Upcycled dinosaur zipper pull

Did you know that you can upcycle a plastic carry out container to create a cute dinosaur zipper pull? Containers marked #6 are the only ones that will work. You can find them most often from restaurant carry out containers, egg cartons and more.  Simply look for the symbol on the side with a 6 in the center.  If you can’t find a #6 container you can buy Shrink plastic in the craft or stationary store.

look for this mark

Shrink plastic better known as Shrinky dinks became popular in the 70’s.  The plastic when baked shrinks to 1/3 of it’s size with the thickness of about a nickel making it very ridged and perfect for creating buttons, charms, jewelry and more.

Grab the kids because they will love making their own zipper pulls and more!

Supplies:

·      #6 plastic

·      Scissors

·      Dinosaur pattern

·      Home printer

·      Paper hole punch

·      Black sharpie marker

·      Colored pencils in choice of colors

·      Aluminum foil lined cookie sheet

·      Home oven

·      Small ball chain

·      Fine sandpaper

·      Acrylic gloss finish

·      Small paintbrush

Directions:

1.     Download and print the full sized pattern.

2.     Rub the fine sand paper over the plastic piece so that your pen and pencils will adhere to the surface.

3.     Place the pattern under the plastic and use the sharpie marker to trace the lines.  Color the dinosaur with colored pencils in your chosen colors.

4.     Cut out the dinosaur with scissors and use the paper hole punch to make a hole in the top.

5.     Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and bake in a 350-degree oven.  Bake for approximately 2 minutes.  It will curl when baking but when it is done it will be flat and thicker and the colors will intensify.  Remove from oven and let cool.

It shrinks from this...to this

6.     Brush a coat of gloss finish over the front to protect the charm.  Insert a small ball chain through the hole and use for a zipper pull, backpack bling, key chain or necklace.