Little cameos, festive buttons and a bracelet that looks ready for a Christmas party—this is such a lovely way to take our printables beyond the paper craft table. This DIY Christmas shrink-plastic bracelet tutorial walks you through downloading, cutting, colouring and joining your own vintage-inspired links.

Download your free Christmas bracelet charm printables

Download the three-page Christmas Bracelet Charms PDF. There are 12 black-line designs, four per page, with an attachment tab and punch guide on each side. Find them in our Repository for Beautiful Things.

Prefer separate images for your cutting software? Download page one, page two and page three.

Gather your supplies

• Inkjet-printable shrink film and compatible inkjet printer, or ordinary paper and traceable shrink film
• Scissors, or a compatible electronic cutting machine and mat
• Colouring tools approved for your film, such as permanent markers or coloured pencils on a suitable sanded surface
• Handheld hole punch, ruler, pencil and narrow strip of paper
• Oven or toaster oven, lined tray and heat protection as directed on the film packaging
• Two smooth jewellery pliers, small jump rings, lobster claw clasp and optional extender chain

Check before printing: use film labelled for your printer. Do not put ordinary or inkjet shrink film into a laser printer: its heat can shrink the plastic inside the machine. For non-printable film, print the designs on paper and trace them instead.

1. Download and check the shrink ratio

Open the download link, choose Download, and save the file to your device. Open the PDF in a PDF reader rather than printing a screenshot. The large designs were planned for film that finishes at 20% of its original width and height. At that ratio, a 3½-inch design finishes at about 0.7 inch.

Product claims can refer to different measurements, and actual shrinkage varies. Before making a batch, mark a one-inch square on a scrap, heat it according to the packaging, let it cool and measure it. Finished width divided by starting width gives your linear shrink factor. Required printed width = desired finished width divided by that factor. A square finishing at ½ inch has a factor of 0.5, not 0.2. Resize accordingly rather than assuming every brand behaves the same.

2. Print your outlines

For the PDF, select US Letter (8½ × 11 inches), portrait, Actual Size or 100%, and turn off Fit to Page. Print a paper proof first. The PDF includes printer-safe margins. Feed the correct printable side of your film according to its instructions and let the ink dry completely. Keep colours light because they become more intense as the plastic shrinks.

3. Print Then Cut, or fussy cut by hand

By hand: separate the designs, then turn the plastic as you cut around each outside silhouette. Keep both side tabs intact. Smooth sharp corners and leave a small protective border beyond the printed outline.

With a cutting machine: import an individual PNG page and isolate each chosen design. Remove the page heading and footer from the cutting selection. Clean the background so only the outer silhouette is cut; the interior line art must remain print detail. These PNGs are artwork, not ready-made cut files. Retain the attachment tabs, set the intended dimensions, and choose Print Then Cut. Use the software-generated print with registration marks—do not use the already printed PDF for this route. The registration area may require fewer pieces per sheet. Test the film, blade and settings first; if the machine cannot read the marks or cut the material cleanly, fussy cut instead. Punch the side holes separately.

4. Colour your Christmas cameos and buttons

Try classic red and evergreen, ivory cameos and little touches of gold. Work on the decorating side specified by your film maker. Use light layers, let each dry, and leave the punch guides visible. Colouring after cutting is fine, although colouring before fussy cutting can be easier to hold. Test any new pen on a scrap.

5. Punch both side holes before heating

Centre the punch over the guide on each side tab. Check that each opening is fully cleared and that a sturdy band of plastic remains around it. Do not punch the decorative circles in the pearl borders. A ¼-inch hole would finish about 1.3 mm across at a true 20% linear ratio; use jump-ring wire that passes freely through your cooled test piece. The printed circles are guides: the punch size and remaining tab strength matter more than matching them exactly.

6. Heat, flatten if needed, and cool

Preheat and prepare your tray exactly as your film packaging directs. Arrange pieces separately on the recommended lining with space to shrink. Use the stated temperature and timing for that specific product. The pieces may curl during shrinking and then settle; watch them without reaching into the hot oven. Remove the tray with heat protection. If the manufacturer recommends flattening, follow its method while the pieces are still warm. Let everything cool fully before handling or adding findings. Do not microwave shrink film. Children need adult supervision for heating and small jewellery parts.

