Shrinky Dinks Jointed Robot
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My 3 year old daughter has been going through a Robots phase now that her Circus fascination has ended. I saw this post on Artchoo‘s facebook page last week with a challenge: Make Robots with your kids! We had on hand a few packs of Graphix Clear Shrink Film (similar to Shrinky Dinks) at American Science Surplus, so I thought we would give it a try. I found this jointed shrinky dinks doll of Hobby Loco's via pinterest and printed her template for an idea of scale.
Since I'VE been in a melty beads phase with our crafts, I started out trying to make her a super duper cool jointed robot with melty bead eyes and buttons. This…didn't turn out as planned…the first or the second time…
The second time I tried cutting the beads smaller but it was still too much and I didn't want to waste more shrinky dink film so I scrapped the melty beads. Luckily I had scanned a copy of the robot so all I had to do was print the scan and trace it to try again.
Want to make your own? Here are the details!
I have that template as a Fan Freebie on my facebook page if you'd like. Just head over, like my page and click the Fan Freebie tab! The directions are there too. And if you are looking for more fun ways to use shrinky dinks, I invite you to check out my Shrinky Dink Fun Pinterest Board!
Materials:
1 Sheet of Shrink Film
4 Jump Rings
Sharpie Markers
Needle Nose Pliers
Preheated Oven
Parchment Paper
Robot TemplateÂ
Directions:
1. Print Template (should be the full size of a printed sheet).
2. Trace on a clear sheet of shrink film using sharpie permanent markers.
3. Cut out all pieces. Note: Some pieces share common lines to reduce waste. Use a single hole punch to punch holes on the joint dots. If desired, retrace with a thick black line along the outside.
4. Baking the torso by itself, and sandwiched between 2 sheets of parchment on a metal baking sheet, bake according to package instructions (for me this was many minutes at 300 degrees).
5. When done shrinking remove from oven and set something heat proof, flat and heavy on top of the piece to assure it is flat.
6. Repeat baking for arms and legs, between parchment as well.
7. Once cool, using needle nose pliers twist open jump rings, slip onto the arms and legs and then attach to torso, twist them closed.
ETA: Georgina asked how big he is when he's all done and the answer is 6 inches tall:
Ta-da! Meep! Mop! Beep! Boop!
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These are SO cute! How big are they after shrinking?
Thanks! And thanks for asking, I added a picture for reference- the answer is 6 inches tall!
Thanks!
This is so cute! I saw a package a shrinky dinks at the store the other day, should have picked them up!
It’s like a gateway drug though…seriously you will find so many ways to use them!
This is fantastic Laura! I can’t wait to try it with my son! Thanks!
You bet, I’d love to see it if you do! Please share on my Facebook page! Thanks for stopping by!
This is fab, my son would love this. I’ve never used some of those craft items before, I hope I don’t wreck it!
Thanks for linking up for Mummy Mondays!
So cute and fun!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
I love shrinky dinks and your robot project is perfect for my grand daughter to make on her next visit with me. I have just started following your shrinky dink Pinterest board.
Please link-up this terrific project at our rules free Blog Strut Link Party/blog hop, Thursdays at 5:00 PM PST. Our Blog Strut isn’t your average blog hop, it offers many ways to promote and give exposure to your blog and posts. We pin all links, featured posts, as well as offer free co-host spots and button/logo redesign, plus free social network link ups. Join us and show what you’ve got!! http://www.mypersonalaccent.com/linkyparty/
I would love if you shared this at our linky party all about robots!
http://suzyhomeschooler.com/autobots-androids-artificial-intelligence-and-other-robotics/