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Make a Shrink Plastic Ring

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Make a Shrink Plastic Ring
Shrink Plastic Ring - Ring Blank

Shrink Plastic Ring - Ring Blank

Kate Pullen

Unlike the shrink plastic band on the previous page, this project uses a ring blank to create an attractive piece of shrink plastic jewelry. A piece of finished shrink plastic is attached to the ring blank. This is a great way to make a unique ring using your favorite rubber stamps.

Using Ring Blanks

Ring blanks are ring forms which can be customized. Ring blanks which have a pad onto which flat gemstones or other items can be attached are often called 'glue on' ring blanks. These are perfect for use with shrink plastic. Ring blanks are available in a variety of styles and designs. They are available from craft stores (they are likely to be stocked with jewelry and beading supplies), jewelry supply stores and online. Epoxy resin or E6000 glue are both types of adhesive that are suitable for attaching shrink plastic pieces to a ring blank.

Tip: When designing the shrink plastic element of your ring, remember that shrink plastic shrinks substantially. This needs to be factored into your design, otherwise you could end up with a tiny ring!

Materials

  • Shrink plastic and heat source (refer to manufacturer's instructions)
  • Rubber stamps, inks and pens or pencils as required
  • Scissors
Note about inks - different types of inks give varying results when working with shrink plastic. Slow drying inks, such as pigment inks, sometimes will not dry, even when heated and some inks may 'bleed' on certain types of shrink plastic. It is therefore a good idea to make a sample charm to see how the ink reacts. I get consistently good results with StazOn ink.

Instructions

  1. Cut a piece of shrink plastic and decorate it with rubber stamps as required
  2. Shrink the plastic in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
  3. Glue the shrink plastic onto the pad of the ring and leave it to one side for the glue to harden or cure
The ring is now finished - enjoy!

Submit Your Photos!

If you have used shrink plastic and have a photo of a finished item that you would like to share, then you are welcome to use this form to show off your work - Submit Shrink Plastic Photos

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