This week I was tasked with the challenge to find a creative use for my Fellowes laminator. Pretty much, 900 things ran through my head. From laminating everything in the baby box (cards, bracelets, mementos) to keep them safe over the long years, to categorizing and laminating all of Charlotte’s drawings from Pre-K on that are sitting in a box gathering dust. Goodness knows they are starting to get some strain.
But with P getting ready to be 1 year old next Thursday, I wanted to make him something that would not only be helpful to his growth and development, but also showcase the love our family has for him.
What you need to create a flip book
- pictures
- Fellowes Laminator
- Lamination sheets for the size photo you are covering
- printer paper
- markers/pens
- ribbon
- hole punch
Few things to note: When picking out lamination sheets, there are several kinds of ‘mil’. You usually only need 3mil, which is what I used here, for photos. If you are going to protect something larger or more long term, you may need to find stronger sheets to cover your photos. the “mil” is how thick the sheet is. My laminator machine does 3, 4, and 5 mil.
Instructions for your DIY Toddler Flip Book!
1) Print your pictures! I ran to the store this morning and printed pictures right on a machine that spits them out immediately. They were 25cent a print and looked pretty nice. It’s hard to remember since we do things so much digitally to get this done, but its smart to print your photos monthly or put them in a photo book. If you ever lose your computer or digital files you will have wished you did this! I have a computer under my desk that was hit by a virus in June and I can only pray that the photos will be recoverable.
2) Decide the type of book you are making. I made two kinds. In one book I wrote a little story and included family photos:
in the other, I created more flash cards with words to read to Phoenyx.
In this instance below, I added a leaf and laminated it. I was able to do this with several outdoor items including flowers, grass, and types of leaves. Because the item is more raised than a flat photo, I ran it through once and then turned it around and ran it through again in the opposite direction. (top to bottom, than bottom to top to seal it)
3) The lamination is easy. Just insert your pictures between the lamination pages.
Then put through the machine.
In seconds, it spits out the other side ready for what ever baby drool your toddler wants to put on it.
4) Use a hole punch to put a hole in the corner of each sheet you created.
4) You can either use a loose ribbon to secure the pages together or purchase a key ring for long term use. I had ribbon available, so I chose that route and double knotted the ribbon.
Book complete!
If you don’t have a lamination machine and need one (there really are a million uses for one…and truth be told, its super fun to laminate), check out this deal:
August 5th – August 25th friends of Mom Central can use exclusive coupon code 87298 to receive $30 off the regular price ($159.99) of a Fellowes Saturn2 95 at Staples.com! (while supplies last; maximum two machines per person (Go here to check out deal!)
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Don’t stop there!
As your child ages, you can add more pictures with advanced words, additional family members, or even create a book that includes pictures that represent every part of the alphabet!
The family book reads:
My family book.
This is my sister.
(pictures)
My family loves me!
This is my mom.
(pictures)
This is my dad.
(pictures)
My family loves me!
This is me.
(pictures)
I am amazing! I love my family!
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I hope this simple craft project inspires you to make something fun for your kids!
~trisha
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Fellowes and received a product sample to facilitate my review.
You get the point.
You may ask what a flowers has to do with “back to school” and she said it was a back to school present for the teacher!
