovered that polystyrene plastic (#6 plastic) would shrink and harden when heated in an oven.

Realizing the potential of this discovery, they developed the idea further by creating kits that included sheets of polystyrene plastic, along with instructions on how to color and bake them to create small charms and figurines. They named their product “Shrinky Dinks.”

Initially, Morris and Denison started selling Shrinky Dinks at a local shopping mall. The product quickly gained popularity and began to attract the attention of larger companies.

In 1975, Shrinky Dinks were picked up by the major toy company Milton Bradley, and they became a nationwide sensation. Over the years, Shrinky Dinks continued to evolve with new themes, licensed characters, and variations.

Today, Shrinky Dinks remain popular as a nostalgic craft activity for those who remember them from their childhood, as well as a fun and creative project for new generations.

plastic shrinky dinks in valentine colors on a board

Shrinky dink plastic type

Shrinky Dinks are typically made from a type of plastic known as polystyrene, specifically, the #6 plastic. This kind of plastic is unique because it shrinks when heated, making it perfect for the craft. If you look at the recycling number on plastic items, you’ll see a small number inside the recycling triangle. For Shrinky Dinks, you want to look for plastics with the number 6.

There are also different options available for purchasing Shrinky Dink sheets.

Remember that the type of Shrinky Dink plastic you use may affect the kind of coloring materials that work best on it. For example, colored pencils work well on frosted sheets, while permanent markers or special paint pens might be better for clear sheets. Always test on a small piece if you’re unsure. And find out what the best markers for Shrinky Dinks are here.

Shrinky dink plastic sheets

Shrinky Dink sheets come in a variety of finishes and can be used to create all sorts of fun and creative projects like charms, keychains, ornaments, and more.

Here are the common types of Shrinky Dink plastic sheets:

Clear Sheets: These are transparent sheets that are great for tracing designs. You can use permanent markers or special paint pens on clear sheets.
Frosted / Roughened Sheets: These sheets have a slightly rough surface that’s ideal for coloring with colored pencils. They’re somewhat translucent, and this texture helps the color to adhere better to the plastic.
Inkjet Printable Sheets: These are specially coated sheets that can be fed through an inkjet printer. You can print out your designs and then shrink them in the oven. This is great for more intricate or detailed designs.
Pre-colored or Patterned Sheets: These sheets come with pre-printed designs or patterns. They can be used as-is or customized further with coloring materials.
White Sheets: These are opaque white sheets that provide a solid background for your designs.

You can usually find Shrinky Dink plastic sheets at craft stores, or you can order them online through various retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or specialized craft store websites.

Usage Tips:

Before you start, make sure to read the instructions that come with the sheets, as different brands might have slightly different baking times or temperatures.
Always color on the rough side of the sheet if it’s frosted or roughened.
Use sharp scissors or a craft knife for cutting out shapes.
Be creative and don’t be afraid to experiment!

DIY shrinky dink plastic

Making your own Shrinky Dink plastic is a fantastic and eco-friendly way to reuse and recycle materials that you might already have at home. Check out the link at the beginning of the post to find out more.