How to Make Handprint Shrinky Dink Keepsakes: Fun Craft for Kids

How to Make Handprint Shrinky Dink Keepsakes: Fun Craft for Kids

How to Make Handprint Shrinky Dink Keepsakes: Fun Craft for Kids

shrinky dink keepsakes

Create handprint shrinky dink keepsakes with our complete guide! Learn how to make them and explore fun seasonal designs!

DIY Shrinky Dink Keepsakes: Fun Handprint Ideas for All Seasons

If you’re looking for a fun, creative way to capture your child’s handprint and turn it into a lasting memory, Shrinky Dink keepsakes are the perfect craft! These cute, colorful handprints shrink down into sturdy little keepsakes that make great gifts or decorations. Plus, they’re easy to personalize for every season—think pumpkins for Halloween or turkeys for Thanksgiving! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the supplies you’ll need, how to make them, and offer seasonal ideas to keep this craft fresh all year long.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

shrink dink keepsake paper

What is Shrinky Dink Paper and Where Can I Get it?

Before we dive in, you’ll need some special shrinking paper. Click here to get your Shrinky Dink sheets and have them ready for crafting some shrinky dink keepsakes!

What is Shrinky Dink Paper?  It is a type of polystyrene plastic that has been designed for craft purposes. When heated, it undergoes a process of shrinking and thickening, allowing fåor the creation of smaller, more durable versions of the original design.

Should I follow safety guidelines when using Shrinky Dink Paper? When heating the paper in the oven, it should be done by an adult and it’s recommended to use Shrinky Dink paper in a well-ventilated area. The heating process may release some fumes, and good ventilation helps dissipate any potential odors.

What is Shrinky Dink Paper and Where Can I Get it?

Before we dive in, you’ll need some special shrinking paper. Click here to get your Shrinky Dink sheets and have them ready for crafting some shrinky dink keepsakes!

What is Shrinky Dink Paper?  It is a type of polystyrene plastic that has been designed for craft purposes. When heated, it undergoes a process of shrinking and thickening, allowing fåor the creation of smaller, more durable versions of the original design.

Should I follow safety guidelines when using Shrinky Dink Paper? When heating the paper in the oven, it should be done by an adult and it’s recommended to use Shrinky Dink paper in a well-ventilated area. The heating process may release some fumes, and good ventilation helps dissipate any potential odors.

shrink dink keepsake paper
Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1

Start by either painting your child’s hand with acrylic paint or you can trace their hand with a permanent marker, both acrylic paints and permanent markers are the most commonly used art tools used on Shrinky Dink paper, but read the next section for some more compatible options to experiment with. If outline the handprint, consider letting your child fill in the handprint with vibrant colors, or leave it as a simple outlined design for a more minimalist look.

Step 2

Cut out the handprint shape, leaving a small border around the edges.

 

Step 3

If making a keychain or ornament, punch a hole at the top of the handprint.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (usually around 325°F), and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Step 5

Place your handprint on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 1-3 minutes. The handprint will curl up and then flatten as it shrinks.

Step 6

Let it cool for a few minutes before handling, and once cool, attach your keychain loop or string. 

Step 1

Start by either painting your child’s hand with acrylic paint or you can trace their hand with a permanent marker, both acrylic paints and permanent markers are the most commonly used art tools used on Shrinky Dink paper, but read the next section for some more compatible options to experiment with. If outline the handprint, consider letting your child fill in the handprint with vibrant colors, or leave it as a simple outlined design for a more minimalist look.

Step 2

Cut out the handprint shape, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 3

If making a keychain or ornament, punch a hole at the top of the handprint.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (usually around 325°F), and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Step 5

Place your handprint on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 1-3 minutes. The handprint will curl up and then flatten as it shrinks.

Step 6

Let it cool for a few minutes before handling, and once cool, attach your keychain loop or string. 

What Art Tools Can Be Used on Shrinky Dink Paper?

Acrylic paint and permanent markers are two of the most commonly used, but there are several other art tools compatible with Shrinky Dink paper to bring your designs to life. Colored pencils work well on frosted Shrinky Dink sheets, giving a softer, more muted look. For bold, textured designs, oil pastels are another option, though they can smudge before shrinking. Sharpie paint pens offer vibrant colors with precise control, making them ideal for detailed designs. Gel pens add fun metallic or glittery effects, while chalk markers can give a soft, pastel-like finish. For a more dimensional look, you can use deco pens or fabric paint after shrinking to create raised designs or add detailed outlines.

shrinky dink handprint turkey craft
shrinky dink handprint turkey craft

What Art Tools Can Be Used on Shrinky Dink Paper?

