Shrinky Dink Light-Up LED Garland

In this project, I used shrink plastic to create shamrock LED covers - turning my pair of green Christmas fairy lights into light-up and festive St. Patrick's Day "Lucky Garland!"

The key to this craft was learning that they make printable shrink plastic! I designed the shamrock image and prepared it for printing in illustrator (I have the template for sale on my site here.) I also included the outline of the shamrock design so that you could customize them with markers before shrinking.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you want to see more of my work, you can follow me here on Instructables and on Instagram and YouTube - Please Subscribe! You can also buy tech-craft kits designed by me at TechnoChic.net.

I've included links to all of the supplies. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on purchases made through the links below, and that helps me make more tutorials like this. :)

Supplies

Print the Template

Print the template using an inkjet printer (as per the instructions on the package.) Although the package only mentions inkjet printers, I used my HP Color LaserJet M452 Laser printer, and it came out great.

Page 1 is the shamrock, and page 2 is a mirror of the same shamrock to go on the back. You will need one of each of these designs per LED.

Cut Out the Shamrocks

Use scissors to cut out all the shamrocks. This takes some time. I watched some Hulu and it was enjoyable. :)

Bake the Shamrocks

Follow the instructions on the package for baking:

Lay parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Lay the shamrocks.
Lay another piece of parchment paper on top to keep them from curling up too much.
Test your oven with a scrap piece first.
Baking at 350ºF for 3 minutes was what worked in my oven, but ovens vary.
After removing them from the oven, some of the shamrocks may not be completely flat - use a spatula to flatten them as they cool.

Glue in Place

Create an "LED Sandwich":

Make pairs of opposing shamrocks (one facing one way, and one facing the other way).
Place a dab of hot glue on the back of one shamrock, and position the LED in the dab.
Place another dab of hot glue on top of the LED.
Place the other shamrock on top.

You have a light-up shamrock! The hot glue will diffuse the LED, so it's a good time to test the light and see if you like it. You can always add more hot glue to enhance/even out the effect.

Hang Your Decor

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you want to see more of my work, you can follow me here on Instructables and on Instagram and YouTube - Please Subscribe! You can also buy tech-craft kits designed by me at TechnoChic.net.