Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Using Sheet Laminators To Protect Documents

By Lila Barry


Items that are subject to being soiled, or that are important to preserve, are often laminated to protect them. There are large machines that will do this, and even smaller desktop versions. These are heat powered, however, and can sometimes damage the very items they are supposed to be protecting. Sheet laminators do the same thing, but without the potentially damaging heat.

The plastic sheets used come in many different sizes, though they are not large enough for really big items. Letter sized documents and business card sizes are the most commonly used. With larger sizes, several documents can be covered, later cutting to the proper size. This can also be done with business cards, cutting to size as needed. Be sure to leave a lip on the edge so it won't peel.

These are also used to protect photos. For those carried in a wallet, it makes excellent protection. The fact they are crystal clear means there is no distortion of the picture. One project is to cover several pictures, joining them with a ring, and giving to a toddler or small child for their own personal album. This can be a great reassurance for a prolonged separation from a parent.

Craft projects also use these to cover special items. They can be cut to size and used to cover different items. These projects include bookmarks, placemats, nametags, and garden tags. The are all made using a decorative item and sandwiching the item between self-sealing plastic sheets.

Nametags are able to be made very unique. Affixing stickers or drawings of something personal before covering them gives a very individualized item. Use cardstock or poster board of a given size, write the name in very large letters so it is easy to read, then add the decorations to make it one-of-a-kind. After sealing it in plastic, it will be very strong.

Bookmarks are made in a similar manner. Anything can be put between the sheets of plastic. For classrooms, teachers often print out reading strategies on them, or suggestions for questioning. After covering them with the plastic, they are sturdy and protected from dirt, liquids, and foods from those snacks some enjoy while reading. Pieces of lace, or personal artwork can be used to make it very personal.

Placemats are fun to make for different holidays. If there are children in the family, their holiday art, either made especially for the purpose, or done in school and brought home, make excellent items to make the placemat. How much better to use their artwork at the holiday table than to just have it hanging on the refrigerator. Each child in the family can do their own design, making a very individualized project.

It is easy to protect documents and other things with self-sealing sheet laminators. They are a great source for covering craft projects. Needing no additional adhesive, they are clean and easy to use. It is possible to cut them with just a pair of craft scissors. They are very inexpensive, making them an excellent source for many uses.




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