style selection: shrinky dink

In honor of my vintage floral statement necklace, I thought I'd investigate the wonderful world of shrink plastic via the good ol' world wide web.  My search yielded some fun finds, thus Style Selection: Shrinky Dink was born.  Here are the goods...

I'm madly in love with this geometric necklace tutorial at livlig.

Those bold patterns are just so striking!

A 2007 issue of N.E.E.T Magazine boasts these cute little key keepers.

Cathe over at Just Something I Made shows off these darling charms made by scanning vintage ephemera and printing the images on shrinky dink.

Her project was featured in a magazine, and the tutorial includes a free download so you can make your own!

Sew Nancy made these shrink plastic decorative pin heads using a tutorial by Wee Wonderfuls.

Check out these gorgeous butterfly necklaces from Happy Together.

There's something irresistible about vintage butterfly graphics.

Aren't these shrink plastic rings cool?  

PlanetJune has a full tutorial with great pictures.

She stamped hers, but it would be fun to try some hand drawn designs.

Of course Martha had to get in on this shrinky dink action.

You can make custom pet ID tags with her free downloadable template.

Last, but certainly not least, I couldn't leave out these nostalgia-inducing, spirograph-inspired shrinky dink push pins by craftlog.

I need spirograph push pins.  BAD.

(I have no choice but to buy one of these.  No choice, I say!)

Turns out Shrinky Dink is a lot cooler than you remembered, huh?

I hope my selections have inspired you to try out some shrink plastic creations of your own!

vintage floral statement necklace...

I made it through Round 1 of One Month to Win It...phew! :)
Thanks to all those who voted.  Stay tuned for Round 2 next week.


In the meantime, here's the tutorial for my vintage floral statement necklace...

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Week 1 Challenge - use vintage graphics from The Graphics Fairy

When I checked out all of the gorgeous vintage graphics The Graphics Fairy has to offer, I knew I had to create a piece of jewelry.  (The images are so beautiful I wanted to wear them!)  I remembered those Shrinky Dink charm bracelets people used to make and was thrilled to discover that there is now printable Shrinky Dink.  I had to try it.  However, I hate wearing bracelets... so I made a bold statement necklace instead.  I love how it turned out!

First, I chose the images I wanted to use--Stunning French Fan & Postcard with Floral Spray.  I cropped/resized the images on my computer, then printed them on a sheet of Shrinky Dink according to package directions.   Then, I cut my floral shapes out and punched holes so I could add jump rings later. 

Next, I baked my pieces (once again, following package directions).  I put them in the oven one at a time, so I could monitor their progress individually.  Once they were done shrinking, I pulled them out, covered them with a sheet of parchment, and placed a heavy book on top for a few seconds so they would be nice and flat.  Finally, I added my findings, a chain, and a satin bow just for an extra dose of femininity... as if a necklace of roses isn't girly enough. :)

Now I get to wear these beautiful blooms around my neck.  This lovely necklace turned out so well, I can't wait to make a few more!