D.I.Y. : 2 chains Shrinky-Dink + [Hot Glue] Gem Necklace

Hello there! 

Today I have for you a super easy + fast craft to make the cutest little custom gem necklace. It looks more challenging than it really is. This is something I will actually do with my art club students [3rd through 5th grade]- you can do it!  

What you'll need : [ Modge Podge Gem Mold : Micheals || Hot glue gun + sticks || Shrinky-Dink paper -I actually suggest the un-frosted kind, but I already had the frosted kind- :Micheals || Chain : Micheals  || Jewelry cutting tools : Micheals  || Endings//hooks for necklace : Micheals  || Chain links : Micheals ]

I started by heating up my glue gun. You will use more glue sticks than you would think- so buy a lot. 

Then I heated up my oven for my Shrinky-Dinks [just follow directions on package].

If you haven't ever used Shrink-Dinks before I suggest you play around with it a couple of times, because it can be tricky. My tips are: 
-Draw 3X's as big as you think you should. That means WAY bigger than you think. It SHRINKS a lot in the oven
-Also, Don't forget to punch holes for your chains links BEFORE you put the Shrinky-Dinks in the oven. 
-Try to get really clean edges when cutting [again, play around with the Shrinky-Dinks to get familiar with them] 
-Don't look away or walk away even for a second, the wrong timing with the Shrinky-Dinks is just a matter of seconds. Its tricky. It will start to roll up [and you'll be like NOOO! What the heck?!?!] but its normal. This is when you really need to start to pay attention because basically as soon as it lays flat again, it is time to come out. If it stays rolled up [probably because it stuck to its self, then things went bad- try again!] 

After the pieces are out of the oven just let them cool, and you are good to go. I painted mine after the oven. However, I could have colored them in with colored pencil or sharpie marker BEFORE I baked the pieces. I was actually hoping the Shrinky-Dinks were going to turn out clear, but I forgot that I had the frosted kind. 

For the jewels//gems you just squirt hot glue in each section and let them cool completely. Then pop them out, like ice cubes! I used acrylic paint to make my jewels pink [for breast cancer awareness month] and coated them with mode-podge to give them a little shine. I used hot glue gun to attach the gems to the Shrinky-Dink pieces. Added the chain + clasps and Viola- done! 

Hope you enjoyed this little craft, I got soo many complements both times I wore this out! use the hashtag #DIYwithMFC if you decide to make one too! 

Psst! : Did you see my post on Instagram about my upcoming FriendsGIVING event?! If you live in the Atlanta area, and are a blogger, PR//marketing, creative entrepreneur gal and are interested in coming to the event email me at Courtney@myfriendcourt.com OR comment below with your email and I will get in contact with you!