Acrylic paint and permanent markers are two of the most commonly used, but there are several other art tools compatible with Shrinky Dink paper to bring your designs to life. Colored pencils work well on frosted Shrinky Dink sheets, giving a softer, more muted look. For bold, textured designs, oil pastels are another option, though they can smudge before shrinking. Sharpie paint pens offer vibrant colors with precise control, making them ideal for detailed designs. Gel pens add fun metallic or glittery effects, while chalk markers can give a soft, pastel-like finish. For a more dimensional look, you can use deco pens or fabric paint after shrinking to create raised designs or add detailed outlines.

Shrinky Dink Handprint Ideas

Shrinky Dink keepsakes are super versatile and can be customized for different holidays and seasons. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

    shrinky dink handprint turkey craft

    Shrinky Dink Handprint Turkey

     Classic turkey handprint, with each finger acting as a colorful feather and the palm as the turkey’s body.

    shrinky dink handprint leaf craft

    Shrinky Dink Handprint Fall Leaf

     Color the handprint with autumn shades like orange, red, and yellow to represent a leaf.

    shrinky dink handprint pumpkin craft

    Shrinky Dink Handprint Pumpkin

    Use the handprint as a base for a pumpkin design. Add jack o lantern features to make it Halloween themed

    shrinky dink handprint tree craft

    Shrinky Dink Handprint Fall Tree

     Use the hand and part of the arm as the tree trunk, and create colorful fall leaves with fingerprints in autumn shades.

    handprint craft for valentine's day using shrinky dink paper to make a keychain

    Shrinky Dink Handprint for Valentine’s Day

    Read the step by step directions here:

    READ MORE
    shrinky dink handprint ghost craft

    Shrinky Dink Handprint Ghost

    Use white acrylic paint and black facial features to make a spooky keepsake!

    shrinky dink handprint bunny craft

    Shrinky Dink Handprint Easter Bunny

    Use the palm for the bunny’s face and the fingers for bunny ears. Add details like whiskers and a little nose.

    valentine's day printable activities

    Shrinky Dink Handprint Christmas Lights Garland

    Use different color paint to make handprints and paint a gray bulb end at the base of the palm.

    What’s Next?

    Match The Candles: Hanukkah Activity For Kids

    Match The Candles: Hanukkah Activity For Kids

    Match The Candles: Hanukkah Activity For Kids

    This fun Hanukkah activity teaches your children their numbers and about the Jewish heritage at the same time. Plus, they get to interact with the menorah without the danger of getting burned. 

    This DIY puzzle, is so easy to make. All you need is some cardboard, markers, and paint sticks! 

    If you really want to save more time, I have a free printable version of this activity that you can use instead of drawing your own.

    Hanukkah Activity Pack

    And if you are looking for more printable Hanukkah activities, check out our Hanukkah activity bundle! It’s full of fun activities like tracing, alphabet, numbers and even a DIY dreidel game. 

    Keep reading and discover how easy it is to make your very own Hanukkah activity for your young children.

    Skills:
    Ages: 
    Prep Time:

    Watch the Video to See How to Make this Hanukkah Activity!

    In this video you’ll see how easy it is to make this Hanukkah activity. For a vertical set up, tape it to the wall – it’s great for shoulder strength and crossing the midline!

    For written step-by-step instructions, read on below for more information!

    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Watch the Video to See How to Make this Hanukkah Activity!

    In this video you’ll see how easy it is to make this Hanukkah activity. For a vertical set up, tape it to the wall – it’s great for shoulder strength and crossing the midline!

    For written step-by-step instructions, read on below for more information!

    All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Teach Number Recognition with a Menorah Activity

    This Hanukkah puzzle isn’t difficult to put together, but for grown ups short on time, I’ve got you covered!

    If you don’t have time to make one, I created a free printable Hanukkah activity. Download and print the number matching puzzle. Have your kiddos cut out the candles themselves and then match them to the Menorah! It’s so easy! 

