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Ravelry: June
Flickrshrink plastic ring tutorial
Thank you to everyone who requested a shrinkydinks ring tutorial! I hope this will answer all your questions. Please leave me a comment if you have any questions etc, or link to pictures of your own rings!
This tutorial is Donationware – the instructions are available for free, but if you like it please consider sending me a donation to show your appreciation:
Send me a donation and receive the easy-to-print PDF version of the tutorial as a thank you! The PDF also includes my tips that I’ve made in the comments since creating this tutorial.
Donations of any size are much appreciated. Just add the amount you wish to donate, and, once you have checked out and paid, your PDF will instantly be available to download from your PlanetJune account.
The complete instructions are available below, regardless of whether or not you choose to pay for them 
This is a PlanetJune original tutorial. Please do not share or reproduce this tutorial; instead post a link to http://www.planetjune.com/shrinkydinks
I’ll answer some questions from the comments on my previous shrinky rings post before I get started, and add more hints and tips throughout the tutorial.
Shrink plastic, for the uninitiated, was originally marketed as a toy for kids. It starts life thin and flexible. You draw on it and then bake it in the oven, and it shrinks to become about 1/3 of the starting size, but 9 times as thick. This thickness makes it strong and hard. It will not bend after baking, so if you try to pull your ring open, or stand on it, it may snap, but it is strong enough to withstand regular use as a ring.
The last step (bending the ring into shape) is the most difficult, so I highly recommend that 1) you read through all the instructions before starting, and 2) practice on a blank piece of shrink plastic so you can get a feel for it and test your size and bending technique before putting too much effort into your design!
Full tutorial instructions are after the jump…
1. Find your shrink plastic
I use Shrinky Dinks Frosted Ruff N’ Ready, which accepts rubber stamped images beautifully. Any transparent shrink plastic will work. If you use the coloured opaque shrink plastic, you would have to decorate the outside of your ring instead of the inside. You could also use the inkjet printable type of shrink plastic.
Note: If you are looking for sources, search for “shrink plastic” (generic term) not “shrinkydinks” (brand name) and you may have more luck. For example, for you UK people, googling ‘Shrink Plastic UK’ (without the quotes) will give you lots of online stores that sell it. You’re looking for large sheets of it, not pre-cut shapes.
2. Measure and cut to size
Note: Different brand of shrink plastic may shrink by different amounts, so you might want to try baking a plain test piece to make sure you’ve got the size right before spending time on decoration.
If you know your ring size, you can use a ring size converter to calculate the desired circumference of your ring. The circumference in this case will be equal to the length of your strip of plastic (after shrinking). Shrinkydinks shrinks by approx 3 times, but I found I had to allow an extra 10% in the length measurement to compensate for the curvature in the finished ring. For my rings (finished size approximately US 6, UK J, and 6mm tall) my starting dimensions are 14.2 x 1.6cm.
To cut the plastic, I like to use a guillotine (paper cutter) to get straight lines, but it’s probably not good for the cutter blade (I use an old cutter blade). You could also use an xacto knife and metal ruler, or just cut the plastic with scissors.
The corners can be very sharp, so I like to round them off slightly with scissors before baking (don’t worry if you forget this step; you can file or sand them down after baking).
3. Decorate shrink plastic
Follow the decorating instructions that come with your shrink plastic. Here are some ideas:
- Rubber stamps + alcohol-based permanent inks (be warned: other types of stamp ink will smudge)
- Fine-point permanent marker (e.g. Sharpie) to draw or trace your designs
- Coloured pencils (use in combination with the above to add colour)
- Print designs directly onto your plastic (inkjet shrink plastic ONLY)
If you’re using the frosted type, remember to decorate the rough (frosted) side.
I used peg stamps to decorate my first rings. The designs are only 1cm tall so fit my rings perfectly. Below I have also tried some other rubber stamps:
Don’t forget to let your ink dry before adding any coloured pencil embellishments, and remember that colours will become more saturated and vibrant after baking, so less is more in this case.
