Shrink Art

Activity: Multicultural Shrink Art

Target Participant Group:  Community program participants

Therapeutic potential of this activity:

• To provide exposure to different multicultural symbols through art
• To provide an opportunity for creativity
• To provide an opportunity for social skills improvement
• To boost self-esteem
• To improve fine motor skills  

What other groups may benefit from this activity?

• Individuals with visual impairments
• Individuals in the hospital (i.e. pediatrics, physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy)
• Individuals in nursing homes
• Youth at risk
• Individuals with depression

What groups may not be as appropriate for this activity?

• Individuals with no fine motor control

                                                        Activity description:

   

   Shrink art is the process of tracing and coloring art onto sheets of sanded plastic and then "shrinking" those cut out pieces of plastic by placing them in a toaster oven.  The options of what can be made are endless!  First of all, anything can be drawn on the plastic and thus "shrunk".  This can be a great opportunity to include multicultural images!  Second, these miniaturized pieces of art can be used to create other pieces of functional art (i.e. earrings, charm necklaces and bracelets, rings, pins, key chains, etc.)     

Resources needed:

• Shrink art plastic
• Permanent markers
• Colored pencils
• Toaster oven
• Traceable pictures for inspiration

Best leadership style for this activity?

The best leadership style for this activity is one that values safety (e.g. operating the toaster oven) and creativity!  It is important to provide participants with an environment that encourages their self-expression!     

Where did I find this activity?

Activity information found at http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txcultur.htm and given by Elaine Belkind.  I have also personally done shrink art with patients while volunteering on the pediatric inpatient floor at Gundersen Lutheran.  It is a very fun and creative yet simple activity!  Photos found at https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6ZWOLe0zincBeSBcm8KI8FHrinAFJ2RahBv_OhUBZ9e-deG8hx4ARkzrO2SWmOQRjWjGcpaVc1RyKrXFB8QNIyfTscgk82v2bvShJzv261folNN4lKtrSh9dEr3dZa2gcwfVr-Wk_LU/s400/Shrink+Art+Green+Jade.jpg and http://www.beezkidz.com/images/Shrink%20Art/100_2928.jpg.

Where can others find more information on this activity?

For more detailed information and directions visit http://shrinkydinks.com/pages/instructions/KB_Assortment_instructions.pdf.