Check the cooled links for sharp edges, cracks and sound holes. Discard damaged links. If adding a protective finish, use a film-compatible product, test it first and let it cure fully before assembly.

7. Add jump rings and connect the links

Lay your chosen motifs face up in an alternating order. Grip a jump ring on either side of its opening with two pliers. Twist one side forward and the other back; do not pull the circle wider sideways. Pass it through the right tab of one link and the left tab of the next, then twist closed until the ends meet without a gap. Choose rings with enough inside diameter to let the thicker shrunken tabs move freely. Repeat to form a flexible strip.

8. Measure your wrist with a strip of paper

Wrap a narrow paper strip around the place you will wear the bracelet. Keep it comfortably against the skin, mark where it overlaps, then lay it flat and measure from the end to the mark. Begin with about ½–¾ inch of wearing ease and adjust for comfort and link thickness. Lay out the cooled links, connecting rings and clasp and measure the entire closed bracelet length; the clasp and connecting rings count toward the total. Add or remove links, or use a short chain section to fine-tune the fit.

9. Attach a lobster claw fastener

Use a jump ring to attach the lobster clasp to the first free end tab. On the opposite end, attach a closed receiving ring or short extender chain. Close every connecting ring carefully. Check that the clasp opens, closes and catches securely, then try the bracelet on. It should move comfortably without squeezing, snagging or slipping over your hand.

10. Look fabulous

Wear your little Christmas keepsakes with a soft ivory jumper, a velvet ribbon in your hair, or your favourite festive outfit. Make a matching pair of earrings from spare designs, or tuck a bracelet into a small gift box for someone who loves vintage Christmas details. Keep your finished jewellery away from prolonged heat, soaking and rough pulling.

Quick troubleshooting

• Links too large or too small? Measure your cooled test and change the printed dimensions using your actual linear shrink factor.
• Holes too tight? Test a larger pre-shrink punch and suitable thinner ring wire while retaining a strong tab border.
• Bracelet feels stiff? Use rings with more clearance around the thickened tabs and recheck the fit.
• Ink smears? Confirm that the film and ink are compatible and allow proper drying time.

Manufacturer reference: Grafix shrink film FAQ. Always use the instructions supplied with your own film.

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Explore My Grandma’s Teacups printable collections on Etsy for more artwork and seasonal crafting inspiration.

Some of the prettiest Christmas details are the smallest: a glossy holly button at the centre of a velvet bow, a tiny poinsettia on a card, or an ivory cameo finishing a little gift box. This project turns our Christmas printable into dimensional paper accents with a colour laser printer, Cricut Print Then Cut and several thin coats of clear UV resin.

The gold, pearls and carved details are part of the printed artwork. The resin adds a smooth, raised clear finish; it does not turn the printed details into sculpted metal or porcelain.

A plain market bag is a lovely excuse to take our favourite autumn designs beyond the craft room. I made two versions: a cheeky dragon bag and a Scottish Highlands bag filled with plaid, pumpkins and pretty things. Add a ribbon dangle at the handle and an everyday tote becomes something rather special.

Two autumn looks

Dragons Don't Do Pumpkin Spice — We Bring the Heat: the dragon design pairs beautifully with a full red-and-burnt-orange bow, beads and gold charms. Keep the bow snug against the handle and let the ribbons drape along the side so the dragon and wording remain visible.

Plaid, Pumpkins & Pretty Things: the Scottish Highlands version calls for purple plaid, matcha green and purple velvet ribbons, with pearl sprays and a cabochon at the centre of the bow. A silver Scottish thistle charm adds the finishing touch.