4. Find a suitable form to bend plastic around
Here’s a useful tip to find an object of the right size to create your ring: take an existing ring, and try to slip it over various thin cylindrical household objects, e.g. marker pen barrel, wooden spoon handle, lip balm tube. You are looking for an object that is a tight fit inside your ring. If you don’t have anything suitable, you could buy a short length of wooden dowel of the right diameter. Your object will come into contact with hot plastic, so don’t use any treasured possessions for this step.
5. Shrink your plastic
This is the fun part!
Preheat a toaster oven or conventional oven to the temperature specified on your packaging. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area so any fumes don’t build up.
Note: Please read the instructions below all the way to the end before baking your ring – the shaping happens very quickly after baking so you need to be ready…
Place your strip (decorated side up) on a piece of brown paper on an oven tray, and put it in the oven. Keep watching… this is where the magic happens. Your strip will begin to curl up and wiggle about as some parts heat more quickly than others and so begin to shrink more quickly. Don’t worry if it looks like it’s stuck together – in my experience it always flattens out as it continues to shrink. When it has finished shrinking, leave it in the oven for another 30 seconds to heat through evenly.
Here’s an animation of the shrinking process:
6. Shape your ring
When your strip comes out of the oven, you will have to work quickly – you only have about 10 seconds before it has cooled and becomes rigid. Disclaimer: to protect your hands from the hot plastic, you should probably wear a thin glove (for more control) or an oven mitt (for better protection against the heat) but I don’t bother – it is hot, but the plastic doesn’t stay hot for long enough to burn skin.
Remove the brown paper from the oven. Wait for about 2 seconds (so it’s not too hot to touch), then carefully wrap the strip around your forming tool, with your decorated side facing in towards the tool. Hold it in place for a few seconds until it becomes cool and rigid.
I’m not going to lie, this step is tricky. You really do have to work quickly, and not make any mistakes, otherwise you won’t have time to wrap the entire strip around your object before it cools. But don’t lose hope! There is a magic fix for a badly-formed ring like the one below…
Pop your misshapen ring back into the oven on the brown paper, balancing it upright on its curved surface so the join is at the top (as in the picture above). After a minute or so, the plastic will relax back out of its shape, and revert back into a flat strip… I told you this stuff was magic! Let it heat through for about 20-30 seconds, then try to form the ring around your tool again.
Left: unsanded edges; Right: sanded edges
That’s it! You can sand down the edges to give a smoother finish, but this may partially obscure your design. You could also paint the edges after forming for a different effect. For more durability of your design, use a clear coat to carefully varnish the inside of the ring (one coat should be enough).
You can make matching earrings, charm bracelets or necklace pendants – just punch holes for the jewellery findings before shrinking the plastic, and remember that the holes will also shrink, so don’t worry that they will be too large.
Enjoy your new jewellery!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Please leave me a comment if you did, and consider leaving me a donation. Thanks!
Hi, I'm 
afrolunatika said
hello friends well a saw this tutorial. i wanna put artwork in the shrink using the printer what paper i need to use clear or translucid? because i print a artwork in clear shrink and the paper dont absorb the tint of the printer what i cant do to put image of my computer in shrink? (sorry for my english)
June said
nat: it should be safe to use the oven for food after shrinking your plastic. Just make sure the plastic only touches the brown paper – don’t put it directly on a tray you will then put food on.
afrolunatika: there is a special type of shrink plastic you can buy that is safe for putting through your printer. The packet will say if it is the right type. This type has a special coating that allow the inkjet ink to stick to the shrinkydinks – if you use regular shrinkydinks, the ink will smudge.
Heidi said
I, too, found your instructions after seeing the beauties on Etsy. Thanks so much for posting them! I had the frosted plastic in my drawer and stamping fabric paint that is well over 10 years old, but it worked fine. I did have an issue with the piece turning on its side while baking. I’ll have to work on that. I tried resting the wooden spoon handle over the piece, but even though it doesn’t touch, the part under the handle doesn’t heat as fast.
