Working with ShrinkPlastic and Brass Stencils is easy with Silvia's Step-By-Step instructions.
Think Spring Shrink Art MIS053
See Project Details Below	Supplies Needed: Check the items you want to order then press "Add To Cart" 1 280/400 Sanding Pad (3036) $1.25 1 Bubble Gum Pink Patterned Paper Collection (4201) $3.99 1 Embossed, Dragonflies (4115) $2.00 1 Floral Wateringcan (L1066) $6.75 1 Picasso Backgrounds (LL332) $7.75 1 PolyShrink Artist's grade Shrink Plastic (3035) $5.25 1 Scotch Mounting Tape 1/2 (TOL32) $2.90 1 Taffy Fabrico Multi Inkpad (1093) $12.25 1 Think Spring (S569) $4.25
Add a new twist to your embossed cards with an image created with Shrink Plastic!
Click on picture to see a larger image! Sand the shrink plastic lightly with a fine sandpaper (we use the 280/400 dual sided sanding pad).   You'll notice that the surface gets a bit scratched - the scratch marks help the ink stick!   Secure the stencil against the sanded side of the shrink plastic. Be sure to tape securely as the plastic may curl a bit when embossed.   Flip the stencil over and emboss lightly. No light table is needed!   This image is ready for color! In our example, we used the Taffy Fabrico Inkpad.   Keep the stencil in place while adding color with a sponge. Use a heat setting ink pad like Fabrico or Brilliance. Don't worry if the color looks too light - the color will intensify once the plastic is shrunk. We use the Picasso Stencil as a shield so that we can add color exactly where we want it and not where we don't.   Here's one of the many uses for the Picasso. To color the heart, simply place the correct size hole over the area and the rest of the image is protected form errant ink.   Finished coloring   Remove the stencil and carefully cut out the image. Use a craft knife to cut out the inside of the handle and around the heart. Remember that the ink is wet so handle your piece with care or you'll smudge the ink. Alternately, try cutting your image first, then realign the stencil and add color. This takes some extra patience and practice but may be worth it!   Now you're ready to shrink. Heat the plastic with an embossing tool on a piece of cardboard, nonstick metal, or wooden surface. You may also use an oven set at 300-350 for about 3 minutes. Hold the plastic lightly in place with the tip of the stylus. The PolyShrink comes with lots of tips and instructions.   Don't hold down too hard! This picture shows you WHAT NOT TO DO!   The plastic will move and curl as it shrinks but will lay flat at the end...   Keep shrinking...   a little more...   Success!! Flatten image with a wooden block immediately after heating - a large stamp works great.   This is what happened when the piece was held down too tightly. Practice makes perfect!   Use a bit of mounting tape to attach shrink piece to your card. This is another card sample using ShrinkPlastic. For others check out the "New Sample" section of the Sample Gallery.