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🤩 How to Make Earrings from Shrinky Dinks 🤩

(Because regular earrings are fine… but earrings with your kid’s face, your puppy, your bestie’s face, or your fave pop queen’s face? Iconic.)

TIME COMMITMENT:

Quick & Easy (1-2 hours)

DIFFICULTY:

3/10 ... If you can use a printer and pliers, you can totally do this.

CHAOS METER:

Minimal mess, mostly contained,

zero glitter

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These Shrinky Dink earrings are lightweight, wildly customizable, and absolutely attention-grabbing in the best way. They are the definition of “extra, but make it wearable.” Perfect for concerts, sports games, birthdays, bachelorettes… or just because you fully embrace being the most fun person in the room.

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Before you start thinking, “okay but this feels like a lot…” pause right there. This is basically an elevated kids craft ... and I mean that in the best way. If you can use a printer, work a pair of scissors without panic, and operate pliers without launching a jump ring across the room, you can absolutely do this. No art degree required. No jewelry-making certification needed. You’ve got this. 💪

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And remember: handmade is allowed to be a little imperfect. That’s the charm. These are tiny plastic pics turning into wearable art in your kitchen. That alone is iconic. Artsy-ish energy is about trying, tweaking, and ending up with something ridiculously fun that you made yourself.

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Deep breath. Craft on. ✨💖

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Don't want to make them yourself? Let me handle the crafting for you. Get a completed pair in my Etsy Shop!

🧰 Here's What You'll Need

CRAFT SUPPLIES

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Don't want to buy these supplies in bulk?

I've got you! Get enough for just one pair of earrings from my Etsy shop! 

 

OTHER TOOLS YOU'LL NEED

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I may earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. This helps fund future crafty chaos. Thanks for your support!

🖨️ Step-by-Step: From Printer to Perfect Accessory

Step 1: Set Up Your Image
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First things first: your image needs to be significantly larger than you want the final earring to be. 

 

Shrinky Dinks shrink.
Groundbreaking information, I know.

 

I printed Ed Sheeran's head at 2.4 in wide by 3.25 in tall, and they end up XXXX after I shrink them. (This is the size of his actual face, not the whole image. Be careful just resizing the image, because if it's not cropped exactly around the face, it'll end up smaller than you actually want it.)

 

Depending how large you want your earrings, adjust your starting size accordingly.  I’ve included a size reference chart ... definitely check that out before printing so you can plan your final size properly. This size chart is ONLY for the shrink paper listed in the supplies list. If you use a different brand, your shrink rate may be different.

 

Also important: when Shrinky Dinks shrink, the colors get darker. To balance that out, turn your image opacity down to 65%. Trust the process.

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ALSO, you have two ears! So you'll need two of each image. Depending on how you want the earrings to hang, you may decide to flip one, so they are mirrored. (If you have writing or words you probably don't want to flip one.)

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Size Chart

​These sizes are ESTIMATES, and may end up slightly larger or smaller.

PRINTED SIZE

.5 inch

1 inch

1.5 inches

2 inches

2.5 inches

3 inches

3.5 inches

4 inches

4.5 inches

5 inches

5.5 inches

6 inches

6.5 inches

7 inches

7.5 inches

8 inches

8.5 inches

9 inches

9.5 inches

10 inches

FINAL SIZE

.25 inch

.375 inch

.625 inch

.875 inch

1.125 inches

1.375 inches

1.56 inches

1.8 inches​

2.06 inches

2.25 inches

2.5 inches

2.7 inches

2.9 inches

3.125 inches

3.375 inches

3.56 inches

3.8 inches

4.06 inches

4.25 inches

4.5 inches

How to Adjust Opacity

In Canva:

  1. Select your image.

  2. Click the transparency icon (the little checkerboard square in the top right toolbar).

  3. Slide the transparency to 65.

 

In Microsoft Word:

  1. Insert your image.

  2. Click the image and go to the “Picture Format” tab.

  3. Click “Transparency.”

  4. Choose “Picture Transparency Options.”

  5. Adjust the transparency slider to 65%.

 

Once adjusted, print your design on the frosted (not glossy) side of the Shrinky Dink paper.

 

Use regular, standard print settings.
Not photo. Not premium. Not ultra-HD cinematic masterpiece mode.

 

Basic is best.

Step 2: Cut + Punch

 

Now cut out your face.

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When cutting:

  • Leave about ½ inch to ¾ inch above the head to punch your hole.

  • You do not want the hole going through someone’s forehead. Unless chaos is your brand.

  • If you’re stacking multiple faces vertically, leave space at the bottom to punch a hole there too.

 
Very Important Cutting Tip

 

If you’re cutting inverted angles (those sharp inside corners), do not turn your scissors mid-angle.

 

Instead:

  • Cut from one side into the angle.

  • Then cut from the other side into that same point.

The plastic can tear easily on tight inverted angles, and we are not here for a crafting crisis. If this sounds confusing, watch the video. I break it down in more detail there.

 

Once everything is cut, punch your hole.

 

Do not punch too close to the edge. Remember: it will shrink, and that border will get much skinnier.

Leave at least ¼–½ inch between the edge and your hole. More than you think you need. Future-you will be grateful when it doesn’t crack.

 

You can use a standard hole punch.
But I highly recommend a smaller craft punch — it gives a cleaner, more polished, “I am a crafting queen,” look.

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Optional: Customize the Back with Paint Markers

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If the plain white back of your earrings isn’t your favorite, paint markers are an easy way to give them a more polished, colorful finish.

