Shrink Plastic Keychains

My kids are currently obsessed with making shrink plastic keychains and charms.

I am too!

I never did Shrinky Dinks as a kid, so this is new and fun for me, too. I had no idea you could make so many cool things with shrink plastic!

If you’ve never tried it, shrink plastic is such a fun, easy craft for kids and adults. You simply draw or trace a design onto the plastic, color it in, cut it out, and then bake it in the oven. Watching the pieces curl up and shrink down is definitely the best part!

We’ve been making all kinds of shrink plastic keychains, charms, and little DIY accessories. The kids love choosing their own designs, and I love that they get to turn their artwork into something they can actually use.

You can also use shrink plastic to make backpack charms, zipper pulls, ornaments, jewelry, magnets, and handmade gifts. The possibilities are practically endless!

This is one of those easy crafts for kids that doesn’t require many supplies or complicated instructions. It’s perfect for a rainy afternoon, a weekend craft project, or anytime the kids want something creative to do.

And honestly, I think I’m having just as much fun as they are. There’s something so satisfying about watching a simple drawing transform into a tiny, sturdy charm!

Shrink plastic keychain supplies:

• Shrink Plastic
• Keychains
• Colored pencils or acrylic markers
• Scissors (regular and/or decorative)
• Hole punch
• Cookie sheet
• Oven

Shrink plastic keychain instructions:

1. Draw your design on a sheet of shrink plastic.
2. Color it in with colored pencils or permanent markers.
3. Cut out your design, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Punch a hole near the top before baking.
5. Bake according to the package directions until the plastic has finished shrinking.
6. Flatten with a plate or other smooth surface if needed.
7. Let it cool, then add a jump ring and keychain.
8. Enjoy your new DIY shrink plastic keychain!