Monday, August 27, 2012

Inspiration Emporium - Shrink Plastic Challenge Done!

Good Evening Y'all!

The August Designer Challenge for the the Inspiration Emporium's Inspiration Team was to do something with Ranger's Inkssentials Shrink Plastic!  Now, I remembered this stuff from when I was a kid and loved it then.  As an adult, I think I had even more fun with it!  I still think I probably needed the adult supervision with the oven though!  Kitchens and I don't get along!  Let's just say I really like the kitchen,  but it hates me and be done with it!

You can do so many things with shrink plastic!  It's totally amazing and really a lot of fun to watch the process!  Ok, I'm still a boy at heart!!  :)   I decided on some Man Jewlery!  LOL!

Here's what I came up with...

First Up, Globe Cufflinks-



Supplies Used and ALL Available at Inspiration Emporium:

Inkssentials Surfaces Shrink Plastic
Sizzix Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set 2PK - Vintage Fan & Globe Set
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Forest Moss
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Vintage Photo
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Broken China
Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Tumbled Glass
UTEE - 8 oz - Clear
Cuff Link Blanks from Michael's (Thanks Sharon Y. for sending these to me!  You Rock!)

Step 1:
I cut two pieces of the Inkssentials Shrink Plastic with the Sizzix Mover's and Shapers Fan and Globe Die.

Step 2:
Once the globes where cut, I used the Distress markers to color the film.  I used Vintage Photo for the frame of the globe, Forest Moss on the continents and mixed Broken China and Tumbled Glass for the oceans.

Step 3:  
I used two types of heating elements for the shrink!  I think it's the mad scientist in me!  LOL!  I placed one in the oven and heated one with my Ranger, Heat It Craft Tool!  They both did a great job.  However, what I found with using the Heat Tool, I was able to control how it melted better.  Meaning, these little guys have the ability to morph, so with a craft pick and the heat tool I was able to ensure it melted the way I wanted.

Step 4:
Once the globes were melted to the perfect cufflink size, I spritzed them with a bit of water and immediately dipped them in the UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel).  I then melted the UTEE with my heat tool and the effect I think was really cool!

Step 5:
Last, I adhered the cufflink backs to the globes and allowed to dry.




What do you think?

I had so much fun shrinking the plastic,  I wanted MORE!  So, I thought what else would be good for some Man Jewelry?  

Ahhhhh, Dog Tags!  




Now, I really do wear this.  There is meaning behind this necklace to me.  Without getting too deep and too artsy, If you read the tag correctly, it says, "Time 2 Live The Life You've Imagined."  And really at 46 years old y'all, I've finally decided to jump out of the box and stop being so scared of the unknown and embrace it firmly and go forward.  For me, it is definitely Time 2 Live The Life I've Imagined!  My New Personal Affirmation that I can wear!  LOL!  I'm having a great time trying to live this daily!


Supplies Used and ALL Available at Inspiration Emporium:

Inkssentials Surfaces Shrink Plastic
Sizzix Movers & Shapers L Die - Tag & Bookplates
Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Inks - Silver Mixative
Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Inks - Pitch Black
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Numerals
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Game Spinners
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Adornments - Regal (Crown)
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Timepieces
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Ball Chain
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Word Sticks
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Word Bands
Inkssentials - Glossy Accents

Step 1:
Cut the Inkssentials Shrink plastic with the Sizzix Movers and Shapers Tag and Bookplate Die.

Step 2:
Using the Heat Tool, I melted the plastic.  Once melted and cooled, I rounded the bottom corners with a sanding block.

Step 3:
Ink one of the sides with the Silver Mixative and Pitch Black Alcohol Inks daubing it on and mixing the colors together.

Step 4:
I first adhered the crown from the Regal Adornments to the top of the tag with Glossy Accents.  Next, I adhered the Timepiece under the crown, added the "2" numeral. Last, I adhered the Game Spinners  together in the two o'clock position and then added them to the tag.

