That’s right, it’s that time again… time for Stampin’ Sunday! Today, I’m going to teach you how to use those adorable Pink Paislee stamps to create your own embellishments using shrink plastic. Known in it’s former life as Shrinky Dinks, shrink plastic has seen a bit of a revival in the past few years. And, it makes some pretty nifty embellishments if I do say so myself! So, let’s start off with a short list of supplies…
You’ll need to grab the following to complete this project: shrink plastic (I like to use PolyShrink. For this project, we’ll be using the “Canvas White” version.), black solvent-based ink (such as StazOn), colored pencils, a wooden skewer, scissors, a heat gun (like one you would use for heat embossing), a plastic cutting mat (or other non-flammable surface), and (of course) STAMPS!
Step 1: Using the solvent-based ink, stamp your image the desired number of times directly onto the shrink plastic. DOn’t worry if the image isn’t perfect. Once you shrink it down, you won’t notice that little edge of the stamp that didn’t make a perfect impression.
Step 2: Color the images using colored pencils. **Remember that once the image is shrunk down, the color will be even more saturated than it appears after being freshly colored onto the plastic. So, you might want to pick a pencil that is a shade or two lighter than your desired finished color.**
Step 4: Using scissors, carefully cut out your stamped and colored images. **DO NOT worry about making very detailed cuts. For instance, on the butterflies, don’t cut out the antennae or cut the ripples of the wing edges perfectly. It won’t make a difference once they are shrunk down (see below).**
Step 5: Now, it’s time for the fun… SHRINKING! Work with one stamped image at a time. Place the image on your cutting mat (or other non-flammable surface), and use the pointy end of a wooden skewer to GENTLY hold the image in place…
Step 6: Holding the heat gun about 4 inches away from the plastic, begin applying heat. Move the gun in a circular motion while heating the plastic to evenly distribute the heat. The plastic will begin to shrink and curl in on itself:
Step 7: DO NOT PANIC! LOL! Seriously… the curling is normal, and it will begin to flatten out on its own in a couple more seconds. Once it does, you can stop heating. Don’t continue to heat after it flattens out… it is possible to burn the plastic. The piece remains slightly pliable for a few seconds after you stop heating it. At that time, if you want the piece flatter, flatten it out by placing an acrylic block on top of it. For the butterflies, I preferred the wings to be slightly bent upward. You can work the plastic a bit with your fingers (don’t worry… it won’t be too hot) to achieve the desired look. Here is a comparison of the shrunk-down size to the original plastic image:
You will end up with a hanful of little pretties after you’re done shrinking them all down:
Step 8: I like to add some bling to my butterflies by applying a couple of tiny self-adhesive pearls down the body of the butterfly.
Now that we’re done, I have created a fun little photo frame project using these gorgeous little butterflies!
For step by step instructions on how to use the shrink plastic butterflies to create an altered frame click HERE to visit our “Pink Projects” section of the website and download a FREE PDF project sheet.
* Other coloring agents you could use: chalks, Sharpie or other permanent markers, alcohol inks, etc. Use you imagination, and experiment!
* Some people recommend using an oven to shrink the plastic. Although the shrink plastic itself is non-toxic, there is no guarantee that the baking of alcohol inks or other colorants might not ruin your oven or cause some fumes to be let off. So, it’s best to use a separate toaster oven JUST FOR CRAFTING in a well-ventilated area if that is your intended baking method. I’ve always found that a heat gun works just fine for me, though.
* It is sometimes recommend to sand the shrink plastic first before adding your colorant. I don’t find that to be necessary. And, obviously, you definitely wouldn’t want to do that if you are using the transparent version of shrink plastic (you would end up with ugly scratches visible all over your finished piece).
* Finally, if you wish to have a glossier sheen to your finished piece, a thin coat of clear glossy nail polish always works for me.
Now, bust out that shrink plastic, and have some fun!
