DIY Mother's Day Gift Idea (with Shrinky Dink Paper)
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and there’s no better way to say “I love you” than to make her a handmade gift. She doesn't need another robe, mug, or pair of slippers - these are the kinds of presents moms like to keep forever.
Whether you're looking for a great gift for your kids to give your partner or you're trying to coordinate gifts from your kids to your own mom, mother-in-law, or other important person, this is one of the most memorable and fun Mother's Day crafts, in my opinion. I'm not gonna lie, this might be my absolute favorite DIY gift idea of all time.
These easy DIY key chains are made using shrinky dink paper, so they're quick and easy to make at home. If you haven't dabbled in shrinky dinks before, well, you're really missing out. Kids and adults alike love crafting with shrinky dink paper because it's just so fun to watch your design go from something full-sized to a little shrunken miniature picture.
For the last ten years I've done these with my art classes with first-grade students all the way to eighth grade. Why? Because this DIY notebook aper key chain is a bigger deal than you may think. It's the kind of gift parents keep forever. Plus, it's a great value, too!
Most of the supplies (like permanent markers, a hole punch, a ruler, and even jumbo popsicle sticks) are things you probably already have around the house, so the only few things you'll need to buy to pull this memorable gift off are key rings and shrinky dink paper. You can make several sweet and easy gifts for parents, grandparents, or even friends for just a handful of dollars. Bonus: your kids will love getting to design and make these themselves.
Let’s face it, your mom is your hero, so why not honor her by creating a special gift that you know she will look at every single day since it’s right there on her keychain! While you can purchase something at the store or make her delicious desserts, nothing can beat a handmade gift specifically designed and written just for her!
This is the absolute best craft you can make for your mom for Mother’s Day - plus…it is easy and inexpensive and so much fun to make! It's a great way to send mom a personalized message.
If you're unsure what to give your mom (or any special person in your life) this year, make her something! This project is a handwritten mini note that she can keep forever. Plus…the whole process is easy and low mess! What could go wrong?
What you'll need to make a notebook paper key chain using a shrinky dink sheet:
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Shrink Paper. (sometimes called shrink film or shrinky dink paper). You can find this at your local craft store or Hobby Lobby.
Sharpies (ultra fine blue, red and black)
Optional: Shrink Kit (included paper, key rings, puncher)
How to Make Your Own Shrinky Dinks Notebook Paper Key Chains for Mother’s Day:
Whether you're making these for Mom, Grandma, another special person your kids' lives, or just as a fun—and different—activity for a day off school or wide-open summer day, this craft will be a hit. The first thing you'll need to do is figure out what your kiddo wants to put on their key chain. This can be a message to Mom, something they especially love about her, a fun memory, or even just their own drawings and designs. That's going to be the focal point of your finished craft, so giving it a quick thought can save stress, frustration, or tears later on.
Once they've got a few things to say, we begin by going over the rough side of the shrink paper vs the side with the clear coat. The kids (or adult helping) needs to write or draw directly onto the rough side of the shrinky dink paper. With younger kids, you might want to draw some lines to look like lined notebook paper ahead of time. Older kids can do this part on their own.
Hand-drawing lines too stressful? No worries! Use a printable template designed to look like lined notebook paper instead for an easy start.
Now that you know the general starting point, let's break things down step by step so that you can make your shrinky dinks notebook paper key chains at home:
Step 1
Cut your 8.5x 11 shrinky dink plastic paper into quarters (this way you can make 4 keychains).
Step 2
Using your ruler, mark 1” from the top of the shrink paper (mark on both sides so that your lines are straight and parallel. For best results, make sure you are on a flat, smooth surface) and draw a line across using your light blue fine point Sharpie. You can also use colored pencils if that is easier. If you already drew the lines on your shrinky dink paper or you're using a printed template instead, skip down to Step 5 to create your design.
Step 3
Mark off every ½” and draw horizontal lines to create the look of lined notebook paper.
Step 4
Using a popsicle stick as a measuring tool, mark off a vertical line on the left side using your red Sharpie.
Step 5
Write a heartfelt note and draw a picture. You can use Sharpie markers, permanent markers, or colored pencils. Whatever you do, make sure you don't accidentally use crayons. Becasue they're made with wax, crayon messages or drawings will melt when you bake them in the oven and you won't be able to read the message or see what the design is meant to be.
Step 6
Using a hole punch, punch 3 holes. This is a fun way to make it look like real looseleaf paper.
Step 7
Place your shrinky dinks onto a baking tray or cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. Pre-heat your oven (or toaster oven) to 325 degrees and bake for 1-2 minutes. Watch your designs shrink down from the heat of the oven!
During the shrinking process the shrink paper will curl and warp. Do not worry! This is totally normal! After it curls, the plastic film will eventually flatten. Remove them from the oven and let them cool down a bit if needed. Once they're cool, you can finish up your key chains.
Step 8
Add a key ring or jump ring. You can also make other shrinky dink charms and add them to your key ring. Have the kids draw little pictures, write their names in their own handwriting, or create cute little designs that are meaningful to your family. Once you've gone through the shrinking process (and let them cool - no little hands will burn on our watch!), you can attach each one to the key chain you're making. If you're making smaller charms, this would also make for an adorable charm bracelet.
Step 9
When you're all done creating your key chain (or multiple key chains), you're ready to wrap it up so it's ready for Mom to open on Mother's Day. She will absolutely love it!
Don't forget - it's Mother's Day for Grandma too! Grandmas in particular happen to really love this project (I know this first hand since my kid made one for my mom a few years ago)! Again… make it quick and make it easy and make your mom happy on her special day!
FAQs about making shrinky dink key chains for Mother’s Day
Can you use crayon on shrinky dinks?
Unfortunately, no. Because crayons are made using wax, they will not work well on shrinky dinks. Stick with colored pencils, markers, or acrylic paint.
Where can you buy shrinky dink paper?
Shrinky dink paper is easy to pick up at many craft stores. Hobby Lobby carries it and most other craft stores (like Michaels) should have it in stock. If you can't find it at nearby craft stores, you can order it online from Amazon, Walmart, Target, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and more.
What kinds of other things can you make with shrinky dink paper?
Shrinky dinks are so easy, even the least-experienced craft enthusiasts can get in on the fun! Here are a few other ideas for things you can make with shrinky dink paper, either as a gift for Mother's Day (or Father's Day), or just for fun:
Other ideas for shrinky dink projects:
Shrinky Dink Earrings
Shrinky Dink Zipper Pull
Shrinky Dink Bracelets, Anklets, or Necklaces
Want more Mother's Day crafts? There's still plenty of time to make Mom something special! You'll love these ideas, perfect for making as a gift for Mom (or any other special person in your life) or making alongside your family on Mother's Day.
Want more giftable art projects? Check out my fish-in-a-bag soap DIY tutorial! These make great gifts!