What you will need

• Your chosen digital image and Canva
• A light-coloured market bag suitable for sublimation
• A printer set up with sublimation ink and compatible sublimation paper
• A heat press, fresh protective butcher paper and an appropriate pressing surface
• A lint roller and heat-resistant tape
• A handmade or purchased purse dangle

Check your blank: a canvas look does not necessarily mean a bag is suitable for sublimation. Use a bag sold for sublimation and follow its supplier's instructions. Ordinary untreated cotton requires a different transfer method.

1. Prepare the image in Canva

Open an 8.5 × 11 inch design in Canva and upload your image. Size it to suit the blank space on your bag, allowing for your printer's printable margins. Keep the image in proportion.

Flip the image horizontally, then download it to your device at high quality. The lettering should look backwards in the saved file. Mirror it only once: if you have flipped it in Canva, leave any additional mirror setting in the print dialogue turned off.

2. Print and allow the ink to dry

Print on the correct side of your sublimation paper using the settings recommended for your printer, ink and paper combination. Check the print preview to make sure the design has not been resized unexpectedly.

Allow the ink to dry fully before handling. Carefully tear away the excess paper around the image, leaving a small border and keeping all of the printed design intact.

3. Prepare the market bag

Lay the bag flat and lint-roll the area that will be pressed. Pre-press as directed by your bag supplier to remove moisture and wrinkles, then allow it to cool before positioning the transfer. Put fresh protective paper inside the bag to protect the back. Keep handles and bulky seams out of the pressing area.

4. Centre and press

Place the printed image face down in the centre of the blank space. Check that it is straight and secure it with heat-resistant tape so it cannot slide. Cover it with fresh protective paper as directed for your press.

Press using the temperature, time and pressure recommended for your particular bag and transfer supplies. Settings vary, so use the supplier's guidance rather than a single setting for every tote.

5. Remove from the press and cool

Carefully lift the bag from the press and lay it flat on a heat-safe surface. Follow your transfer supplier's instructions for when to remove the paper, lifting it cleanly without dragging it across the print. Let the bag cool completely before adding its decorations.

6. Add a little personality to the handle

Attach your purse dangle close to the base of a handle, with the bow sitting snugly against it. Arrange the ribbon tails, beads and charms down the side of the bag so they frame the transfer without covering it.

Make your own with layered ribbons, beads, a clasp and a few favourite charms, or purchase a ready-made bag dangle from Etsy. There are lots of cute charms on Temu too—lovely little finishing touches for a dangle that suits your bag's personality.

For the dragon bag, think rich reds, burnt orange and gold dragon, leaf or flame charms. For the Scottish Highlands bag, combine purple plaid, matcha green and purple velvet with pearl sprays, a centre cabochon and a silver thistle.

One simple process, two very different moods: a little Highland romance, or a dragon with opinions about pumpkin spice.

Subscribe to My Grandma's Teacups for more creative projects and printable inspiration.

Shop the artwork for these market bags

Choose the printable collection for your favourite version: Dark Fantasy Fall Expansion on Etsy for the dragon bag, or Scottish Highlands Fall Expansion on Etsy for the Scottish Highlands bag. These are digital downloads; bags and craft supplies are separate.

Save for Later

Choose a favourite image to save this project for your next creative afternoon.

There is something lovely about giving an overlooked object a new purpose—especially when it ends up beside a favourite stack of books. Our design team member Becky Conley of BC Designs has shared a new project, Tea for Two Bookend with MGT Printable Treasures, using our Blue Hydrangea collection.

I love seeing the different directions our designers take with the same printable artwork. This time, Becky has taken it beyond the journal page and into a bookend project, bringing her love of repurposing to a bookish corner.

Our design team has given us one more lovely reason to linger in autumn. Samantha Kennard of Mamthy’s Crafts has created a warm, layered card with the Cottagecore Comforts Fall Expansion, pairing a sweet focal image with gingham ribbon and softly coordinated printable papers.

Card and photograph by Samantha Kennard of Mamthy’s Crafts.

A simple mix of printables and texture

Samantha used one of the collection’s stickers as the main image, then built the card around coordinating background papers. The gingham ribbon echoes the country-cottage feeling and adds just enough texture without competing with the printed layers.

