When I was younger shrink film was popular. Shrink film was made of a thin sheet of polystyrene. We colored in shapes that were previously printed on the film or drew our own. Then, after the project was colored with colored pencils or markers, the shape was cut out with scissors. After that, it was placed on a cookie sheet and baked in the oven. When it was taken out, the shrink film was a hard piece of plastic, smaller than the original size.
Shrink film ideas
I enjoy scrolling through Pinterest to find ideas for projects. There are some creative ideas to do with shrink film. For example, for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Grandparent’s Day, make a keychain using a kid’s handprint. I have done something similar with my kiddos. They use a blank sheet of shrink film and randomly color or draw on it. Then I select a spot on it that appeals to me the most. They put their hand on it and I trace their hand. Next, the shape of their hand gets cut out. Then, if desired, a hole is punched somewhere on the palm of the hand. Finally, the shape is heated per package instructions.
My kiddos are creative people and I knew they would enjoy this craft, especially my oldest two. They could make quite a few of them with little materials. The ornaments would look fun either on the small tree in their bedroom or as small gifts to family.
Gathering Materials
The materials were easy to gather. My local craft store had the shrink film in stock. I have about 3 different sizes of hole punches. The smallest one was best. Some crafting supplies I like to always have on hand are permanent markers in various colors. After gathering the materials and tools needed, I went online to find the best ornament templates for this project. I printed out the templates I chose (you can find them here). It is a plus that the shrink film is opaque. I put the film on top of the ornament template and secured it with masking tape. Then I traced the ornaments onto the film with a black permanent marker. My kiddos did their part of coloring the ornaments. Then it was up to me to cut then bake them. It was as simple as that.
Easy Shrink Film Ornaments
Use shrink film, permanent markers, an ornament template and your creativity to make small ornaments for a tree, as a small gift from a child or to make a package more festive.
Materials
- Shrink film (found at many craft stores)
- Permanent markers in many colors
- Ornament Template
Tools
- Scissors
- Hole punch, preferably small
- Oven (with adult supervision)
Instructions
- Gather materials.
- Place a sheet of shrink film on top of ornament template and secure with masking or painter’s tape.
- Trace the shapes and designs of the ornaments onto the shrink film.
- Using permanent markers, color in the ornaments on the shrink film as desired.
- With scissors, cut out each ornament carefully.
- Using the hole punch, make a hole in the top of the ornament, be careful to stay within the margin of the ornament.
- Place ornaments onto baking sheet.
- Bake per instructions on shrink film packaging.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Add a hook, ribbon or floral wire to hang the ornament.
Notes
Kids might enjoy watching the shrink film at work. It will shrink, curl up and then flatten back out.
Colors become darker with the heating process.
Remember, the whole thing will shrink, so the size of the hole from the hole punch will also get smaller. That is good to remember depending on what you are using to hang your ornament.
Colored pencils could also be used, if desired, instead of permanent markers.
When storing them, be sure to package them securely. They will be a strong, hard plastic after heating. However, the ornaments could still break.
Some of the ornaments we made did not fully flatten. There are many variables as to why that might be. One reason could be due to which side they were heated on. Another reason would be if the oven does not cook evenly and they were at a slightly different temperature. (Or if the door of the oven was opened and cool air got into the oven while they were hardening.)
“The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” (Psalms 91:14-15, NLT)