Here’s an EASY project that will keep your memories forever! These Kids Shrunken Artwork Gift Tags & Ornaments are the perfect way to give a gift to a loved one that lasts!
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Materials Needed:
1. Kids’ Artwork
2. Scanner or Copier (A lot of printers have both of these capabilities! I do not have this one, but THIS is Amazon’s best seller!)
3. Thermal Laminator and laminating sheets (I do not own one of these, but THIS ONE is Amazon’s Choice and THIS ONE is Amazon’s Best Seller!)
5. Grommets
(You can also take the artwork to a print store like Staples to have it resized and laminated.)
I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but I never expected to be one of those parents who fell in love with every piece of artwork that my child did. Before having kids I’d often cringe at the sight of some hideous craft or piece of artwork that a friend’s or family member’s child created. It would be proudly displayed on the fridge or the Christmas tree. I knew it was terrible to feel this way, but I wanted my Christmas tree to be perfect without any macaroni ornaments, and I didn’t need an advent wreath with my child’s handprint.
Well, what you do know. I guess it’s just inevitable! The first time my son drew on a piece of paper I squealed! And I saved it. I’ve basically saved everything he has made since then. Ok, it might not be that bad, but I certainly have saved A LOT!
During the holidays, my sentiment-o-meter shoots through the roof! I cry at everything and everything my kids do is just magical…especially their melt-downs. 😉
Perhaps because of my overdeveloped sense of sentiment, I decided that it would be a really sweet idea to take some of my kids’ artwork and turn them into gift tags for their grandparents and dad! Even better, after the gifts are unwrapped, they’ll get to keep the gift tags as ornaments! Because who doesn’t want my kids’ lines, dots, and circles on their Christmas tree every year! I know I do!
I’ve come a long way and in fact, I’m probably a little too far on the opposite side of the spectrum now, but I’m sure it will even out eventually.
I would have used our scanner printer, but our internet wasn’t working at the time, so I took it to Staples. They shrunk it and laminated it for me in minutes! I cut it out and attached a piece of bakers twin and used my eyelet and snap punch to create a hole. It’s a super easy project and one that will last forever! I’m crying now.
Details to DIY the Kids’ Shrunken Artwork Gift Tags & Ornament:
Here’s the original beauty:
Step 1:
Reduce the size of your child’s artwork by using a scanner or copier printer. You can choose the size that would work best for you!
Step 2:
Cut out the smaller copy of the artwork. I cut mine in the shape of a circle. Make sure that you leave about a fourth of an inch border around the artwork. If you get too close, it will open the seal from the laminator.
Step 3:
Use an eyelet and snap punch to poke a hole and insert a grommet.
Step 4:
Insert twine or ribbon to create your gift tag and ornament. Be sure to write on the back of the gift tag with a permanent marker. I used a sharpie. Also, make sure you write the date so that you will remember!
Kids’ Shrunken Artwork Gift Tags & Ornament
You can imagine if you had a really cute piece of artwork from your child! I mean, I LOVE my daughter’s scribbles, but I look forward to something a little less abstract! Merry Christmas!
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