Shrinky Dink Christmas Ornaments: A Fun & Easy DIY Craft

Updated at: 14/05/2025

The holiday season is a time for crafting, creating memories, and adding personal touches to your festive decorations. This year, why not try your hand at making unique and charming Shrinky Dink Christmas ornaments? This fun and surprisingly simple DIY project is perfect for all ages and skill levels, allowing you to unleash your creativity and produce beautiful, personalized decorations that will become cherished keepsakes for years to come. Whether you're looking for a family activity to enjoy together or a relaxing solo project, Shrinky Dink ornaments provide a satisfying blend of artistic expression and tangible results.

From whimsical snowmen and intricate snowflakes to festive reindeer and miniature Christmas trees, the possibilities are virtually endless. The magic of watching your drawn designs shrink and transform into durable, glossy ornaments is incredibly rewarding. Ready to dive into this enchanting craft? Let's move on to the step-by-step instructions to create your own one-of-a-kind Shrinky Dink Christmas ornaments.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 5-ounce plastic cups
  • Permanent markers (Bic-style recommended)
  • Oven
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times, especially during oven use. Shrinky Dink plastic can become very hot.
  • Always use an oven-safe baking sheet and follow the manufacturer's instructions for baking temperature and time. Overbaking can cause warping or melting.
  • Keep Shrinky Dinks away from young children who might put them in their mouths before and after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Supplies

    • 5-ounce plastic cups, permanent markers, and an oven.
    Gather your materials: 5-ounce plastic cups, permanent markers, and an oven.
    Gather Supplies

  2. Design Your Ornament

    • Draw your design on the cup. Focus on the center, but you can also doodle on the outside.

  3. Preheat Oven

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  4. Bake the Ornaments

    • Place the cup(s) on the top rack of your oven.
    • Bake for a few minutes, watching carefully as they shrink and melt. (The process is quick).
    Bake for a few minutes, watching carefully as they shrink and melt. (The process is quick).Bake for a few minutes, watching carefully as they shrink and melt. (The process is quick).
    Bake the Ornaments

  5. Cool and Flatten

    • Once cooled, use a metal spatula to flatten the shrunken ornament.

  6. Add Hanging Loop

    • Punch a hole and add string or ribbon for hanging.
    Punch a hole and add string or ribbon for hanging.
    Add Hanging Loop

Read more: DIY Dollar Store Ghost Candy Holder: Spooky Cute Halloween Decor!

Tips

  • Use thin, permanent markers like Bic for detailed designs.
  • The design in the center of the cup will be most prominent after shrinking.
  • This craft is quick, making it great for kids.
  • Experiment with different designs and themes (Christmas, Thanksgiving, family portraits, etc.).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Shrinky Dink

Reason: Leaving the plastic in the oven for too long can cause it to warp, bubble, or even burn, ruining the ornament.
Solution: Reduce baking time and check frequently to prevent overbaking.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Plastic

Reason: Not all plastics shrink in the same way. Using the wrong type may lead to uneven shrinking, melting, or not shrinking at all.
Solution: Ensure you are using specifically designed Shrinky Dink plastic sheets.

3. Not Punching Holes Before Baking

Reason: Forgetting to punch holes for hanging before baking makes it impossible to hang the ornament afterward, as the plastic becomes too brittle to punch after shrinking.
Solution: Always punch holes before placing the ornaments in the oven.

FAQs

What kind of plastic sheets should I use for Shrinky Dink ornaments?
You need to use special Shrinky Dink plastic sheets. These are designed to shrink uniformly and are available online or at craft stores. Regular plastic won't work.
How do I prevent my Shrinky Dink ornaments from warping or bending?
To avoid warping, make sure your designs are evenly spaced on the sheet and don't overload it with too many images. Also, bake according to package instructions—don't overheat or underheat.