DIY Doodle Keychains with Shrink Plastic
Do you remember Shrinky Dinks? They’re back, and I am so here for it! Whether these remind you of your childhood, or you’re too young to have enjoyed them the first time around, you’re absolutely going to love this doodle keychains project! We’re going to take our favorite doodles and turn them into keychains that are perfect as purse or backpack flair, or just a fun addition to your keys. Ready?
You’ll need:
alcohol-based markers (I used Tombow ABT PRO Alcohol-Based Markers)
scissors
1/4″ hole punch
tassels (optional)
oven, baking sheet, and foil or parchment paper
Step 1: Draw your doodles with alcohol-based marker.
The best part about this project is that you can create anything you like! Use your markers to draw animals, foods and drinks, emojis, video game characters, flowers and plants, or anything else you can imagine. Not a skilled artist? You can TRACE things too! Print out any image, logo, etc. and place it under the clear plastic, then it’s simple to trace!
A few tips:
1. Lighter colors may not show up well on the shrink plastic.
2. Colors will darken when they shrink.
3. I recommend drawing with colors first, then adding the black outline. The black will write over top of the other colors.
Step 2: Cut out your images as close to the outline as possible.
Step 3: Punch a hole.
Typically, I do this in the top center of the image. This is where the jump ring will go after the charm is baked.
Step 4: Bake at for 1-3 minutes.
Make sure the oven is preheated, then place the charms on a foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet. You’ll see them curl up as they shrink, then lay flat again. After they lay flat, bake for another 30 seconds, then remove them from the oven.
Step 5: Add a jump ring, keyring, and tassel.
Allow the charms to cool completely. Then, use pliers to twist a jump ring open and thread it through the hole. Add a key ring, and any other decorations like a colorful tassel.
We have had the best time making these adorable little doodle keychains, and I love how unique each one is. These make a wonderful addition to a backpack or purse, and the charms can also be turned into jewelry if you prefer. Add a chain instead of a key ring to turn your doodle into a necklace, or create a matching pair of earrings. If you try this project, I’d love to see what you create! Be sure to share your photos in the Amy Latta & Friends Facebook Group so we can all be inspired.
Also, I’ll be teaching this project in a 30 minute live show on Pinterest TV! Tune in 8/18 at 8 PM EST to learn some doodles and create with me. RSVP and sign up for a reminder here on the Pinterest app!
Want to learn more doodles? Pre-order a copy of my brand new book, Doodle Everything, which has step by step instructions for how to draw over 400 different images!
