SHRINKY DINKS

[Orrkid]

I read a potentially useful tip today about shrink plastic. Depending on what you're doing, it might not be practical, but the suggestion was to lightly dust the shrink plastic with baby powder before baking to prevent it from sticking to itself. If you try it, be sure to post your results!

[Cute Lil Katie Kat]

I hope this hasn't been asked a million times or anything but when I  tried to search only in this topic it would keep taking me to the beginning.
Anyway I usually color my charms with prismacolor colored pencils before baking but they don't come out looking very smooth. Is there anyway to paint them before baking or would using marker help? If so what kind of markers?
I want them to look smooth like these:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775648

Actually, from the description, I'm not even sure they are shrinkies...

[Eliea]

I hope this hasn't been asked a million times or anything but when I  tried to search only in this topic it would keep taking me to the beginning.
Anyway I usually color my charms with prismacolor colored pencils before baking but they don't come out looking very smooth. Is there anyway to paint them before baking or would using marker help? If so what kind of markers?
I want them to look smooth like these:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775648

Actually, from the description, I'm not even sure they are shrinkies...

I agree. They look like something else. Perhaps number 6 plastic and painted after shrinking.

[christinashaw]

Two things!:
         First, I was wondering if anyone could send me the direction to where I could find printable acrylic sheets, similar to shrinky dink but with out the shrink. Also if there is any tutorials out there on whats the best method in coloring and cutting that would be upmost helpfull! This is the finished product that I am trying to achieve:






    Secondly, I too was wondering how something like this ( http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775648 ) was made. If it is plastic #6 then how would you get the plastic? Obviously the threads have been talked about getting it from salad bars but is there any way to get flat sheets? Also if ( http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775648 ) was made from plastic #6 then it had to be either a) printed, b) colored with sharpies, or c) with paints, and the paint option isn't likely because it isn't as smooth, dried. Okay please leave your feed back! thanks! 

[Eliea]

She says she seals it in that listing so it could be smooth. Or you are seeing the back in the picture.
Meaning she shrinks, paints, then seals and the sealed side could be the back.
this is from her header:
"each jewel i make is a HAND PAINTED piece of original wearable art, staying true to the art just like tattoos, all done completely by hand, without the use of computers/printers."
So to me that means painted. now as to what paints she uses to get a smooth coat like that... I have no idea.

It could still be shrink plastic. the graffix brand is available in a smooth as is actually shrinky dinks. so you could ideally just trace your shape, shrink and paint.
Also keep in mind shrinkys become much richer once shrunk so it is possible that she paints before shrinking, then seals the item.

The only real way to know for sure is to test it out for yourself. You could ask her what she uses to paint with. (brand of paint) but it would be rude to ask about her exact process as she sells her work. And that's like asking someone to give you money. It's just tacky you know what I mean?
However typically people don't mind sharing little tricks about things they make. So asking about a paint brand is usually ok.

[christinashaw]

Thanks for your help! I figured all your great brains would be so much quicker than just mine alone. I've been experimenting and the problem, Im having is the acrylic curling but i'm going to put pyrex over the top of it next time and see what happens. You could be right that maybe she just turns it over and thats why its so smooth and shiny. Ill repost after I try the pyrex!

[christinashaw]

Okay here it goes!!   First, I just wanted to say the it was in the oven at 325 for 6 minutes, and it didn't even move! So I took the Pyrex off and let it shrink up, then of course it curled up! I accepted defeat and took it out of the oven and then I realized it was plyable! So I put the Pyrex on top of it AFTER it was already shrunk and curled up!! I could never do this before, but this was the longest it had been in the oven! So it flattened out from the weight of the Pyrex! Okay here goes the goodies! let me know!
 

Before I cooked it


And the final product!

[Eliea]

It looks great! Yeah I actually can't ever get mine totally flat so I keep a spatula handy to smash them with when they come out of the oven.
The colors look smoother in the shrunk version to me.

[Onyxnox]

I've been trying to find resources for Staz On ink pads in Toronto, since Michaels is not easily accessible to me.  I am not familiar with the stampbooking resources around here, but I found one place that sells something called Smooch Accent Inks.  This is how they describe the ink:
Use on paper, cardstock, clay, glass and much more. Great for detail accents and layering. The bottle topper doubles as an easy to hold applicator with brush tip. Acid free, archival and fast drying.

Is anyone familiar with this ink?  I was wondering if it would work on shrink plastic?

Same with the other products by the company that makes Staz On -they make Brilliance, and VersaCraft, which on their site says it is good on shrink plastic - anyone have any experience with them?

[*lguernsey*]

Well I just got so white shrinky binks and I have never used white ones before its always been ruff and ready and clear any tips for the white ones you all can give me! will the white brown in the oven at all and tips for coloring on them whats the best to use.