• Collection: Cottagecore Comforts Fall Expansion
• Featured elements: printable sticker and background papers
• Finishing touch: gingham ribbon chosen to match the autumn cottage theme

The result is cosy, cheerful and very easy to adapt. It is a lovely example of how one sticker can become the anchor for a complete handmade card when the papers and ribbon repeat the same colour story.

Visit Samantha’s original project

Please visit Samantha’s original Cottagecore Comforts Fall card post on Mamthy’s Crafts for her project notes and more of her creative work.

You can also explore the Cottagecore Comforts Digital Fall Expansion used in this card. Samantha’s readers can use her design-team code MGTSAMANTHA for 30% off at checkout.

To discover more work from Samantha, Becky Conley and Elizabeth Kirby Hart, visit Meet the My Grandma’s Teacups Design Team.

Save for Later

Card and photograph: Samantha Kennard, Mamthy’s Crafts.

A little gold, a beautiful bookmark, and a gloriously full tassel—this is the sort of finishing touch that makes a reading accessory feel like a special gift. For this project I used the Romantasy Fall bookmarks and turned coordinating sticker designs into little hand-coloured charms.

The project has two parts. First we print and finish the bookmarks. Then we make the charms and put together a layered tassel with lace, fibres and strands of seed beads.

Gather your supplies

• Romantasy Fall bookmark artwork and coordinating sticker designs
• Printer and suitable cardstock within your printer's supported weight
• Paper trimmer or scissors, ruler and a small hole punch
• Gold marker, or craft foil with its compatible adhesive or transfer system
• Laminating pouches and a laminator suitable for the finished cardstock thickness
• Tracing line art made from the sticker designs
• Shrink film suitable for tracing and pencil crayons, a compatible outlining pen, scissors and a hole punch
• Heat tool approved for your shrink film, heat-resistant work surface and suitable holding tool
• Small phone-dangle cord loops; jump rings and jewellery pliers if needed
• Lace, ribbons, yarn and textured fibres in plum, dusty rose, copper/rust, muted olive, ivory and antique gold
• Seed beads, beading thread or cord sized to fit them, and a beading needle if needed
• Strong tying thread and a small piece of card for measuring your tassel

Part One: Print, cut, gild, laminate and punch

1. Print the bookmarks

Open the bookmark file and print at actual size, or 100%, to keep the intended proportions. Check the preview before printing: turning on “fit to page” can change the finished size. Choose the paper setting that matches your cardstock and allow the ink to dry completely before handling the surface.

2. Cut them out

Use a paper trimmer for the long straight edges, or a ruler and scissors if that is what you have. Follow the outside edge of each bookmark and keep the decorative border even. If you would like a backing, add a thin layer of coordinating paper now and let the adhesive dry flat before continuing.

3. Add a little gold

Run a gold marker carefully along the cut edges and pick out a few border details. Work lightly so the metallic finish complements the artwork. Let it dry fully.

Foil is another lovely option. Use foil with the adhesive or transfer method specified for that product; ordinary foil will not simply stick to an inkjet print. Make a small test first, particularly if the finished piece will go through a hot laminator. Keep bulky embellishments out of the laminating pouch.

4. Laminate the bookmark

5. Punch the attachment hole

Punch a centred hole near the top, leaving a sturdy bridge of material above it. Position it far enough in to pass through the cardstock and laminate, rather than relying on the thin clear border alone. Keep it clear of the main artwork. A narrow cord loop will pass through this hole, so it only needs to be large enough for your chosen attachment.

Part Two: Shrink-film charms and a full lace-and-fibre tassel

1. Turn the stickers into tracing line art

We used the coordinating sticker designs to create a black-and-white line-art image. I placed the shrink film over that image and traced the motifs onto the film. The sword, book and rose, lantern, crown and celestial designs all make lovely little accents.

Use the side and drawing materials specified for your film. Shrink ratios vary, so make one test charm before deciding on the size for a whole batch. You want the finished charms small and light enough to sit comfortably beside the bookmark.

