Week 1: Shrinky Dink Ornaments

It's time for the very first edition of "What are we doing this weekend?" Wednesday! We started off our 52 week project by making shrinky dink ornaments and, believe it or not, this was my very first time shrinky-dinking! I was stressed at first watching them curl up in the oven, but they eventually flattened out (for the most part) and turned out so good, my youngest son immediately put his in his special ornament box for safe keeping AND he asked if we could do it again. High praise. 

I had them write their names and the year on a small strip to make a little tag and I also wrote them little Christmas letters. I debated the letters, wondering if they were too cheesy, but decided that if something ever happened to me I'd be glad they had this little piece of me each Christmas. 

Let's get right into it! First up are the supplies you'll need:

• Shrinky dink plastic sheets
• Permanent markers
• Scissors
• A hole punch (a screwdriver wont work. Ask me how I know.)
• Ribbon or ornament hooks
• Baking sheet + parchment

First, I drew simple outlines right onto the plastic like ornaments, trees, and presents. The boys colored and customized their designs (holiday monsters included, because we are a boy house and everything has to be creepy). We cut everything out and punched a hole at the top, baked according to the package instructions and pressed our faces up against the oven door to watch them shrink! Then you just add an ornament hook or ribbon and you've got a little keepsake you'll be pulling out for years to come. Keep reading for our official activity ratings!

Mess level: 3/10

The only mess was the excess plastic sheet that we would cut off from around the ornament. Lots of little, nearly invisible, plastic pieces to make sure you keep track of haha! Of course you should have a mat or something underneath to color on so sharpie doesn't get on anything - as you can see from the looks of our mats, we color with sharpie a LOT over here so they are used to being careful. 

Fun level: 8/10

One of my kids was a little more into it than the other one, but both participated willingly and decorated a few ornaments. I even got in there and was coloring with them! 

Time spent: About 1-1.5 hours 

The time we spent on it was split between dinner so along the way we picked up and put it away then pulled it back out again. It was slightly time consuming to cut all the pieces out but not too bad. 

Prep needed: Low to medium! 

You just need to buy the supplies and set them out. If you want to draw simple ornaments, trees, or other holiday themed doodles and cut them out you can, but its not necessary. I also found that you don't need to cut them all out until your kids are done drawing because they may decide they don't like what they drew and toss a couple out. 

Hidden benefits: 

• Fine motor skills
• Creativity and self expression
• Watching the cause and effect (the shrinking counts as science!)
• Built in keepsake
• Emotional connection

Would we do this again? Absolutely. Maybe keychains next time? This was a perfect way to kick off our "one simple thing a week" project. It's quick and easy, creative, and even a bit sentimental. Check out my instagram @laynahrose if you'd like to see it in action. 

And of course, don't forget to join us next Wednesday to see how our gingerbread salt dough ornaments turn out for week 2!! 

With love,

Laynah