Shrink! Shrank! Shrunk! by Kathy Sheldon

Think of Shrink! Shrank! Shrunk! by Kathy Sheldon as the shrinky dinks guide book for adults. I love this book. I had a chance to actually try out some of the projects in it over the holidays and the best part about this craft is the whole family got involved. Fun stuff in here.

The first thing you notice when you flip through it and take in all the pictures, is that unbelievably everything is made with plastics that shrink. Some look like antique cameos and others delicate painted glass. What I find really unique and useful with inkjet shrink plastic is that you can achieve fine details in the end product simply through the printing process.

Everyday Tools, Reusable Supplies, and Pretty Projects

Shrink plastic comes in many different styles, types, and brands. Sheldon provides a concise overview in the Shrink Plastic Basics chapter. She also talks about reusing certain recyclable plastics (only experiment with the #6 types of plastics). Finding this type and cutting out certain logos or shapes for shrinking can provide really fun and funky designs.

If you've never did the shrinky dink thing as a kid (like me), then the concept is exciting - yet a little scary, after all, you are baking plastic and I envisioned a lot of smoke coming from the oven. But Sheldon also goes into detail on how to do it and goes in to troubleshooting, tips, and special effects. Shaping, fusing, sealing, and sanding are also highlighted.

And the projects. There are over 30 to get you started in this fun craft, with earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, brooches, and more. Sheldon also shares templates at the back for recreating some of the projects at home. I think what I love best about shrinking plastics is that it provides an easy way to show off your child's work in a very wearable way - print their works out or have them draw to their hearts content and use their art for jewelry.

Book Information:

• Shrink! Shrank! Shrunk! Make Stylish Shrink Plastic Jewelry; by Kathy Sheldon
• Lark Crafts; 2012
• ISBN13" 9781454703495
• Softcover, 128 pages, loads of color pictures

Disclosure: This book was provided by the publisher and any opinions are my own.

Renee Shelton.