Fine Arts: Visual Arts

Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• K-4 - Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.
• 5-8 - Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas.

Standard 3: Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols and Ideas

• K-4 - Students select and use subject matter, symbols and ideas to communicate meaning.
• 5-8 - Students integrate visual, spatial and temporal concepts with content to communicate intended meaning in their artworks.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Shrink Film jewelry is easy and fun to make. Student's love wearing their own creations and the pieces make great holiday gifts. Any large Ellison die can be used to create fun jewelry!

Supplies Used: Aluminum Foil, Beads, Clear Shrink Film, Colored Pencils, Cookie Sheet, Cord, Marking Pens, Oven, Sandpaper, Scissors, Spatula, Toaster Oven, Watercolors

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

Shrink Film will shrink differently depending on the direction the die is cut (vertically or horizontally). Cutting in one direction will result in a wider shape cutting in the other direction will result in a taller shape. Cut one each direction and shrink them before cutting one for each student.

1. Die-cut the LG Christian Fish w/Jesus from clear Shrink Film.
2. Use permanent marking pens, watercolors or colored pencils to color the Christian Fish. If using watercolors or colored pencils, use fine sandpaper to roughen the surface, allowing the color to adhere better. Use a circular motion or sand in three different directions when roughening the surface. Marking pens may be used directly on the Shrink Film.
3. The teacher will preheat oven or toaster oven to between 250 and 300 degrees. If the oven is too cool, the die-cut won't shrink completely. If it's too hot, the die-cut can curl excessively and stick to itself. Experiment with a piece of Shrink Film to learn the best oven temperature. Do NOT use a microwave.
4. Lay die-cuts on a Teflon or foil-lined cookie sheet and put in oven. If using a regular oven, leave the door slightly ajar to watch the Shrink Film. Film will shrink in 1 to 2 minutes (usually it will curl up and then flatten out again). Do not leave it in the oven too long. If using a toaster oven, the door may have to be closed to keep the temperature up. If the door is opened and the plastic stops shrinking or stays in a curled position, shut the door again. The oven will heat up again, and the shrinking process will continue. Remove from oven, press flat with a spatula and let cool.
5. Fold an 18" length of black cord in half and put one end through the pointed end of the Christian Fish. Secure with a knot in the center of the cord. Slip a wooden bead over both ends of the cord. Additional beads may be secured along the cord. Tie the completed necklace in a tight knot and wear!