Make DIY Charms w/ Jr Mod Tigerlily9

What can we use if we don't have shrink plastic or parchment paper?

If you can't find shrink plastic sheets, make charms from oven-bake polymer clay shaped and baked per package instructions instead of preheating the oven to 325°F for shrink plastic, and use a silicone baking mat or a lightly greased baking tray if you don't have parchment paper.

What should I do if my cut-outs stay curled or the hole closes after baking?

Have an adult watch the pieces 'until each piece curls and then flattens again about 2 to 3 minutes,' remove the tray as soon as they flatten, press each warm charm flat under a heatproof book on the parchment, and make the punched hole slightly larger before baking so it doesn't shrink closed.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, have an adult pre-cut shapes and handle the oven steps while the child colors and threads beads, and for older kids try finer drawings with permanent markers, add layered shrink-plastic pieces, and finish with jump rings and pliers when attaching to cord.

How can we personalize or improve the finished charms?

After brushing clear sealer or clear nail polish on the cooled charms as instructed, personalize by sanding edges, adding a second smaller shrink-plastic layer before baking for a raised design, or attach a metal split ring and clasp to the cord to make a professional keychain before sharing on DIY.org.