Shrinky Dink Woven Bracelet Tutorial

I experimented a bit and created this woven shrinky dink bracelet. For this project, you will need one sheet of shrinky dink, jump rings, and a clasp.

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Step 1: Cut Pieces

I started by cutting out five squares of shrinky dink, about 2"x2." I have tiny wrists so you may need more squares. I rounded the corners with a paper punch and then cut out lots of thin strips of shrinky dink that were a little shorter than the square.

Next, I used a craft blade to cut strips in the squares. Leave space around the entire edge. This was the tricky part. It's not that easy to cut the strips through the shrinky dink so be careful not to cut yourself. It's also possible to pull down too far and cut all the way down to the end of the square.

kathynv says: Jan 28, 2012. 7:49 PM

Very nice. I think that your weaving is inspired, and would be easy to mix up and use in many jewelry pieces on your Etsy site. Consider woven hearts or circles as the links on your bracelet, or use colored plastic as the weaving material on a clear or white background. I've had decent luck giving the plastic a light sanding then coloring it with colored pencils. The color looks weak before baking, but intensifies when the plastic is shrunk. Also, since the weaving takes so much time, you might consider a woven piece as the highlight of a beaded bracelet or a pendant hanging from an interesting bit of chain. Best of luck with your lovely crafts.

jchang8 (author) says: Jan 28, 2012. 8:45 PM

Thanks for the sweet and thoughtful comment! It would be fun to integrate some woven pieces into my jewelry.

GIJillie says: Jan 23, 2012. 3:41 AM

I have 25 sheets of shrinky dink! I think this will take care of one of them! Thanks, its very cute!

dilinin says: Aug 24, 2011. 9:23 PM

i thought its ideal for fashionable belt ....:)) luv this bracelet ..

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sunshiine says: Aug 9, 2011. 2:22 PM

Love this, thanks for sharing.

gwylan says: Aug 4, 2011. 11:35 AM

Just a word to the wise recycler. Shrinky-dink is a commercial name for bi-axially oriented polystyrene, which is pretty common packaging material. Use the clear or colored thin sheet stuff with a #6 recycling code stamped on it. The quality will vary, but on the other hand, it's free.

dchall8 says: Aug 5, 2011. 1:20 PM

I've looked for this and cannot find anything packaged in #6. Where do you find it?

gwylan says: Aug 9, 2011. 10:51 AM

Clear plastic food containers, like bakery clamshells, are your best bet. You also find the '6' on foamed containers, but that form doesn't work.

Good hunting.

ghawkins3 says: Aug 5, 2011. 10:07 AM

How long do you bake this and at what temperature? Any concerns about off-gassing?

jchang8 (author) says: Aug 5, 2011. 11:34 AM

Hi GHawkins- I followed the instructions on the package. Temp was 230 (I think) and you bake until the piece has flattened. I usually turn on the oven light and watch it. It will start to bend and twist in weird ways and finally it will stop moving. Let it go for another 20 sec or so to make sure it is done and then you can take it out.

If you are using non-branded shrinky dink (recycled #6), then I'm not sure about the time and temp but I know there are several tutorials on the internet for using this material. I would guess it is similar.

As far as off-gassing, I don't know of any problems. I think if you follow directions you are okay. However, I am definitely not an expert on this material.