A simple, mess-free art project using shrinky dink film that results in awesome, personalized plastic charms for necklaces, key chains, backpacks or luggage.
A Halloween kids project that both you and the kids will love!
First, let me start off by saying that the Mexican holiday 'Dia De Los Muertos' is highly under-recognized in the U.S. When trying to decide on our class Halloween art project, I jumped at the opportunity to introduce my 2nd graders to all things 'Day of the Dead'; two days of celebration and remembrance spent showing respect and honoring the memory of departed friends & family complete with parades, music, glorious costumes, colorful decorations and an infinite supply of fresh cut flowers. 
So, out of respect for this deeply meaningful tradition, I presented a brief lesson to the kids using a DIY visual board full of beautiful photos I printed from Google Images. The gorgeous pictures quickly removed any fear or preconceived ideas the kids had upon hearing about a foreign holiday that centers around death, skeletons & spending the night in cemeteries. It was a wonderful introduction to approaching loss and death in a completely different and positive way. By the end of my lesson, they were completely pumped to make their own sugar skull!
SUPPLY CHECK-LIST
- Sheets of white shrinky dink film (will make 4 skulls per sheet)
- Pencils
- Sharpie ultra-fine point markers (or any permanent art marker)
- Oven - for shrinking
- Split rings or keychain rings (lots of options to choose from)
- Any kind of chord, chain, string for necklaces (or key rings)
I distributed several sheets of printed sugar skull examples to each of my four table groups for the kids to draw inspiration from, however, I encouraged that they create their own, signature sugar skull that best fit their own personality rather than copy the examples. Above are a few I shared, however a quick search on Google images will result in hundreds of great graphics.
First, have the kids write their names on the back in sharpie. Include their classroom number or teacher's name if you'd like these to double as backpack tags. Start the design by first adding the basic features with pencil; eyes, an upside down heart nose, and a row of teeth. That way, the kids have a reference for the rest of their design. Trace over pencil lines with a black sharpie. I suggest they continue to first sketch in pencil, then apply their choice of sharpie. Be sure to remind the kiddos to use plenty of color!
Bring the finished skulls home to bake. Start by preheating the oven to 325 degrees, and place 4-5 skulls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, ink/color side UP and spaced at least 2-3 inches apart. Set a timer starting with 3 minutes. The pieces will bend, and fold, and curl during their shrinking process - THIS IS NORMAL! After 3 minutes, check the skulls for progress. When they are done shrinking, they will lie completely flat on the cookie sheet. About 3-3 1/2 minutes per batch. Remove sheet from oven. If the skulls are slightly curved, or not completely flat, gently press the skulls with a flat spatula or a piece of parchment paper while they are still hot. You'll have about 10 seconds to manipulate them before they harden.
Wait for them to cool enough to handle and set them aside to cool completely. In about 10 minutes, they'll be completely hard and ready for whatever hardware you're using (jump rings, key rings, etc.)
BOOM! How adorable are these?? I strung the charms onto elastic cord for necklaces, but these make awesome key chains, backpack tags, name tags, luggage tags, etc. The possibilities are endless! The color intensifies after shrinking, and the skulls become durable, solid plastic charms that won't smear or rub off.