< Christmas
< Christmas Presents and Decorations

Snowball Truffles
Hanging Santa
Pipe Cleaners, Colds and Christmas
Bath Bombs
The Fun of Christmas Decorations
Old-fashioned Crêpe Paper Chains
Secret Gilded Walnuts
Beaded Icicles
Feather Angels
Christmas Bunch of Baubles
Crackers and Pullers
All Presents and Correct
Shrinkie Key Rings
Funky Bookmarks
Christmas Pud Truffles
Herb Jelly
Crunchy Sugar Mice
Old-fashioned Peppermint Creams
Christmas Star Biscuits
Chocolate-dipped Orange Peel
Cherry Shortbread Mice
Candy Striped Pencils
Decorated Wax Candles
Honeycomb Rolled Candles
Christmas Wreath
Kissing Bough
Glass Tree Biscuits

Shrinkie Key Rings

As a kid, I used to heat’ n’ shrink crisp packets and make them into badges – Quavers were always the most successful. You can make key rings, badges, jewellery or fridge magnets using a bit of shrink plastic and the same method.

You’ll need:
Shrink plastic (available from craft shops)
Coloured pencils
A hole punch
Key ring, badge, magnet or jewellery fastenings
Glue


Heat the oven to 170 degrees C. Gas Mark 3 or as per the manufacturer’s instructions
Draw a picture on the rough side of the plastic. The picture will eventually become 7 times smaller so make sure you use bold colours. Cut out the picture leaving a border of ½ cm all around.
If you are planning on making a key ring make a hole in the top using a paper punch.
Place pictures on baking tray lined with foil. Put in the oven for a few minutes. The shrinkies are ready when the plastic has curled and twisted but then laid flat. Remove from oven. Take off the tray and place on a work surface. If they curl a bit at the edges, flatten while still hot with a book. (You can always reheat to make the shrinkies more pliable again if necessary.)
Attach a key ring, badge, jewellery or magnet backing to each shrinkie with glue.

For other great Christmas gift ideas, see our Funky BookmarksHoneycomb Rolled Candles and Chocolate-dipped Orange Peel.