Plastic Passion

Discover how to use your computer to make fab shrink plastic jewellery

Kerry Wilkinson, Pennydog

If you haven’t got a printer, use rubber stamps on regular shrink plastic, then continue in the same way

For those who don’t already know, shrink plastic can also be bought in inkjet form. A fantastic development on the original, this opens up a whole world of opportunities for using your favourite pictures to create fabulous personalised accessories. If you have the internet, then look out for copyrightfree designs. Alternatively, try producing artwork with image software or digital photographs. To make the pieces even more unique or for a bit of extra sparkle, why not incorporate buttons and gems into the mix. One thing’s for sure, your friends will be amazed when they find out how they were made!

Printing Designs

1. Search for suitable images to print. If you plan on selling the items, then make sure to obtain permission from the originator first. It is also possible to buy graphics online or use digital photographs. If you have image editing software, it is worth spending time reducing the brightness and contrast, especially as the colours will intensify in the oven.
2. Import the pictures into a document. Load the printer with shrink plastic inkjet paper. Check that the format is set to letter size. It is also a good idea to reduce the page margins to 1.5cm at each side, to maximise the printing area. As a guide, you should be able to fit nine of the same image on one sheet for the brooch and pendant. Finally, print as you would a text document, then leave to dry for one hour.

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Cut out the designs using scissors. You can either round off the corners at this stage, or file them once baked. When making the charms and pendant, punch a hole at the top of the pieces to enable you to attach the jump rings later. Allow a gap of at least 3mm between the edge and the hole. Leave one small image unpunched for use on the brooch.
2. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and lay the shrink plastic designs on top. Place in the oven for three minutes. The pieces will curl up dramatically in the oven but will completely flatten when ready. If the motifs remain slightly warped, push down on the irregular areas with a spoon while still hot then allow to cool.
3. Leave the pieces on the greaseproof paper, and transfer to a well-ventilated area. Secure the motifs to the paper using invisible tape. For an even appearance and to prevent the design from rubbing off, apply three coats of acrylic spray. Allow to dry for 15 minutes between each layer.

Necklace

1. Open a 9mm jump ring apart by twisting one side away from the other with pliers. Feed on the largest shrink plastic motif and attach to the necklace chain.
2. Repeat this process to make the bracelet, using 6mm jump rings and smaller motifs. The project features seven charms, but you can add as many as you like.

Brooch

1. Carefully sew a brooch backing onto a felt leaf motif. Fix the shrink plastic shape in place using strong glue. To complete, embellish with a funky button and co-ordinating fabric, as shown.