Friday, August 23, 2013

Day 12... Sticker Maker + Laminator = Happy Me!

I'm beginning to think that if something isn't nailed down (or edible), I am going to laminate it, turn it into a sticker and affix it to something! I bought a new toy instructional tool and I just have to tell somebody about it!
Taking a hint from my pal, Kristen at Ladybug's Teacher Files, I tried a variation on label-making this afternoon. I love Kristen. To me, she is the Bloggy Goddess of Perfection. Everything she does looks like it was born on Pinterest. It is always beautiful and colorful. And it's usually laminated.

Not me. I rarely laminate things other than directions for tasks that are ongoing.... partly because the glare confuses me and partly because "Things to Be Laminated" is an omnipresent category on my To Do list. However, there are some things that get a LOT of use in my classroom, and, consequently, these labels are generally in tatters by Thanksgiving. I must have been channeling my pal, Kristen, from across the continent today when I decided that these overworked labels were the first that should be redone... and laminated.

So I rounded up my tools, which, in this case, included my laminator (no surprise there).


I also needed my newly-purchased "sticker maker" (I got mine at WalMart, but Amazon has them too). While I have seen this item several times in stores, I always thought that it made stickers... not made non-sticky things INTO stickers. I should tell you that this little device was on the shelf below the Mod Podge in the craft section. It is a bit surprising that I didn't just turn around and run...

I wasn't sure how it would work with laminated items, but I decided to give it a try. It was, after all, destined to be an afternoon of firsts!


I printed some labels and then laminated them. Then I ran them through the laminator again--just for the "heat seal"--because... because... well, because I always do it that way. It makes me think the lamination will stick better. I don't know if that is true, but I am more than happy believing that it does!

Then I ran the newly laminated (twice) labels through the sticker maker. It took me some time to get over the fact that there is no plug on this "machine." It is low-tech--just my speed. As you turn the handle clockwise, the label is slowly fed through the machine, and the adhesive is applied to the back. The directions say to complete the process by burnishing the item. I'm not exactly sure what that entails. I don't regularly burnish nor do I own a burnisher... but I figured it meant something close to polishing so I rubbed each label with a cloth before I removed the backing of the sticker.

And you know what?

It worked!


I labeled the larger white board bin first. And I see now that I forgot to put the rest of the white boards back in the bin before I took the picture! I really do have more than eight white boards!

By that time I was on a roll. (Hahaha... A little laminating/sticker-making humor there...). I laminated and sticker-ified these bins too, along with several others that were just sitting around waiting for a label.


Next week I have to decide how to label my book bins in my library. I have been making progress in my classroom, but I am avoiding that corner because I haven't yet decided what I want the labels to look like (and whether or not I will laminate them!)

I still have a few more blogging days left in August, so you can bet you will be reading about those library bins if you return for a visit...  which I truly hope you will.

For those of you already back in school, HAPPY WEEKEND! (These first few weekends after schools starts are always extra wonderful, don't you agree?!) And if you are ready to start back next week (for teacher days or with kids), I hope you can enjoy a few more days of summer bliss before the school year begins...






14 comments :

  1. genius! I have to get myself a label/sticker maker next!!

    Rae
    Mindful Rambles

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  2. So that's what a sticker maker does. I always thought it was a useless tool. Now I'm thinking it has some major potential!

    Simply Sixth Grade

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  3. I have a feeling that a laminator and sticker machine are just as dangerous for me to have around the house as Cadbury eggs.

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  4. Love my sticker maker! And not only do they make a permanent adhesive, but they make one that's temporary (or whatever they call it). I think that they also make a refill that makes magnets, and one that laminates just the top. I don't think that the stores usually carry those, but I order my refills from Amazon.

    Diane
    Fifth in the Middle

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    1. Thanks to you and Kim I am going to HAVE to spend money again! LOL! I've wanted one of these machines for some time and just wasn't sure. Now I am!

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  5. Wow! Learned something new. I could use this everywhere in my classroom since stapling is SO hard.

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    1. Hahaha I made a spelling mistake on my last comment! GRRR. Don't lie Kim all of us bloggers only have 8 white boards :)
      Kristy

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  7. SOLD! I've been on the fence regarding the sticker machine. You should get a commission or free sticky stuff from the company for your rave review!

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  8. I actually have a sticker maker from my short-lived scrapbooking days, but I never thought to use it in my classroom. Duh! Great tip!

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  9. Love the idea of a sticker machine! :) Super cute! And yes, thank goodness for the weekend...I am EXHAUSTED after week 1!

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  10. I just adore you Kim!!! Thank you for your sweet words but we really have to meet in real life some time...you can come to my room and see the not-so-perfect parts. There are just so many to choose from...

    I'm so glad you are into laminating now! And I do the EXACT same thing with running things through again. All summer I've been running my labels through again thinking "it might be just a bit more sealed and shiny!" Hahaha!

    I am very intrigued by this sticker machine. And extremely tempted. I think I should resist (but I know I won't!). I love how it was near the Mod Podge. Perhaps the Mod Podge was trying to make amends.

    Thank you for being literally the sweetest person in the entire world!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

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  11. I love your labels! Can I download them somewhere? Those label borders are super cute!

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