Home Laminating Trick

Raise your hand if you have a home laminating machine. If you didn't raise your hand I'm going to strongly suggest that you go buy one! I had a "nicer" one from Staples that I used for some time. Until I managed to wrap laminate around the roll of it. I needed a new one before I had the chance to attempt fixing it or getting it replaced so I bought the Scotch laminator that Wal-Mart offers.

It works wonders. I would totally recommend it. It's really not a bad price either! And you can order your packs on amazon or purchase at Wal-Mart, whatever your preference is.

Okay, okay, now that we've discussed that, let's move on to the point of this post. Laminating at home is awesome. We can't live at school (although sometimes we think it would just be easier that way) so it's nice to have the option to laminate some items from the comfort of your desk chair...or couch..or floor..wherever you work best!

You have to use laminate pouches when using these machines. So you place your items inside of the pouch, and lay down the top layer. Then you have to pick your pouch up and slide into the machine--typically on an angle. Easy peasy right? YES! Until you have to laminate little tiny pieces. And ironically I prefer to do little tiny pieces at home because my home laminate is thicker than school laminate, therefore making my small items just a tad bit more durable.

They slide pretty easily when you're trying to move your pouch to the machine and forget it when you try to slide it in on angle. They will be all over the place. So I came up with a magic weapon.

Maybe you're thinking, "Erin, that's not really a secret. It's a gluestick." or "Duh, Erin, that's what I've been doing with mine forever!" Well there was a serious ah-ha moment when it dawned on me.

I put a dab of glue on the back of each picture then lay it down on my laminate pouch. It keeps the picture right in place, no sliding around while it enters in the machine.

Fill up your page with all of your pictures and then lay down the top of your pouch and it's ready to enter the machine. The other awesome part--you don't even notice the glue from the back after it runs through the machine.

And just so you know I'm not pulling your leg about the glue not showing through on the back.

Now if you hadn't thought to already do this on your own you're probably thinking, "Why didn't I think of that?!" So of course, that's why I'm sharing this idea. It is such a BRIGHT IDEA! If you're interested in more tips and tricks make sure to follow me on facebook and instagram.

You can also browse the link up below to find more bright ideas from over 80 awesome bloggers that spark your interest! I always learn so much from the Bright Ideas Hop!

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