Would you like to craft personalized keychains, jewelry, charms, trinkets, or accessories in a unique design or image of your choice? You can easily do so with the A4-size Inkjet Printable Shrink Sheets by TeckWrap Craft. They are easy to work with, giving you the creative freedom to bring intricate ideas to life like a pro. They are available in three variants: translucent, white, and glow-in-the-dark. With our step-by-step guide, learn how to use these remarkable printable shrink sheets correctly and create professional-looking bespoke crafts with ease.
Step 1: Select the Image You Like
Choose the image that you want to print/draw on the shrink sheet. For drawing, you can use acrylic or permanent markers, colored pencils, or colored powder. If you are printing your design, you can work on any design software, such as Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and more. Set its dimensions according to the requirements of your craft. Remember, it will shrink up to 46%, so set the size accordingly. Change the transparency, contrast, and saturation of the image to 50% to make it lighter. The colors will get dark when it shrinks. Now upload your images to Cricut Design Space, flatten them, then select ‘Make’.
Step 2: Print the Image on the Shrink Sheet
When the image is final, select ‘Send to Printer’ in the Design Space software. Select the best media quality for printing for excellent results. The TeckWrap Shrink Sheet has a shiny side and a matte side. The image will be printed on the matte surface. Insert it into your printer and give the command to print. Once it's done, set it aside to dry completely before cutting.
Step 3: Cut the Images
Place your printed shrink sheet on a cutting mat, aligning with the top left corner of its grid, and insert it in the cutting machine. You can use the Cricut, Silhouette, or Brother machine, whichever you own. Set the material to ‘Plastic Packaging’ and apply more pressure. After the machine has done its job, remove the sheet from the mat.
Step 4: Separate the Images from the Shrink Sheet
This step requires patience and precision. Carefully slide a finger under the edge of the cut image to locate the gap and gently lift it from the sheet. Take your time and avoid rushing. You don’t want to break the sheet. Continue separating each image slowly and place it on a clean, flat surface until all have been taken out from the sheet.
Step 5: Punch a Hole for the Ring
If you are making a keychain, earrings, or a pendant, you would want it to have a hole through which to insert the jump ring or the chain. Use a heavy-duty, single-hole punch. Add the hole at a strategic place on your design or image, leaving enough space from the edge so it remains strong after baking or heat application. It should not compromise the look of the design either.
Step 6: Apply Heat to Shrink the Design
Let’s apply the heat now to complete the project. This step should be done in a well-ventilated area. Keep the heat gun at a safe distance and apply heat for one minute at a low setting. Place your design on a surface that won’t get damaged by heat. Your design or image will shrink to almost half its size, and the colors will become darker. Use our ‘flatten tool’ to keep it flat and maintain its shape. You can even use a sublimation oven set at 310°F for two minutes to shrink.
Step 7: Insert the Ring
Once the piece has completely cooled down and the hole is firm, insert a jump ring, keyring, or earring hook through the opening. Use jewelry pliers to open the ring slightly, slide it through the hole, and close it securely. The color of the ring should complement the overall design. This step connects the charm to its final use, turning it into a finished product that is ready to wear or gift.
Step 8: The Amazing TeckWrap Shrink Sheet Crafts are Ready!
With the ring securely attached, the handmade shrink sheet piece is ready for use. This final step brings the entire process together. You can also make fridge magnets and hair clips with these, attaching a magnet or clip to your design with glue. Give wings to your creativity with the TeckWrap Craft inkjet printable shrink sheets. They are easy to work with and allow you to explore new designs, experiment with different shapes and sizes, and create pieces that reflect your personal style.