2. Colour with pencil crayons

I coloured the traced images with pencil crayons, using shades that worked with the bookmarks. Keep the colouring fairly light at first: it becomes more concentrated when the film shrinks. Leave the hand-coloured texture visible—that is part of the charm of making them yourself.

3. Cut and punch before shrinking

Cut around each motif, leaving a little space around delicate details and rounding sharp corners. Leave a sturdy tab where the cord will attach and punch the hole now. Both the design and the hole shrink, so check the hole size on your test piece before making the remaining charms.

4. Shrink with the heat tool

I used a heat tool to shrink my coloured pieces. Use this method only if your shrink-film instructions allow it. Work on a heat-resistant surface in a ventilated area, keep the hot tool away from paper and tassel fibres, and use a suitable tool to stop the lightweight piece from blowing away. Follow the film manufacturer's heating instructions rather than a fixed time or distance.

The film may curl as it shrinks. Let it finish shrinking and settle as directed, then allow it to cool before handling. If the product instructions call for flattening, do that with the recommended tool and method. Attach cords only after the charm has cooled completely.

5. Add the little phone-dangle strings

I attached the cooled charms to the little cord loops used for phone dangles. Pass the fine loop through the charm hole, then pass the rest of the attachment through the loop and pull gently to secure it. If your attachment needs a jump ring, use a small smooth ring that fits without forcing the hole. Check that each charm hangs freely.

6. Build a thick, luxurious tassel

For the full tassel, gather a generous mix of ivory lace, dusty rose and plum fibres, copper or rust ribbon, muted olive accents and a few fine antique-gold strands. Mix widths and textures: lace gives softness, ribbon gives body, and fine fibres fill the gaps.

For a tassel around 4 inches long, begin with strips roughly 9–10 inches long so there is room to fold, bind and trim. This is a starting point, not a required measurement; adjust it to suit your bookmark. Lay the strips together with their centres aligned and keep adding until the bundle looks satisfyingly full without becoming too heavy.

Tie a strong hanging cord securely around the midpoint. Fold the bundle in half over that tie, then bind the folded bundle a short distance below the top to form the tassel head. Wrap firmly several times, knot securely and tuck the ends into the fibres. Spread the lace and ribbons so the colours are visible all around, then trim the ends into a soft, slightly varied fringe.

7. Thread the seed-bead strands

Thread a few short strands of seed beads in plum, amber and antique gold. Use cord suited to the bead holes and secure both ends with appropriate knots or findings so the beads cannot slide off. Tie the strands into the tassel beneath the wrapped neck, leaving them visible between the lace and fibres. Keep them short enough to avoid dragging below the tassel.

8. Attach the charms and tassel

Secure the phone-dangle charm loops at the top of the tassel or around its neck, placing the charms where they can be seen against the softer fibres. Use just a few so they remain accents rather than weighing the whole tassel down.

Pass the tassel's narrow hanging loop through the bookmark hole, then pass the tassel through that loop to make a gentle lark's-head attachment. If the bundle is too thick to pass through, use a suitable connecting ring or tie the hanging cord securely instead. Give each attachment a gentle check.

Keep the bookmark flat between the pages and let the tassel and charms rest outside the book. The finished effect is richly layered: gold-edged autumn artwork, soft lace and fibres, tiny seed beads and your own hand-coloured charms.

The finished hero image was created from my bookmark artwork and charm photographs, with my planned full tassel digitally added because the remaining supplies had not arrived in time. The process photographs show my printed bookmarks and hand-coloured shrink-film work.

Find the coordinating printables in My Grandma’s Teacups on Etsy, and join our newsletter for more paper-crafting inspiration.

Optional foiling supplies from A Cherry On Top

Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.

For a little extra shimmer, The Crafter’s Workshop Champagne Gold 6 × 6 Foil Transfer Sheets can be used with double-sided adhesive or the tacky-when-dry medium specified for the foil. Try a narrow adhesive border on a scrap of cardstock first.