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Lightly sand the back
Use a fine-grit sanding block, sandpaper or nail file tool on the glossy back of the plastic. This helps give the paint something to hold on to.

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Clean with rubbing alcohol
Wipe away any sanding dust with a little rubbing alcohol so you have a clean surface to work on.

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Color the back
Use your paint marker to cover the entire back of the earring. Try to avoid getting paint on the front because it can be difficult to remove once it dries.

For a smoother finish, change the direction of your strokes as you color instead of going all one way. Trust me ... this helps reduce visible paint lines. (Ask me how I know.)

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Most marker colors worked really well for me, but the silver smudged a bit, and the gold metallic ended up looking more like a muddy tan than true gold, so some shades definitely work better than others.

Download
Step 3: Shrink Time (The Fun Part)

Disclaimer: These shrink instructions are only for the brand of shrink paper listed in the supplies! If you use a different brand, shrink according to the instructions with your paper.

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Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 325°F.

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Place your cutouts on parchment paper and bake for 1-2 minutes.

 

Now watch the magic. They will:

  • Curl

  • Twist

  • Look mildly concerning

  • Then flatten back out like nothing dramatic just happened

It’s a full emotional journey.

 

Once they flatten, give them another 10–15 seconds, then remove them. If they aren't completely flat, you can gently press them flat with a spatula, or place a cutting board over top and put some weight on it.

 

⚠️ If your piece is larger, keep a very close eye on it. If mine are printed larger than a couple inches, I do one at a time. Sometimes they curl and stick to themselves. If that happens, quickly use tweezers to gently flatten them while they’re still soft, then pop them back in the oven to finish shrinking. Be quick ... you only have a few seconds before they harden.

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I’ve made a lot of these and only had one that refused to be rescued. So your odds are good.

Step 4: Resin Glow-Up

 

Time to make them shiny and durable.

 

Is this optional? Technically yes, BUT a coat of resin will make your earrings more durable, and a shiny, professional look. Yes, they’re thick plastic. But the thin area around the hole is still vulnerable and can break without reinforcement.

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Also, resin is no joke. It’s a harsh chemical, so protect your lungs and skin. Wear a mask and gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Cute and cautious is the vibe.

 

Here’s how:

  1. Protect your surface ... I have a silicon mat, but an old magazine will work fine too.

  2. Add a small blob of UV resin in the center of your earring.

  3. Use a toothpick or silicone paint brush to spread it evenly over the face.

  4. Once coated, quickly pass a lighter over the surface (not too close!) to pop bubbles.

  5. Cure under a UV light for 2 minutes. 

  6. If it has bubbles or imperfections on the surface, give it a light sand, wipe it with alcohol, and repeat the process. 

 

Once you're happy with it, let it cure for like 10-15 minutes. Most UV lights only run 2-minute cycles. Just restart it a few times.

Or after the initial cure, let it hang out in the sun for a bit to fully harden. If it's still tacky, it probably isn't fully cured.

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Try not to get resin in the hole for your earring findings.

 

If you do? Not a big deal. Once cured, you can carefully reopen it with a small hand drill (or a regular drill if you’re feeling brave and steady). This is the hand drill I have.

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I do highly recommend a UV light for at least the initial cure. If you try to apply the resin in the sun it'll set too quickly. If you apply the resin and then move them into the sun, the resin may slide off the side of your earring.

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Step 5: Attach the Earring Findings

 

Using two pairs of pliers (or a jump ring opener & one pair of pliers):

  1. Open your jump ring sideways (twist motion ... don’t pull it apart).

  2. Slide on the Shrinky Dink piece and your earring finding.

  3. Close the jump ring securely.

  4. Add additional faces the same way now if you’re stacking.

 

Repeat for the other side.

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And just like that… you made statement earrings. YOU DID IT!

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Now Go Be Extra

These are:

  • Perfect for one-of-a-kind concert accessories

  • Adorable for kids’ sports games

  • Hilarious for birthday parties

  • Next-level for bachelorettes

  • And honestly? Just fun for a Tuesday.

 

They’re lightweight, bold, and guaranteed conversation starters.

 

If you make a pair, I need to see them. Tag me so I can scream about them in my stories. (📸 Tag @ArtsyishByAmanda on Instagram or TikTok) And if you have questions while making them, drop them in the comments ... I’ve probably already made the mistake so you don’t have to.

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Now go rock ‘em like the icon you are. 🌟

💌 Support the Chaos (Optional, Obviously)

Some of the supply links in this post are affiliate links. That just means if you grab your Shrinky Dink paper, resin, or pliers through them, I earn a tiny sprinkle of sparkle money, at no extra cost to you. It helps fund things like printer ink, and jump rings I absolutely did not need but bought anyway, and my ongoing commitment to turning mildly unhinged ideas into wearable art.

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Thank you for supporting the Artsy-ish cause. You’re basically a co-producer of the chaos. 💖

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And because a few of you have asked ... if this tutorial helped you make the most iconic earrings of your life and you feel like tossing a little tip in the craft jar, you can Venmo me. Completely optional. Not required. Not expected. (Truly. Your dramatic earrings are payment enough.)

 

🎨 Let the Crafting Begin

Preheat the oven. Print the faces. Embrace the curl-and-flatten drama. Add the shine. Attach the hardware.

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Then put them on and prepare to explain yourself approximately seventeen times in public.

 

Go forth and be aggressively fun. Your ears are about to steal the spotlight.

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— Amanda 💖

Artsyish by Amanda Un-serious crafts for seriously fun people

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