One night while blog hopping, I came across these these flip books on one of my favorite blogs, Momdot. I became inspired to create my version of Family Photo Laminated Cards. When my boys were little, they LOVED to look at pictures of our family. Back in 2006, I would actually lug a photo album around with me when I needed to keep Trever occupied for longer than one minute. Toddlers really enjoy looking at the faces of their family.
The craft appeared simple enough, gather photos, edit, print and laminate them. Right? Well, it was actually that simple. But, simple became derailed when I recognized that I did not have a laminating machine. I took a trip to Wal-Mart hoping to find a solution to my problem. There I found Scott’s Self-Seal 4×6 Laminating pouches. The pouches did not need a laminating machine and were reasonably priced at $3.49 per pack (each pack contained 5 pouches). Once I was back on track with a way to laminate the photos, I was able to think through the project a bit more. I decided I would add eyelets to the Family Photo Laminated Cards and thread them together with a metal ring.
Make your own Family Photo Laminated Cards
The great news is your do not have to have a laminating machine to create this wonderful craft! As I mentioned before, I used Scotch Self-Seal Laminating Pouches and the photos lamination was the perfect thickness and greatest protection. Side Note: I would not recommend you buy any brand other than the Scotch, if you do not use a laminating machine. I purchased another name brand self seal laminating package before Scotch and was thoroughly disappointed. I am certain clear packaging tape would have done a better job protecting my photos.
Supply List:
14 edited photos, including the names of the pictured subjects.
Glue Stick
7 sheets of Scotch Self-Seal Laminating Pouches
7 5/32 inch eyelets (found at local craft store)
1 5/32 inch eyelet tool (found at local craft store)
1 metal ring (found at local craft store, same aisle as eyelets. I also saw the rings at Office Depot as well. They had several sizes there.)
Editing the photos was the where most of the time went on the project. I edited them at www.picmonkey.com. I requested the mommies send me family photos of the children, siblings, aunt, uncles, grandma’s and grandpa’s. Once I received the photos I added objects and text to highlight and name the family member. After completing the editing, I uploaded the photos to www.walgreens.com and placed an order to have them printed.
Then I took two of the photos and adhered them together on the back sides. This will help to keep the photos from slipping way from one another, as you place them in the laminating pouch. Slide the photos into the laminating pouch and remove the top protective sheet. Then press the adhesive sheet onto your photo. You might find it easiest to use a credit card to help push out air bubbles and round out the corners of the photo. Be certain to follow the tips that come with the packaging, they will help you to make the “straight out of the machine” look.
After completing the lamination of all the pictures, I punched holes into the left hand corner of the cards. I used this hole punch, set on the 5/32 inch size. If you do not have a tool small enough for the 5/32 inch hole, you could create a hole with a pair of scissors or ice pick. Be careful not to make the hole to large or small, it will affect the eyelet installation. The hole does not have to be perfectly round, the eyelet will hide imperfections. After punching the hole in the cards, I hammered the eyelets into place with the eyelet tool.
Finally, I placed all 7 laminated cards on the ring and clenched it closed!
The Family Photo Laminated cards came out exactly the way I envisioned them. I was very pleased with the protection of the photos provided by the self seal laminating pouch. Along with how easily the photos slide along ring. There is lots of room to add more pictures in the future too!
Happy Crafting!
OMG, i love this! I am NOT crafty at all…but this is something even I could do. I don’t have a laminating machine either. These would make really good gifts and keepsakes.
Thats what I loved about it so much, was that it was easy and for anyone to make!
I love this idea, this is so cute and kids would love them!
How cute is that?!? I’d love to make something like this for my nephew!!
Oh my goodness! Those are so cute and look like something even I could make! I’m thinking they would be a great Valentine’s Day present to the grandparents from the grandkids – guess I know what I’ll be doing tomorrow! Thanks for the fabulous idea!
I love that! Even I could make those! haha
That’s so cute!
Love this idea! This looks like something that my kids would love to help do!