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Mendo Lake Family Life

Shrink Art Key Chain for Dad

Every dad is different and sometime’s it’s hard to find just the right gift. But, all dads carry keys. Making a key chain with kids’ art is a great gift for Father’s Day that he can enjoy every day.

What you’ll need:

  • #6 Plastic container or lid (from deli or bakery)
  • Permanent Markers
  • Scissors
  • Hole Punch
  • Cookie Sheet
  • Paper bag or Parchment paper
  • Oven with light
  • Key Ring

What you do:

  1. First, check to make sure you have #6 plastic. There is a very small “recycled” triangle on the plastic with a number inside. If it is not a #6, do not use it. If you do have the right type, make sure it is clean and dry.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  3. Once you have the plastic you will be using, you can create the artwork you’d like by drawing directly on it with permanent markers. The colors will darken up a bit when the plastic shrinks.  Make the image about two to three times the size you think it should be. For a key chain, four inches is a good size to start.
  4. When you are finished creating your artwork, cut it out with scissors. Then punch a hole at the top, a little bit away from the edge.
  5. Place the parchment paper or a cut up paper bag onto a cookie sheet. Put the plastic art onto it.  Turn the oven light on so you can peek through the window. Place the cookie sheet into the oven. 
  6. Watch through the oven window. At first it won’t look like anything is happening, then it will start to move, curl up, and shrink. This should only take about two minutes or so. When the plastic has started to flatten out again and is not shrinking anymore, take the cookie sheet out and let it sit to cool about ten minutes.
  7. Put the key ring into the hole of your art key chain. *Tip: If you use a staple remover in the grooves of the key ring, it will hold it open for you to slide into the plastic art’s hole.  

It’s ready for you to give to Dad for a unique Father’s Day gift.