By collaging a number of similar styled stamp images combined with word stamps you can create a unique look for stamping on PolyShrink. These shrink art collages can be worn as pins, used as pendants or displayed on journals for cover embellishments.

Materials needed: Translucent PolyShrink ZimInk - permanent black - cleaner/solvent Chalks Colored Pencils Metallic Markers - Gold & Copper Toaster Oven Nail file cube for sanding, with multiple surfaces Sealers: Krylon clear acrylic spray Klear Kote Crystal Clear Lacquer Amazing Glaze

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For collage styled PolyShrink designs

	Step 1: Sand surface of your PolyShrink before stamping images. Stamp images using black permanent ZimInk. Any areas that "overlap" can be cleaned up with cleaner solvent and a Q-Tip.
	Step 2: Color images with chalks and or colored pencils.
	Step 3: Cut out desired shape and shrink in toaster oven at 275 degrees.
	Step 4: Smooth edges with rough side of nail file cube.
	Step 5: Coat or spray with choice of sealer. Dry according to product instructions.
	Step 6: Paint edges with Metallic markers.

The Shrink Art piece to the right was sent to me from Kristy Christopherson, of Time To Stamp. Kristy used white shrink plastic, sanded both sides, then stamped her Handcarved Shakespeare Image in Brilliance Lightning black, then added a bit of brown chalk before baking the piece in the oven. Kristy then added someBoticelli Blush Fresco and Sistine Sky for a patina look, then added a couple layers of Clear UTEE, and finished it off with a wonderful Grape vine charm.

Diane's Hints and tips:

For gluing additional shrink art pieces use E6000.

Always coat each piece with a sealer before adding one piece to another.

If you desire holes in your shrink art, punch prior to shrinking.

More hints and tips - When I sand my PolyShrink, instead of using a fine grade of sandpaper, which I found can very easily cause gouges, I use a rectangular sponge nail file. I always place a cushy surface under the PolyShrink when I sand it. Usually a stack of newspaper or a magazine, what ever I have closest to my stamping table.

I always use ZimInk to stamp my image.  I have tried other permanent inks.  In my opinion, none give me the vibrancy that the ZimInk ink does.  If you know of a permanent ink you have had good luck with ... let me know. I always love to try new things! :) After you have stamped your image you can color using different mediums. Some of the pins on my example page have been colored with chalks, colored pencils, and fabric markers.  All have been colored prior to shrinking, which I love to do in my trusty little toaster oven.

After my image has been colored and cut to desired shape, I place it in my **Pre-heated** toaster oven, 275 degrees, on a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil (for even heating). If you do not allow your toaster oven to pre-heat your oven may have a heat surge which can cause your shrink art to stick to the cardboard, and or not shrink properly. (Trust me on that one!) <g> Once your piece has stopped shrinking, carefully remove it by removing the entire piece of cardboard ...

Your Shrink Art should slide right off.  Have a stamp block, or something comparable, ready, and place it on top of your "still hot out of the oven" Shrink Art and apply pressure for about 15 seconds... this will insure your Shrink Art cools flat I like to give my pins a glass-like coat. I have tried a few different things ... GlassKote, available from ZimPrints, and Crystal Lacquer.  You can also spray your Shrink Art with clear coat enamel spray, available at any hardware or craft store.   All of these will give you a beautiful finish as well as seal your pin. Attach pin backs and earring posts with Ultra Thin Bond or E6000.

Images Used in the shrink art shown on this page:
Stamp Zia - Large Night Fern, Large Day Fern, Heron Head, Large Ginkgo Leaf, Peacock Head, Berry Arch, Elm Arch, Forsythia Arch, Egret.

All Night Media - all word stamps