DIY Network

Shrinky-Dink Earrings From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-302

Shrinky-dink earrings created by guest Cyndee Edwards.

Materials:

One sheet shrink plastic (here, bright white is used)
Chain made of 5 jump rings
Earring piece
Hole punch
Scissors
Brown bag
Cookie sheet
Plastic lid from 12 oz. coffee can
Vinyl gloves

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Take one sheet of shrink plastic "bright white" and trace coffee lid for two circles. Punch hole in each circle with standard paper hole punch.

2. Place 2 circles on brown bag lined cookie sheet, then place cookie sheet in oven at 325 degrees. Set timer to heat the circles for 3 minutes.

3. Remove cookie sheet and quickly form shape with gloved hand – you have 10 seconds to shape! Simply pinch up the sides of the circle, to add a curve to the circle (figure A). If you make a mistake, not to worry. Place shrink plastic back on the cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 5 minutes, or until flat, and then re-shape.

4. Allow shrink plastic circles to cool for 2-3 minutes.

5. To create the dangling earring element that will connect the ear wire to the shrunken dandle, first measure and cut two 2-1/2" pieces of 18-gauge round wire.

6. Pound the pieces with an anvil to create a squared look. Then, take a smaller hammer and use the ball side to pound lengthwise to create a chiseled edge.

7. Use round nose pliers to create a loop at both ends of the piece. Set aside.

8. To create the ear wire, first measure and cut two 1-1/2" pieces of 20-gauge round wire. Form a loop at one end using round nose pliers.

9. With fingers, bend the looped end into U-shape, then use flat nose pliers to crimp the end opposite from the loop and add a slight curve. (figure B).

10. Assemble the ear wires, three 18-gauge pre-cut jump rings, the flattened dangle and the shrunken plastic earring piece (figure C). With pliers, twist one end of jump ring toward you. Place 1 jump ring through flattened element and earring piece and close ring to secure. On opposite end of flattened element, attach two jump rings. Attach plastic earring piece to end jump ring and close to secure.