Okay, so Father's Day is only a few days away. Either you are still trying to settle into your summer routine, or you are in midst of end of the school year chaos. It's possible that, although we do love and appreciate all of those papas out there, we haven't given Father's Day gifts much thought...yet!
Well, I've got some fun and fast shrinky dink projects that will save the day!
I have such fond memories of shrinky dinks. I remember making them with my sister when I was little. I remember making a very special Valentine's day heart that I gave to my husband before we were married. And, years later, then talking him into sitting down to make a dozen or more shrinky dink star ornaments for family Christmas gifts.
There really is something to the magic of shrinky dinks! The decorating of flimsy paper which then becomes hard plastic...super cool, it always makes me smile.
Okay, wanna make some? I know you do, it will bring back all sorts of childhood memories, and your kids are going to love it too!
Supplies needed: shrinky dinks, permanent markers, hole punch, split rings, scissors, ruler
First, measure and cut strips from your shrinky dink paper.
I cut my strips 2 1/2" x 11" for the key chains and 3" x 11" for the money clip. I'm not sure the extra 1/2" makes that much of a difference, but I liked the larger size for the money clip and the key chain a bit smaller. Plus, with those sizes you can get two key chains and one money clip from a single piece of paper.
After your strips are cut, fold in half gently and punch a hole.
I used larger shaped hole punches to ensure enough space for the split ring, also, they are more decorative.
Trim and round the corners.
And now, the fun part, decorate!
This may take a while...it's fun!
Once you are satisfied with your drawings...
It's time to stick them in the oven (follow package instructions) and watch them shrink a dink!
After they've done all of their shrinky pull out of the oven and work FAST! This next part is parent only, because you really need to move quickly (seconds) and the shrikny dinks are quite warm! Flip your shrinky dink off of your cookie sheet decorated side down.
For the key chain, place a spoon over top to help form a "loop" and quickly pull one side up over the spoon, line up holes and hold in place while the shrinky dink cools.
For the money clip place a pencil in the middle and a small square of paper on one side. Fold your shrinky dink up and over a pencil quickly, line up edges and press down firmly sandwiching the paper square in between. Make sure that most of the shrinky dink is pressed firmly toward the other side, except where the pencil is to ensure that money will be held snuggly.
And there you have it, key chains...
And money clips...
Perfect for keeping your bills tucked safely in your pocket...
Dad will surely love these! But, wait they don't have to be just for Dad...what about teachers, or moms or grads, or just for yourself? I'm thinking that I might "steal" one of these money clips to use this summer in the pool bag, perfect!
I'm also thinking that there will be quite a bit more shrinky dinking (yes, I turned that into a verb) around here this summer!!
Apparently, I'm full of gift ideas that kids can make for Dad (or teachers or moms or grads) don't miss two more of my projects over on Inner Child Giving, here's a little peek...
Have fun and enjoy! I know we did!
