Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ICC #13-For the Cat

My Iron Craft Challenge this week was to create something for or inspired by animals.  This is awesome, because that's exactly what I wanted to do!

Conversation the Night Before Challenge Posted 
Me: We really need a new cat tag for Milo
Husband: You should make one. 
Me: Great idea!
Husband: You should make that for Iron Craft this week, no matter what the challenge is.
Me: Well, maybe this week's challenge will be something pet-related.

Whoa.  Freaky huh?

Milo is an indoor kitty, fairly scared of the outdoors, and not likely to run out.  However, I like to have a tag on him just in case.  Only one problem, there was an old phone number on his tag.  You can call it, but I will not answer.
"Yes, I am extremely handsome.  No, you may not call me; my phone number is wrong"
I thought about making a wooden/fabric tag like the way I make my necklaces, but I wanted something a bit sturdier for the cat.  The answer?  Shrinky-dink.  Here are some inspiration photos:

Martha Stewart Pet Tags
Personalized Dog Tag

Dog Tag

I used plain white shrinky-dink and colored it with sharpies.  I traced a circle and then drew in my design.  I ended up making two, learning along the way to punch my hole before coloring.  The first one I made did not leave enough room for punching and I ended up taking out half of "Milo."  On my second try, I altered the design a bit.  Note-I did remember to write the phone number on the tags, but I erased it in the photos so as not to share my phone number with the internet community at large.

Pre-shrunk designs.

 I baked them for several minutes at 325 degrees.  This was the most exciting part; if you have never done this, go, do it now.  There is quite a thrill to watching the shrinky-dink twist and turn in the oven.  I watched through the oven window.  Waiting.  Waiting.  Finally, it began to move.  Satisfaction.  Here are some photos of the finished product.

Tag attached to collar
One Satisfied Customer

Update: I learned that the lettering will rub off after some time.  I made a new tag and sealed it.  I think this will help protect it.  You can see my new tag here.

14 comments:

  1. What a great idea to use shrinky dink. I think I have some somewhere in my crafty supplies....

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  2. so cute! we do shrinky dinks too but I hadn't thought of this.....must. do. it. now.

    BTW, Milo sure is a handsome kitty!

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  3. Wow--I am so impressed! That is a brilliant idea and they turned out beautifully!! Where in the world do you find shrinky dink these days? (Your description of watching and waiting brought me back to my childhood... I'd probably do the same thing as an adult, too!)

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  4. What a great collar for Milo (and yes he is handsome and I would like to call him! After all, he is my grandcat!) Loved reading the old posts and seeing the birthday flowers. Great blog!!!!!!

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  5. How awesome! I love it. That was a great use for shrinky dink.

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  6. Shrinky dink is awesome! I've used it a couple of times and it's so much fun! I believe Oliver (who is Milo's twin) would like a new tag too!!
    ♥ thanks for a great idea!

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  7. What a cool project! Your newest follower from EBT, welcome!!

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  8. Oh, I love it! Mr. Milo you have a very talented human. Scritches

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  9. How cute! I love how personalized it is!
    I've also thought of adding laser engraved pet tags to my shop :) But yours is so cute!

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  10. This is so cute! I've never worked with shrinky dink stuff - one of these days I'm going too cuz it looks like fun!

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  11. Oh, Milo looks so handsome with his special new tag!

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  12. Very sweet!
    Great tag with Shrinky Dinks :)
    New follower from Handmadeology. It would be cool if you could follow me back :)

    Thanks,
    Cathy

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Thanks for your comments! I love hearing from my readers :)