DIY Shrinky Dink Tie Tack for Dad: A Fun Father’s Day Craft Kids Will Love

Looking for a unique homemade Father’s Day gift that kids can make? This DIY Shrinky Dink tie tack is a creative and memorable craft that transforms a child’s artwork into a wearable keepsake Dad will treasure. Whether he wears it on a tie for work or saves it in a memory box, this personalized gift is sure to become a favorite.

shrinky dink tie tacks for fathers day. Great gift for kids to diy and create!

Best of all, it’s simple enough for kids of all ages with a little adult supervision and uses Shrinky Dink plastic to create a durable miniature design.

If you love Shrink Dink projects, check out more ideas here!

Supplies You’ll Need

Shrinky Dinks
Tie Tack blanks
E6000 adhesive
Permanent markers or colored pencils (depending on the type of plastic you use)
Scissors
Oven
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

A quick word about shrinky dink paper. They have fun little kits that come with jump rings and keychains and even colored pencils…and then they have packs of 50 for about the same price! So you can choose whatever suits you the best. Some of the shrinky dink packs have to be sanded so the one I linked to is a great amount of paper but is totally ready for you to put in the oven and shrink! No sanding required!

How to Make a Shrinky Dink Tie Tack

Step 1: Draw Your Design

Have your child create a small superhero, portrait, or fun character on the Shrinky Dink plastic. A miniature version of themselves dressed as a superhero makes an especially adorable gift for Dad.

We opted for colored pencils. The colors get more intense as the it shrinks down.

The shrinky dink material is actually see through…so you can lay it over and trace if you wanted too!

Remember that the design will shrink significantly, so make the original drawing larger than the desired finished size.

Step 2: Cut It Out

Carefully trim around the artwork, leaving a small border if desired. Adult assistance may be helpful for younger children.

If you want to adapt this idea to make keychains, you will need to punch a hole at this step.

Step 3: Bake the Shrinky Dink

Place the cutout on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake according to the manufacturer’s directions. Watch as it curls, flattens, and shrinks into a sturdy little charm.

If needed, gently flatten it with a spatula immediately after removing it from the oven while it’s still warm.

The melting down is our favorite part! So fun to watch!

Here is the shinkage for scale. (and because it’s fun to see!) Notice how much the color darkens.

Step 4: Attach the Tie Tack

Once the piece has cooled completely, glue the back of the Shrinky Dink to a blank tie tack finding. Allow the adhesive to cure fully before handling. (Usually 24 hours!)

(We call my husband Captain inappropriate because he always says things that he shouldn’t. This is the superhero my son drew of him! CI!–and this is my husband not taking my photo shoot seriously…)

Tips for Success

Test your markers or pencils on a scrap piece before creating the final design.
Keep artwork bold and colorful since details become much smaller after baking.
Let adults handle the oven and hot materials.
Use a high-quality adhesive designed for metal and plastic to ensure the tie tack stays securely attached.

Why Kids Love This Craft

Shrinky Dinks have a magical quality that fascinates children. Watching their drawings shrink in the oven is part science experiment, part art project, and completely exciting.

Plus, kids enjoy creating a personalized gift that Dad can actually wear.

More Creative Design Ideas

Kids can make tie tacks featuring:

Their own smiling face
A heart with “Best Dad Ever”
A tiny sports ball
A favorite animal
A star with “#1 Dad”
A family monogram
A silly cartoon character
A mini version of Dad’s favorite hobby

Frequently Asked Questions

Can preschoolers make this project?

Absolutely! Young children can color or draw the design while an adult helps with cutting, baking, and gluing the finished piece.

Do I need special Shrinky Dink markers?

Some Shrinky Dink sheets work best with permanent markers, while others are designed for colored pencils. Check the packaging instructions for the specific material you’re using.

What if Dad doesn’t wear ties?

The same Shrinky Dink design can easily be turned into a lapel pin, keychain, magnet, zipper pull, or decorative keepsake.

Save for later

Too busy to get crafting today? No problem! Pin this post to remind yourself about this project later! Sharing my projects helps me reach more people, allowing me to continue sharing free content!

shrinky dink tie tack for father's day. Great kids craft that only takes 15 minutes

Father’s day gift ideas

A Handmade Gift Dad Will Treasure

This DIY Shrinky Dink tie tack is a thoughtful and creative way for kids to celebrate Father’s Day. It combines art, imagination, and a touch of science to create a personalized accessory that Dad can proudly wear or save as a cherished memento.

Whether your child designs a tiny superhero, a self-portrait, or a heartfelt symbol of appreciation, this handmade gift is sure to make Father’s Day extra memorable. It’s an easy craft with lasting meaning—and one that Dad will smile about every time he sees it.