Shrinky Dink Light-Up LED Garland

by TechnoChic in Craft > Parties & Weddings

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Shrinky Dink Light-Up LED Garland

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In this project, I used shrink plastic to create shamrock LED covers - turning my pair of green Christmas fairy lights into light-up and festive St. Patrick's Day "Lucky Garland!"

The key to this craft was learning that they make printable shrink plastic! I designed the shamrock image and prepared it for printing in illustrator (I have the template for sale on my site here.) I also included the outline of the shamrock design so that you could customize them with markers before shrinking.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you want to see more of my work, you can follow me here on Instructables and on Instagram and YouTube - Please Subscribe! You can also buy tech-craft kits designed by me at TechnoChic.net.

I've included links to all of the supplies. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on purchases made through the links below, and that helps me make more tutorials like this. :)

Supplies

Print the Template

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Print the template using an inkjet printer (as per the instructions on the package.) Although the package only mentions inkjet printers, I used my HP Color LaserJet M452 Laser printer, and it came out great.

Page 1 is the shamrock, and page 2 is a mirror of the same shamrock to go on the back. You will need one of each of these designs per LED.

Cut Out the Shamrocks

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Use scissors to cut out all the shamrocks. This takes some time. I watched some Hulu and it was enjoyable. :)

Bake the Shamrocks

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Follow the instructions on the package for baking:

  • Lay parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
  • Lay the shamrocks.
  • Lay another piece of parchment paper on top to keep them from curling up too much.
  • Test your oven with a scrap piece first.
  • Baking at 350ºF for 3 minutes was what worked in my oven, but ovens vary.
  • After removing them from the oven, some of the shamrocks may not be completely flat - use a spatula to flatten them as they cool.

Glue in Place

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Create an "LED Sandwich":

  • Make pairs of opposing shamrocks (one facing one way, and one facing the other way).
  • Place a dab of hot glue on the back of one shamrock, and position the LED in the dab.
  • Place another dab of hot glue on top of the LED.
  • Place the other shamrock on top.

You have a light-up shamrock! The hot glue will diffuse the LED, so it's a good time to test the light and see if you like it. You can always add more hot glue to enhance/even out the effect.

Hang Your Decor

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you want to see more of my work, you can follow me here on Instructables and on Instagram and YouTube - Please Subscribe! You can also buy tech-craft kits designed by me at TechnoChic.net.