Step 5:
I took the Word Band and nipped off the end loop with wire cutters.  I then sanded it smooth with my sanding block.

Step 6:
Last I simply slid the "Live" word stick on the ball chain, then the Word Band and then added the tag.

DONE!



I hope you can find some inspiration from these pieces.  The possibilities of the Shrink Plastic are endless.  Try it out...It's so much fun to play with!

Have an Awesome Evening!

Time 2 Live The Life You've Imagined!

Jim
The Gentleman Crafter




24 comments:

  1. Digging those cuff links, Jim! And great sentiment on the dog tag! Thanks for the heads up that you can use the heat gun to shrink this shrink plastic...always thought you had to use the oven. Don't use mine so not too sure how to turn the dang thing on! LOL hmmm, might have to try shrink plastic for the upcoming christmas charm swap! (idea light bulb over my head) :D

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    Replies
    1. YAHOOO Nan!~ So glad I was able to offer some inspiration! That makes my day!

      Thanks for the comment!

      Jim

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  2. Love, love, love shrink plastic! Isn't it great "TO LIVE YOUR DREAM"! You ARE living the life you have dream of! You go, Jim!
    Hugz, Z

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  3. Cool man jewelry! I was wondering when I was going to see those cuff link blanks again! Love what you did with them! Living the life you imagined-what a wonderful sentiment and motto.

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    1. Sharon! You Made The Cuff Links Happen! I had to go back and add you as the source! LOL! Thank you again for that! Many Thanks Really!

      Hugs to ya!
      J.

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  4. The cuff links ROCK!!! And the affirmations dog tags...PERFECT!!! Great job on both projects!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank You My Sweet! Did you get some of that rain awalla go? It sure was needed and very nice. However, it's a bit balmy out now!

      Miss ya!

      J.

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  5. You know I love your projects here, but I love your mantra even more! Life's too short, big guy. Like Suze says "Leap and the net will appear." Go get 'em.

    ~Linda

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  6. Cool Beans , Jimbug!! Run, Jump, Leap!....just do it! You've got the goods!

    Laura

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  7. Hi Jim, Love the cuff links. Definitely the best project by far. I like the way you dipped them into the UTEE after, instead of shrinking them in the UTEE.
    Love the dog tags too. Inspired sentiment. If only I had a better imagination! Hugs, Theresa

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  8. Awesome projects Jim!! Thanks for the inspiration....what a way to live your dream Jim, you are knocking it out of the park!

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  9. Wow! I haven't used shrink plastic for years, think the last thing I made were earings. Thanks for the inspiration to give it another whirl! Helen (Sydney)

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  10. Just finished doing "Back to School" shrink plastic projects with my grandkids. We made Zipper Pulls for their backpacks. Spiderman for the first grader and Hunger Games for the one who's entering middle school. Too much fun! We've planned mini ornaments for their Halloween Tree in late September. Can't wait!

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  11. Your cuff links are great! Your dog tags are the best.....glad you are Able to live your dream!
    As always, thanks for sharing your kindness and your talent.
    Hugs

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  12. Love, love, love the dog tags! Great job! You deserve to live the life you've imagined.

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  13. Love the cuff links. Great idea using the UTEE. Your necklace is "pure gold"!!! Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Great pieces! I had to laugh as I am 46 now also, and that is a great affirmation! I will try and live it too! Thanks for sharing! I have shrink plastic and haven't used it in a dogs age!

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  15. Love, love, love the cufflinks. FABULOSITY!!!!!

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  16. Jim,
    Did you say 46? Wow I was thinking late 30's early 40's. what do they put in the water down your way?
    ~Eric

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  17. I am not a big fan of plastic. And I think the last time I used shrink plastic was for my daughters 6th birthday party, (she is now 34). I made bracelets for her guests goodie bags. But I have to tell those cuff links are fabulous and those dog tags also. I can see the dog tags incorporated in a mini for a retirement. Cute ideas Jim as always.
    Marcie

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  18. Love the cuff links and love the necklace! The saying and your explanation is so "right-on" !!

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