DIRECTIONS

NOTE:  The finished size of the shrink art image is generally 50% or smaller.  If the finished size is important to you, always do a test piece.

PREP:
Lightly sand the shrink plastic and wipe off the dust.  This allows the plastic to "grab" the inks and coloring mediums better.  If you plan to add color to both sides, then sand both sides of the shrink plastic.

IMAGE:
Basically you have two options to transfer an image onto the plastic.  Stamping - You can use rubber stamps and stamp onto the plastic using Staz-on Ink.  If you stamp your image with the Staz-on Ink, be sure to clean your stamp with the Staz-on Stamp Cleaner.

TRACING:

• You can stamp your image on paper and tract it onto the shrink plastic using a fine point Sharpie marker.  This method is great with simple designs and does not stain your stamps.  This is also a good way to use coloring book designs or hand drawn designs.
• After you have your image on the shrink plastic, it is time to color your image.
  NOTE: When you shrink the plastic, the color will intensify and get deeper, keep this in mind when coloring.  For this reason, colored pencils are recommended because it is easy to shade with and control the amount of color.  You can use other mediums like markers, paints and paint markers.  Always test to see what effect you want.  Sometimes you may want to color on the back side of the stamped image so that you do not lose some of the details of the designs.
• After you have colored your design, you will need to cut it out.  Use small sharp scissors so that you can maneuver around the image without tearing the plastic.  Always leave a little outline when cutting around the image.  This helps define the image.
• After you have colored the image and cut it out, decide if you need a hold to add on a jump ring or similar.  If you do, use the 1/8 in. hole punch and make a hole where you desire.

SHRINKING:
Follow the manufacturerʻs directions for shrinking the plastic.  If you do not have an oven available, you can shrink the plastic with the Heat It Tool.  Place the shrink plastic piece on a heat resistant surface.  Use the Heat It Tool to shrink the plastic by heating the plastic, keeping the tool moving constantly over the piece.  You can use the wooden chopstick or similar to help hold the plastic down as it shrinks.  The plastic will "dance around" and curl up as it shrinks.

IMPORTANT:
To make sure that the charm is nice and flat when done, follow these steps.  When it finally stops shrinking, stop heating and place the scrap of mat board over the image and press down to flatten.

FINISHING:
Let the piece cool.  Seal the piece with a coat of Clear Glossy Varnish or Sparkle Glaze.  Let Dry.

Attach a jump ring through the hole and attach to the bow pink or slip onto the ball chain key chain.