Have you been wanting to try out new Cricut craft projects? Are you tired of the same old paper crafts? Well, now is time to try something new with your Cricut, like jewelry making!

Did you know you can create unique jewelry pieces using your Cricut? Printable Shrink plastic is one of my favorite ways to create jewelry with my Cricut.  These are fun for gifting or just for yourself!

 

DIY Shrink Plastic Earrings | Cricut Tutorial

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You might wonder what tools and supplies do I need to start jewelry making, for beginners? Well, hardware is the most essential part! Once you have a hardware jewelry kit, DIY jewelry is possible with all type of material! Here is where your crafter creativity comes in!

Here is a list of some basic tools for DIY jewelry making:

• Flat nose pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Assorted jump rings
• Earring hooks, posts, backings
• Bracelet & necklace lobster claps
• Chains

 

I will show you how to make super easy patriotic earrings using printable shrink sheets!  Watch my video below for full instructions. You can make them this weekend and have them complete your 4th of July outfit! And you don’t have to stop there, you can create many different shrink plastic earring using free PNG images! Think of all the possibilities with printable shrink sheets!

Download my free patriotic ice cream and star PNG images at the end of this post, so you can start creating.

 

To make these Patriotic earrings, here is a list of supplies:

• Cricut Machine
• Ink Jet Printer
• Printable Shrink Sheets (transparent)
• Patriotic ice cream and star PNG files
• Standard hole punch
• Earring post 6mm & backing
• Jump ring 6mm
• UV resin or Mod Podge
• UV light 120w
• Translucent glitter
• tooth pick
• mixing cup
• oven or heat gun
• 2 cookie sheets
• parchment paper
• Pliers

 

 

Upload my patriotic ice cream and star PNG images to Design Space and save as a Print then Cut image.  Add both image to your canvas and resize the width to 1.5 inch.  Copy and paste to create a set of earrings.  I was able to fit 3 pairs of earrings on one sheets.

Send to the Printer and leave bleed on.  Change print quality to high. Print on the frosty side.  (Please read instructions on your shrink package).

Cut on custom setting, plastic acetate, using a deep cut blade. Please watch the video tutorial for full instructions.

 

After it’s cut out, allow it to dry for a few minutes. Then pop out each plastic cut out, pulling it gently forward.

 

Use a stand hole punch to create holes for your jewelry jump ring. Place the shiny side against the metal brace to avoid scratching ink.

 

Pre-heat oven to 329 degrees or what is stated on the package. Place the shrink plastic cut outs on top of parchment paper over a cookie sheet, shiny side down.  Make sure to spread them out to avoid them touching while they shrink in the oven.

 

Place tray on the center rack and watch them shrink, I give it about 40 seconds, once them lay back flat, I take them out and quickly place another sheet of parchment paper and tray over to keep them flat.

My 1.5 inch popsicle shrunk down to 3/4 of an inch after heat was applied.

 

 

 

Seal the top with UV resin or Mod Podge, for them to last longer.  I mixed in translucent fine glitter.  Place under UV lamp for 2 to 3 mins, until it’s completely cured. Place the earring post on back of the star, in the center, right above the hole.  To adhere, I use a small dot of UV resin and place it under the lamp to cure. You can also use super glue to adhere the earring post.

 

Next, attach the 2 shapes together using pliers and one jump ring each and loop them together.

Watch Video Tutorial on How to Make Patriotic Earrings using Shrink Plastic:

 

Homemade jewelry can be fun for all skill levels, if you are a crafter, then it’s a perfect project to try! You can add all types of fabric, tassels, seed beads and charms to make the perfect accessory!