Shrink Art Pendant

Hi there! Today I'll be showing you how to make a cool pendant out of shrink film.

You'll need the following supplies:
- Clear Shrink Film
- Heat It craft tool or toaster oven
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Color pencils
- Jump ring
- Pliers
- Hole puncher
- Sharpie

Optional supplies:
- Large stamp
- Staz On stamp pad

First, decide what your image will be. It should be at least 3-4" tall to accommodate for the shrinking.  You can use a stamp with Staz On ink, or hand draw your image.  I chose to draw mine.  First I drew the image on a piece of white paper.  Then I traced over the lines onto the shrink film with a Sharpie.

Whichever method you choose, make sure your image is lined up either horizontally or vertically on the film to ensure it shrinks evenly.

Next, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out your image.  Once it is cut out, flip it over and sand the back of the film with the fine grit sandpaper.  Move in horizontal and vertical strokes. Once that side is roughed up you can begin to color your image using the color pencils.  Sanding helps the color pencil adhere to the surface of the film.

Once you are done coloring, use the hole puncher to punch a hole at the top of your image.  Make sure you don't punch it too close to the top so that the hole doesn't crack.

Now you are ready to shrink! You can use a heat tool or a preheated toaster oven to do the shrinking. It happens very fast and don't be frightened if it starts to curl up while it's shrinking, that's just part of the process and it will eventually flatten out again.  Once it stops shrinking you can gently press it down using a flat object to get it nice and even.

 













Once the image is done shrinking it will be a little less than half the size of the original.

Use the pliers to open up and loop the jump ring through the hole.  String it on a chain or piece of cording. You can also add beads or other charms as well.

Now you're ready to show off your new handmade piece of jewelry!

You can stop by our Māpunapuna location throughout the week (excluding Wednesdays) and watch Taka as he creates awesome pieces of jewelry that combine shrink film and resin.

Hope you enjoyed this project and until next time, happy crafting!

Rachel @ Māpunapuna