Earrings made from
shrink plastic are not only a creative hobby but also a wonderful way to create personal and unique jewelry. Shrink plastic, a synthetic material that becomes smaller when heated and gains a fascinating surface, offers countless design possibilities. Whether you choose colorful prints, transparent or solid colors, with a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can express your own style. In this brief introduction, we will highlight the materials and basic steps to help you discover the world of DIY jewelry making. Let's discover together how simple ideas can transform into beautiful earrings!
It's also a great option as a gift for your loved ones. Jewelry is a timeless
gift for Christmas that is sure to bring joy. So why not give away homemade jewelry with a unique “Bling Bling” effect?
Step 1: Draw Your Design
Shrink plastic has two different sides – a smooth side and a rough side. You should place the rough side facing up, as this is the side that will be painted. Use the black POSCA Marker to draw the shape of a diamond on the plastic. You can draw the design freehand, or print the template, place it underneath, and trace it. For earrings, you’ll need the design twice. Use a ruler for precision or keep the charm of a hand-drawn touch.
Step 2: Cut Out
Cut out the design from the shrink plastic. Make sure to cut just outside the drawn line so that it remains visible after shrinking. The shrink plastic can easily be cut with scissors, but you can also use a scalpel or craft punch if you prefer.
Step 3: Shrink
Preheat the oven to 120°C and use top/bottom heat. Place the cut diamonds with the rough, painted side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The shrinking process takes about two minutes. Don't worry if the plastic curls – that's normal. Once it lays flat, you can remove the finished pieces from the oven. They will now be about half the size, with more intense lines and considerably sturdier.
Step 4: Glue
Now for the final touches: Glue the shrunk diamonds onto the sterling silver earring posts. A special jewelry adhesive is best suited for this. Ensure that you allow the glued areas to dry thoroughly. Your handmade earrings are ready! They are perfect as gifts for friends and family, or as a pretty accessory for yourself.
Be creative with your shrink plastic and let your imagination run wild! Try other designs as well, like these cute paper boats. They are additionally colored with white and light blue POSCA Markers.
Have fun being creative!
Visit our online shop to purchase everything you need for your project!
