Home lamination

I used to home laminate sheets and book marks with the clear vinyl book covers aside from just covering books with them. They would do a great job for me but now with kids I don't find them too durable so, I started home laminating. It very simple, easy, quick and cheap!

What you will need:

1. Laminating pouches/film (you can get laminating film in any size)
2. Iron
3. Two 10' by 13' bristol board 
4. A safe place to iron

Instructions:

I will let the picture do the talking.

 Open the pouch, which will have 3 sides open and one affixed. Place the material that needs to be laminated in between the  laminating sheets. 

Gently close it making sure that they do not move and then carefully place the laminating pouch between the two pieces of bristol board. Now, simply iron on moderately hot iron setting (I had our iron on 4.5, it goes till 7). Make sure to start from the side that is closed to avoid any bubbles or bumps to form. IF...the iron is too HOT it will simply make the film to curl up...so the whole game is on getting your hand set on the right temperature.

After you are done ironing...be very careful because it will be hot, give it a minute to cool and get hard.

Our finished product cut.

We had many other things laminated...

Did you know?!?

That... on laminated sheets you can also use WHITE BOARD markers! It works great for checklists, daily schedules, chore charts, GROCERY lists and reminders. You don't have to worry about wasting paper, recycling and it also eco-friendly (if you get the biodegradable laminating film/ pouches) :). Isn't that great??

I know some of you may be thinking right now...why waste so much time?...why not go to the stationary and get it done! Here are some reasons I do it at home

1. It ACTUALLY takes less time to do-it yourself at home then to get yourself (a muslimahs that could mean hijab, abaya, or even niqab) and the kids (1, 2, 3, 4) ready.
2. KIDS will love it... Children tend to like and feel attached to things that they see done in-front of them. Its a great learning experience.
3. If you have older children it could be a great practice for them to iron.
4. Its a great creative outlet...you can laminate leaves, make bookmarks for gifts, make labels, laminate a great art work of you child to preserve it and many other things.