Growing up next door to nesting sea turtles, strolling alligators, and bright pink spoonbills ignited my curiosity for the natural world, and inspired me to preserve unique habitats like Florida’s for generations to come.

I started my Etsy shop Sealacanth Studios back in 2016 to make fun things inspired by the wildlife I love, and help others explore our natural world, discover its oddities, and learn about their own next door critters.❤️

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I also try to be environmentally conscious in my shop, using recycled paper, jewelry bags, and packaging products. And while my charms are made from artist-grade shrink plastic, I want everyone to know that these pieces can be created from any #6 plastic. That includes those pesky plastic to-go boxes, AND styrofoam! These plastics have the ability to keep their shape when they shrink due to heating. So if you would like to try out this fun, artsy form of recycling, I have a tutorial below to show you how. Reducing your use of plastic is the best way to help our environment, but reusing plastic you already have is better than throwing it away.

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***Making Your Own Shrinky-Dink Recycled Charms***

SUPPLIES: #6 plastic (to-go boxes, or styrofoam), scissors, permanent markers, parchment paper, metal baking dish, hole puncher (optional).

1. Draw your design on the piece of #6 plastic at least TWICE as big as you want your charm to be.
2. Cut out your design with scissors (a handheld hole punch can be used to make a small hole for attaching strings/jewelry hooks!).
3. Place the plastic cut outs on a piece of parchment paper on a metal baking dish, and heat it 350 degrees for 2 minutes (you may need to adjust the time based on the density of the plastic you are using).
4. Let the charms cool and flatten for a few seconds, and admire your new custom charm!