I baked mine on baking parchment. When it’s done, you can use the paper to start wrapping around your dowel or form. Just make sure you complete with the ends wrapped and trapped under the dowel so they end up flattened and level.
This is a great reason to haul out those old tiny stamps! Thanks again.
Rachel said
wooowwww….. I’ve had about a zillion sheets of this stuff for YEARS that my grandmother gave to me when this stuff was real popular, and all I ever made was kiddy stuff. I didn’t know you could make something so elegant and simple with it! I’m definitely going to try this out.
Anita said
This is wonderful! I love shrinky dink, and you make the rings look really simple. I’m going to do a ring this weekend!
starr said
My jaw is hanging open from how beautiful these rings are.. they look like frosted glass! You rock June
rachel said
it looks easy and fun! i will try it ater today though it is probably harder than it looks!
Make Shrinky Dink Plastic Rings | Crazy4Crafts- Crafts and Art Projects said
[...] full tutorial for making these nice shrink plastic rings is on the blog Planet June. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and [...]
Jeannine said
I have just found your site via an entrecard user who had your link on her site. I am so happy to have found your site. I totally enjoyed this shrink art ring tut..So well done!
Madison Avenue said
I LOVE Shrinky Dinks. My kids and I played with them when they first came out but I recently rediscovered how much fun shrinking is. I made some pin-head covers for bulletin/notice boards. Fun!
the lost_poet said
Pretty nifty hack. Very creative. Kudos.
Iris said
I finally tried these today and had a blast doing it!
At first I had some trouble with the forming. Perhaps I’m more sensitive to heat than others but by the time I could touch it without hissing with pain, it was too late to form properly (there’s a very short window, as you mentioned). Finally I had an epiphany and dug out my cotton gloves – they’re the kind you use at night to hold in lotion. They’re easy to maneuver with and made shaping much simpler!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Joey said
I have heard that #6 recyclable plastic works too.
Shrink plastic rings « Joniphippin said
[...] is a great tutorial at planetjune . I find placing the pre-shrunk ring on a strip of tin foil to shrink, then using it to roll up the [...]
sam said
WOW – i would love to try this !!!
where can i get this stuff from, i live in the uk and have never heard of this shrinky stuff before???
Thanks
ReadyMade » Blog Archive » Go see a shrink: Getting practical with kitsch said
[...] such projects as dog tags and key fobs (thanks, Making it Lovely, for the how-to) as well as the rings pictured above (tutorial à la Planet June). Considering the current chaotic state of airline [...]
Artisan Love | Weekend Projects :: Shrinky Rings and Save Your Old Chair said
[...] Shrink Plastic Rings at PlanetJune Save Your Old Chair at Ikea Hacker [...]
Cindy S said
You’re a peach for sharing this tutorial! They look so elegant and not “kiddie”. There’s no reason you couldn’t make a cuff bracelet. Will a metal ring mandrel work? I also have a metal bracelet mandrel. Thanks again!
June said
Cindy S: yes, if you have one, a ring mandrel would be the best tool for the job! I just assumed that most crafters (like me) don’t have such specialized equipment.
The only thing limiting a cuff bracelet is the size of shrink plastic you can buy. A strip cut from a regular 11″ long sheet will shrink to under 4″ in length. But you need to leave room to get the bracelet on and off, so it should be fine!
Marcy said
This looks fantastic. I can’t wait to try it.
Thanks for sharing your technique
Judy Frizell said
Thank you for the great idea, How about using glue to add a rinestone or big bead to fill in the gap,
Plastic - Homemade Shrinky Dinks (Weekly Unplugged Project) | Unplug Your Kids said
[...] gorgeous, funky rings: Shrink Plastic Ring Tutorial from [...]
Madeline said
That’s so cool! I bought the Shrink Dink Jewelry book and was going to try and make the rings except I lost my ring roller! I love the rings they are so pretty!
Here are some pics of earring I made!
