Valentine Shrinky Dinks

While I was on vacation, I bought several magazines. In Hallmark Magazine, I found an article on mini valentines that you can make with shrinky dinks. It just so happens that I have a ton of shrinky dink paper left over from a project I did several years ago so I decided that we were going to make them sometime before Valentine's Day.

Yesterday, Ammy had a playdate with her friends, Isabel and Oona. She wanted to make a craft with them so we pulled out the markers, colored pencils and shrinky dink paper (frosted ruff n' ready). They sat and worked on their valentines for hours. Allie and Tristan even joined in after the play date ended. I have to say that even I made a few.

I found these little heart containers at Michaels (in the wedding section). Most of the shrinky dinks fit in the container once they are baked. Ammy plans to give each of her classmates a container filled with little mini valentine wishes...a much better option than the cheesy paper valentines you buy in the box. Not that I haven't purchased those cheesy paper valentines for the past 16 years! (and will be for Kellen since he has no desire to join in the fun)

The twins don't have school today so Isabel, Oona and another friend, Annie are here making Shrinky Dinks again! They've been at it for over 2hours and I don't see them coming up for air any time soon. A total win-win situation....they have cute Valentines to give and they are entertained for hours.

If you don't have access to Shrinky Dink paper, you can use recycled #6 plastic according to Cindy at http://www.skiptomylou.org/ (my new favorite crafts for kids website)

You can download templates for the valentines at http://holidays.kaboose.com/valentines-day-coloring-pages.html, http://www.hallmarkmagazine.com/downloads/Give_It_shrinkies_DESIGNS2.pdf or just search for Valentine clipart.

Also, Shrinky Dinks has come out with a printable paper that you can use with your inkject printer. It is available at Michaels; however, they were out of it when I went yesterday. You can print photos and then cook them. I see endless possibilities in my shrinky dink future!