Make Life Lovely

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1950’s Shrinky Dinks Charms Bracelet

By 57 Comments

Hi everyone!  Today I’m excited to be the part of a Sizzix Blog Hop to celebrate The 50’s, a groovy new collection of Sizzix dies created by the talented Jen Long!

Grab a soda pop, put on your blue suede shoes, and get ready to rock and roll with this fun project!

DIY Shrinky Dink Charm Bracelet

I love all of these 50’s dies SO much, and I was having a really hard time deciding which ones to use…

The 50's Sizzix Jen Long Die Collection

So I decided to use a LOT of them to make a cute Shrinky Dinks Charms Bracelet!  Did you know that you can use your Sizzix dies on shrink plastic?  The size of the cut dies were just perfect for shrinking and turning into cute little plastic charms.  This is a craft project that is great for adults and kids alike.

I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty magical watching those thin paper dies twist and turn in the oven, only to end up perfectly flat when completely baked.  Keep reading for the simple directions!

The 50's Sizzix die collection by Jen Long

1950’s Shrinky Dinks Charms Bracelet

Supplies:

  • Various The 50’s Sizzix dies by Jen Long.  I used the retro sunglasses, electric guitar, camera, saddle shoes, vintage car &  radio, and rock n’ roll sundae  sets.
  • Sizzix Big Shot, Vagabond, Big Kick, or Big Shot Pro die cut machine
  • Shrink plastic (available at most craft stores)
  • Permanent markers (I used Sharpies)
  • Hole punch
  • Clear sealer
  • Chain (for the bracelet)
  • Jump rings
  • Jewelery clasps
  • Pliers

Directions:

Die cut your desired shapes out of the shrink plastic using your 1950’s dies and your die cut machine.

Shrink plastic charms using sizzix dies

Once you have your shapes, use the Sharpies to color them in.  Just remember that the colors will get darker once they are baked!  Punch a hole in the top of the dies, so that you will have a hole for your jump ring to attach to the bracelet.

Preheat the oven.  Bake your 50’s die cuts according to the directions on the back of the package.  I only baked two or three charms at once.  While the charms are baking, you might freak out when they start to twist and turn.  I know I did my first few times!  It’s okay, I promise it will look good at the end.

Bake for the recommended baking time, and carefully remove from the oven.  Use a spatula to press down on the top of the charms and make sure that they are perfectly flat.  Let cool.

1950's shaped charms for charm bracelet

Spray or brush on a clear sealer to protect the color of the charms.

Attach the jump ring to the DIY charm bracelet

Using pliers, open some jump rings by pulling them apart sideways.  Use the jump rings to attach the 50’s charms to the charm bracelet.  If you don’t have a charm bracelet already, it’s easy to make one!  Just buy some silver chain (from the craft store), and add a jump ring with a clasp at the end.  If I can do it, so can you!

Shrinky Dinks Shrink Plastic Charms

Isn’t this bracelet fun?  I love how easy it was to make with these amazing dies!  I have a fun 50’s sock hop party that I’ll be going to this week, and I can’t wait to show off my new 1950’s Shrinky Dink charm bracelet!

DIY Shrinky Dink Charm Bracelet

Now my girls are begging me for one… 😉

 

If you liked this project, I would love for you to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Bloglovin’.  Thanks for following!

XO, Laura signature

About Laura

Hi! I'm Laura, owner and creator of Make Life Lovely, a creative blog filled with creative craft tutorials, DIY projects, party tips, holiday ideas, home decor, and so much more! Make Life Lovely is dedicated to making everyday life more lovely, and I hope to inspire you and show you how.

Comments

  4. jenscull says

    this bracelet is not only super cute, but I bet it is super fun to wear! what a clever idea! this new line is fabulous! 🙂

    Reply

    • Laura says

      Yes, it is so fun to have all those little charms dangling on my wrist. It reminds me of the good old 80’s when I was little and wore those plastic charm bracelets that were so popular!

      Reply

    • Laura says

      Thanks Pam, I love it too! There are so many different things you can make with all of these amazing dies. I’m thinking I need to throw a big 50’s party using all the new dies!!

      Reply

  16. Bonnie Isabelle says

    This is so cute. I love “shrinky dinks” and use them a lot to make jewelry and embellishments. I just Love the 50s charm bracelet. Definitely have to get me some of this collection

    Reply

  34. Celeste Goff says

    Oh my gosh, what a fun and creative way to use these dies! I would never have thought of something so clever.

    Reply

  40. Paulette S says

    Oh Laura, your bracelet is Super Cool! Are those words from the 50’s? I know someone from that era who uses Super in just about every sentence. LOL I love your bracelet, what a great tribute to the 50’s and a fun way to use more than one set of the dies.

    Reply

  43. tlady2 says

    SOOOO CUTE LAURA!!!! What a cute way to use these dies! Your charm bracelet looks WONDERFUL!!! Yep, you’ll be making your girls these! 😀

    Reply

  45. Alison Dietz says

    This is cute! I didn’t think about Sizzix dies being able to cut shrink plastic. Great idea!

    Reply

  47. Konnie Wren says

    HOW fun is this? I am from Louisiana and I originally thought, “What a cute hurricane glass” now upon closer inspection I see that it is an ice cream soda glass. Guess you know where my mind is. Too cute…cannot wait to get these dies.

    Reply

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