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb90/beadexchange1/?action=view¤t=msoF33A5.jpg
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb90/beadexchange1/?action=view¤t=msoE14B2.jpg
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb90/beadexchange1/?action=view¤t=mso9C164.jpg
http://s210.photobucket.com/albums/bb90/beadexchange1/?action=view¤t=mso1B832.jpg
P.S Is that a OPI bottle? That’s genius!
LollyChops said
Wow! This is really cool. I cannot wait to give it a try!
Lolly
caro said
where i can finde the plastic ?? and if dont find it can i use other ??
This is cool! | A Touch of Scrap said
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[...] Shrink Plastic Ring – tutorial with photos [...]
Caroline said
This looks like so much fun.
Talli said
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kukeit/2943840571/
with a quote from alice in wonderland.
Thank you!!
babychan said
very cute
Tina said
OMGasher!! OMGashers!! OMGashers!! I totally love this I am definetley making one of these this weekend I love LOVE LOVE this idea!!!!
THANKS! Can’t wait to make a ring
k. said
This is great :}
A friend of mine got a shrink plastic kit and we made pendants.
pencils work equally as well on the plastic :}
Shirley said
That is the coolest thing! I would have never thought of shrinky dink rings!
Ryan G said
Great idea for effective yet inexpensive presents.
Arzu Musa said
very nice tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing….
rick said
What a great tutorial. Your skills are saving money for the bills.
Weekend Wrap-Up | Words Unspoken said
[...] Shrink Plastic Rings – GORGEOUS rings! Very creative, and you could customize them to match any outfit! [...]
ashleigh said
this is a great idea. I have a friend that has a really old family heirloom ring made out plastic, but part of it is broken. I was curious if you thought that this shrink plastic technique could be used to try to fix it. Thanks for your help!
Shabbar said
Excellent. Thanks for sharing.
Regards
Shabbar
lisa said
nice !! I am adding your tutorial to my blog
claudia said
That was a very good tutorial but i have a question.what temperature does the oven have to be at?
June said
Claudia, check the instructions on the shrink plastic packaging – it may vary from brand to brand and I wouldn’t want to give you the wrong information! For Shrinkydinks brand, the temperature is 325F.
rosa said
Oustanding!!
I doubt i’ll take the time to do this but is good to know i can with your instructions!!
Thanks.
Seth said
I’m going to have to send my wife this way – those rings are nice. She loves projects like this and is always looking for something different. Definitely giving 1 thumb up on Stumble!
Shrinky Dinks!!!! « Domestic Geek said
[...] For those of you too lazy to go to a Borders or who don’t want to drop the $7 on a Shrinky Dink kit, heres a helpful page for making your own Shrinky Dinks using some plastic containers you probably have lying about the house. Also if you want an interesting idea for a cool Shrinky Dink project check out this guide to make adorable Shrinky Dink rings. [...]
Pathojen said
I am just awful at this, but thank you so much for the tutorial. I’m working on a set RIGHT NOW, and they just won’t turn out. Try and try again, I suppose. :]
June said
Pathojen, it is a bit tricky to get the hang of the bending part because you have such a short time to work with the plastic before it becomes rigid. But do stick with it – keep trying and you’ll get there
Pixie said
I am an artist, and I have been looking for a way to make my pieces accessible to more people. I’ve never seen this before. I am very excited to make pieces like these with my own original designs. I had to order the plastic online as my local craft stores didn’t carry it.
I can’t wait to try this out and put some finished pieces in my store. It’s a great way for me to get my original designs out in way that people can carry with them.
THANK YOU!
Nikki said
Does the ink wear off over time? If you wash your hands with the ring on will the ink wear away? I love your tutorial thanks for sharing.
joycrusher.org » Blog Archive » Friday Link Round Up#2 said
[...] Shrink Plastic Ring Tutorial When I was really small I used to put Hula Hoops on my fingers, draw on them and pretend they were really awesome rings. I always used to get upset when they crumbled off These Shrink Plastic Rings are not only prettier but will last longer. I doubt they’ll taste as good though. [...]