Home is where the heart is, and this easy DIY plastic keychain is fun for all ages. Use our free template to create a one-of-a-kind magnet or keychain to show your State pride.

3 different state keychain crafts on a table.

Why You Will Love This Art Idea

STEM CONNECTION – introduces a simple polymer science lesson as kids observe how heat changes the plastic.
EASILY CHANGE SUBJECT MATTER– If your child doesn’t want to make a state keychain, check out these other DIY plastic keychain designs.
KEEPSAKE – turn into keychains, magnets, or backpack tags.

QUICK TAKE! We found the best temperature to cook plastic shrink film is 325°F for 1-3 minutes. Baking time may vary.

Supplies You’ll Need

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Shrinky Dink Film
Our Free Template
Scissors & Hole Punch
Permanent Markers
Colored Pencils*
Parchment Paper
Cookie Sheet
Keychain, Pin Backing or Magnets*
Tassels (here is what we used)*

*Notes About Supplies

Any colored pencil will work on the rough side, but Prismas will give you the brightest colors. These are a more budget-friendly option that also works well!
If you are making a pin or magnet, you will want to use frosted or bright white shrink plastic.

Using Our Free Template

If you would like to change the size, you could adjust your printer settings to scale it differently. We also recommend printing only the page you need, not all the pages (no need to waste ink). Only print all the templates if you are making all 50 states! Get access to the template when you sign up!

Shrinky Dink Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – Preheat your oven to 325°F and print your state template.

hand holding black marker tracing shape of Ohio.

Step 1: Trace Your Design

Line up the shrink film over your template and tape it down so it does not move. Trace your design with a permanent marker.

green colored pencil on a shrink plastic.

Step 2: Add Color

Use colored pencils on the rough side of the film. Permanent markers can be used on either side.

hand holding hole punch and piece of colored shrink plastic.

Step 3: Cut Out The Shape and Punch A Hole

Carefully cut out your design. You will not be able to cut the plastic after it has been baked. If you making a keychain or ornament, use a hole punch as well.

Step 4: Place On Baking Sheet and Bake

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place your designs on top. Bake at 325°F for 1–3 minutes. Watch your project as it shrinks, twists, and then flattens back out.

shrink plastic ohio shape craft in the oven.

Step 5: Watch Carefully & Remove

Remove from the oven when Shrinky Dink plastic has been laying flat for 30 seconds. Let your Shrinky Dinks cool completely.

Step 6: Add Accessories

Attach a keychain, magnet, ribbon or tassel to finish your project.

Tips For Making Shrinky Dink Crafts

TWISTING AND CURLING – do not worry if the plastic twists and turns; this is completely normal, and it will flatten back out
IF IT STICKS – If pieces touch, carefully use a spatula or tweezers to separate them, then return to the oven until flat
HEAT SOURCE – Use an oven or toaster oven for best results, but a heat gun or blow dryer can also work.
ADD A CLEAR COAT – some crafters use a clear craft resin or Mod Podge to protect their project.

Art Project FAQs

Shrink plastic is made from polystyrene, which is a lightweight plastic used in everyday items like packaging and containers. For shrink film, the plastic has been stretched out during manufacturing.

When you heat it up, it shrinks back to its original size and becomes smaller and thicker. It is a fun way for kids to see a simple polymer science concept in action.

Your plastic will shrink to about 1/3 of the original size and become much thicker after baking. It is always fun to compare the before and after sizes.

Do not worry if your plastic twists and turns. This is completely normal. As it heats up, it will curl and bend before flattening back out.

If it sticks to itself, carefully separate it and place it back in the oven until it lays flat.

Yes. Colored pencils work best on the rough side of the film. Permanent markers can be used on either side, which makes it easy to add details and color.

Our Favorite

Related Crafts

I love it when a simple craft can combine STEAM, geography, and creativity. These Shrinky Dink state keychains are always a hit. Kids will have so much fun watching their designs shrink, and they will love turning them into something they can actually use.

Have fun trying different colors and designs to make each one unique.

Do you like this art project? Please give us a 5-STAR review below ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and have fun being creative with your family.

Equipment

Scissors
Hole Punch
Parchment Paper
Cookie Sheet

Supplies

Shrinky Dink film
State template printed from this page!
Permanent markers
Keychain or Magnet
Colored pencils optional
Tassels optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F and print your template.
Trace your design by placing the shrink film over the template and taping it down so it does not move, then trace with a permanent marker.
Add color using colored pencils on the rough side or markers on either side to decorate your design.
Cut out your shape carefully since you will not be able to cut the plastic after baking.
Punch a hole near the top if you plan to make a keychain or ornament.
Place your designs on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake at 325°F for 1–3 minutes and watch as the plastic shrinks, curls, and then flattens.
Let your shrinky dinks cool completely after removing them from the oven.
Add accessories like a keychain, magnet, or tassel to finish your project.
Optional: add a thin coat of Mod Podge or clear sealant for extra protection.