    This is a fun way to combine early math skills with learning about the Hanukkah holiday.

    If you’d like to make the larger, DIY version like we did, here’s all the info on how you can make it yourself! 

    Materials 

     

     

     

    Step-by-Step Instructions 

    Step 1

    Trace and cut out 9 identical candles out of cardboard.

    Step 2

    Paint the shamash (the middle candle) a different color from the rest. Add a dot for each number to match with the location on the menorah.

    Step 3

    Draw a menorah cardboard or print out my free Hanukkah printable.

    Step 4

    Label each spot with numbers 1-8.

    Step 5

    Add adhesive paper on top of the cardboard menorah, sticky side up. You can also use strips of packaging tape. Use tape to secure.

    Step 6

    Attach the menorah to your wall with painter’s tape for a vertical set-up.

    Step 1

    Trace and cut out 9 identical candles out of cardboard.

    Step 2

    Paint the shamash (the middle candle) a different color from the rest. Add a dot for each number to match with the location on the menorah.

    Step 3

    Draw a menorah cardboard or print out my free Hanukkah printable.

    Step 4

    Label each spot with numbers 1-8.

    Step 5

    Add adhesive paper on top of the cardboard menorah, sticky side up. You can also use strips of packaging tape. Use tape to secure.

    Step 6

    Attach the menorah to your wall with painter’s tape for a vertical set-up.

    Educational Benefits of this Hanukkah Activity

    This is such a fun puzzle for kids to play during the holiday season – the fact that it’s educational too is a wonderful bonus! 

    Here are some of the main things your kiddo will learn from this Hanukkah puzzle. 

    Number Recognition: As your child counts the dots on the candle, they will match it to the number on the Menorah. This will help them understand that each written number represents a specific amount of dots. 

    This will help your child see how much 1 dot is compared to 8 dots. This is the foundation of all math skills.

    Early Math Skills: There are also lots of early math skills that this teaches.

    It teaches number sense – the ability to count forward and backward accurately. As your child picks up a candle, encourage them to count the dots backwards too.

    It also teaches representation. The number 2 and two dots are the same thing.

    If your child is ready for it, they can also practice and learn estimation from it. Let them guess where the pieces fit by estimating how many dots are on the candle.

    There are lots of other math skills that your kiddo will learn from the printable Hanukkah activity pack. There are phonics, tracing, and counting games – all centered around the festival of lights.

    Educational Benefits of This Hanukkah Puzzle

    This is such a fun puzzle for kids to play during the holiday season – the fact that it’s educational too is a wonderful bonus! 

    Here are some of the main things your kiddo will learn from this Hanukkah puzzle. 

    Number Recognition: As your child counts the dots on the candle, they will match it to the number on the Menorah. This will help them understand that each written number represents a specific amount of dots. 

    This will help your child see how much 1 dot is compared to 8 dots. This is the foundation of all math skills.

    Early Math Skills: There are also lots of early math skills that this teaches.

    It teaches number sense – the ability to count forward and backward accurately. As your child picks up a candle, encourage them to count the dots backwards too.

    It also teaches representation. The number 2 and two dots are the same thing.

    If your child is ready for it, they can also practice and learn estimation from it. Let them guess where the pieces fit by estimating how many dots are on the candle.

    There are lots of other math skills that your kiddo will learn from the printable Hanukkah activity pack. There are phonics, tracing, and counting games – all centered around the festival of lights.

    Store-Bought Hanukkah Activities

    Here are my top picks for the Hanukka activities, specifically related to the Menorah!

    Menorah Building Set

    This set comes with 71 pieces, to form that can be built to form a Menorah and 9 colorful candles! An LED light kit is also offered.

    SHOP NOW

    Wooden Menorah Set

    This wooden 10-piece set includes nine colorful, removable candles and the menorah. Great interactive toy to learn about Hanukkah!

    SHOP NOW

    Candle Making Kit

    This Hanukkah candle craft kit includes 44 beeswax sheets, 44 cotton wicks, and instructions on how to create candles! It is a hands on way to learn about the festival of lights! 

    SHOP NOW

    Hanukkah Sun Catcher

    This kit includes paint and molds to create fun Hanukkah sun catchers that give a stained glass look! This is a 3-pack, great for siblings or parties!

    SHOP NOW

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