For a separate heat-foiling method, consider Gina K Designs Fuse Foiling Gel and the Gina K Designs White Fuse Foiling System. The gel is applied through a stencil and allowed to dry before foiling with the Fuse system. Use foil confirmed compatible with that system and follow the product instructions. The Champagne Gold sheets above are described for adhesive transfer; compatibility with the Fuse gel and machine has not been confirmed. The Fuse is an optional foiling tool, not a required supply for this project. A gold marker is still a simple finishing option.

Paper-crafting adhesive options

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• Uniquely Creative Paper Perfect Quick Dry Glue, 120 ml — a fine-tip liquid adhesive option for paper layers and decorative details. Apply sparingly and let the project dry flat.
• X-Press It Double-Sided Tape, 24 mm × 55 yd — an adhesive option for paper panels, scrapbook layouts and cards. Trim the wide tape to suit smaller tabs or borders, keeping adhesive clear of pocket openings.

Both products were listed as out of stock when checked on November 6, 2026. Check current availability; a suitable paper glue or double-sided tape you already own can be used instead.

A cutting and scoring tool option

Affiliate link: I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link, at no extra cost to you.

The Stamperia Create Happiness Paper Trimmer at A Cherry On Top includes separate cutting and scoring blades, imperial and metric measurements, and an extendable measuring arm. It is an option for straight paper cuts and scored folds; follow the tool’s instructions and check its supported material thickness. Use a suitable craft knife for chipboard. Listed as in stock when checked on November 6, 2026; availability may change.

Shop the Romantasy Fall collection on Etsy for the printable artwork used in this bookmark project.

Save for Later

Save your favourite angle for a future creative afternoon. The styled finished-project concepts show the planned full tassel; the charm image uses the original hand-coloured pieces.

I have another beautiful design-team project to share, and this one is full of the rich colours and little details that make autumn crafting so satisfying. Elizabeth Hart has transformed our printable artwork into a dimensional pumpkin-shaped shaker decoration she calls “The Harvest Hearth.”

Project and photograph by Elizabeth Kirby Hart, created with artwork from My Grandma’s Teacups.

A pumpkin made for the harvest table

Elizabeth built the piece around a generously shaped pumpkin frame, then layered it with warm wheat, berries, burgundy gingham bows and soft green leaves. A deep burgundy ribbon at the top gives it the look of a finished keepsake rather than a simple paper project.

At the centre is a small framed label reading “The Harvest Hearth”—a lovely name for a piece that feels warm, welcoming and ready for an autumn mantel or Thanksgiving display.

The shaker detail makes it come alive

The clear pumpkin window is filled with a mix of tiny beads and sequins in cranberry, copper, green and gold. They gather along the lower curves of the pumpkin, adding movement and sparkle without hiding the printed design underneath.

I especially love the contrast between the polished shaker window and the hand-finished leaves. Those oversized leaves give the project a playful, folk-art quality, while the burgundy bow ties all the cranberry tones together.

Ideas to borrow for your own printable crafts

• Repeat one colour in the paper, shaker mix and ribbon to make several materials feel coordinated.
• Use a clear window to show off patterned paper while adding movement and dimension.
• Mount a small printed journal card or label as the centre focal point.
• Ink the edges of dimensional pieces so pale cut edges do not distract from the finished design.

Elizabeth plans to share her own project post on Tuesday. Until its direct link is available, you can visit Warm Harted to enjoy more of her handmade cards and paper projects.

Explore My Grandma’s Teacups printable collections on Etsy for more autumn papers, journalling pieces and creative elements. Please check each listing’s contents before purchasing; Elizabeth’s finished shaker project and embellishments are her own creative work.

A very warm thank-you to Elizabeth for sharing another imaginative way to take printable artwork beyond the page. This pumpkin is cheerful, dimensional and unmistakably autumn.

Would you display a shaker pumpkin on a mantel, a craft-room shelf or your Thanksgiving table?

Make your own autumn project: Shop the Cottagecore Comforts Fall Expansion on Etsy — the printable collection Elizabeth used for her pumpkin shaker.

Save for Later

Project and photograph: Elizabeth Kirby Hart, Warm Harted.