Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

DIY Inspiration-The Polaroid Project: Part Two

Alright DIY Craft Geeks! This handmade project was FUN! I made them for four of my nieces and nephews. The older two already know their ABCs. If you missed part one click here.
When I was in the planning stage of this project I was going to out source the printing to a local store in town. The further along that I got I decided to put a little more work into it. It’s handmade so why not have it 100% “hand-made”~

I LOVE THESE PHOTO BOOKS! They are the same ones that I used in the recipe book tutorial I post earlier this week. Another added bonus of using them is that the photos will stay clean and protected. The photo albums can be purchased at Michaels and if you catch them on sale you’ll pay $1. per book.
I always make templates for every project. Makes it easier if I go back and make more later. In this case I’m creating four Polaroid ABC books so the templates are a great time saver.
I first measured a 4×6 piece of black cardstock. This is the base of each photo that will slide into the sleeves of the album. Next, I measured a white piece of glossy photo paper (to give it the shiny effect).
One additional piece of black cardstock was cut to give the Polaroid effect. I used double faced tape to attach everything. Didn’t want to use anything shiny like staples or brads that the kids could potentially pull off and put in their mouth.
Okay, that’s the time consuming part. Twenty six pieces of three different sizes of paper.
I used all of my photography to match each corresponding letter of the alphabet. After sizing each photo to fit into the space a sticker was added. Some photos were printed to big so I utilized Walgreens online print services and ordered wallet sizes for a few. For example you can see the photo of our family below. I couldn’t fit it in the space so I ordered wallet size version. Worked just fine. If you’re into graphics you can easily adjust each photo to be the same size. 
I used the same image that I shared with you in part one of this project for the book cover.  You can see the cover in the image above.  Adding some color cardstock and scalloped edges with the scissors.
I added the “is for…” myself.  
The album holds 36 photos so obviously I had extra openings.  After searching through my incredibly large supply of scrapbook paper I found one that went with the theme of the book.  I scanned the whole sheet and then cropped a 4×6 section to create the print.  I liked the shine of the gloss paper to accent well with the others.  Again, you can do whatever you want here.  
On the back cover I add my own little message for the recipients.
Hardy decided to hang out with me throughout the entire process of assembling the books.
It was a late night and included a lot of paper cutting.
But so worth the final product!

Make your own using photos that the child will recognize. Learning their ABCs will be so much fun.
Did you enjoy this project? Feel free to “pin” it and share the love.

DIY Inspiration-The Polaroid Project: Part One

©JenniferSchultingPhotography2012
I have friends on Facebook doing a countdown until Christmas. Every time I come across their post I have a minor meltdown. I have so many projects that need to be completed. Serious discipline and dedication is needed right now. Once I get a project going I’m good. It’s the “starting” is where I struggle. Permission to kick! Perhaps this post will be the “start” that I’m looking for.
I’ll be outsourcing the printing portion, so to avoid the holiday rush of locals at the Copy & Print Center, I need to get this one going. If it sounds like I’m repeating myself it’s because I am. The more I hear it the more motivated I become. It’s working…
Did you know?
The Polaroid Corporation was founded in 1937 by Edwin Land. He developed the first Polaroid Land Camera. Seventy five years later we are still enjoying the cameras. Read more history here.  
When’s the last time you used a Polaroid camera? I came across these two photos of Taz and 2Pac (previous fur-kids) when I was cleaning my office. Doing the math in my head I come up with the number eight. Eight years ago I took these with my Polaroid Camera. They were found tucked away in a box for safe keeping. *sigh*
It was discovering these two photos that got the wheels spinning in my brain.  
Therefore, I present to you…The Polaroid Project.

I’m putting together a collection of my photography that correspond with each letter of the alphabet. You know, A is for Apple, D is for Dog. Get it? I’m creating each page to look like a Polaroid.
My target audience?

I have six nieces and nephews who will love this. They all love books and plus they will recognize a lot of the photos that I’m using. A creative way to make learning fun.
Want a camera for yourself? Here’s a couple of sources for ya.
JuniperHome on Etsy has an awesome collection of cameras. Here’s one of their Polaroids.
Film? No problem. The Impossible Project has plenty. Beware! If your a “photography geek” such as myself, you will get easily distracted on their website, and their blog, and in their shop…You were warned!  
How about this one? FalconandFinch’s Etsy shop also offers the film for this camera.
Okay, gotta go, I’ve got a book to put together. And the countdown to Christmas continues (silent scream).
P.S.  I also have a new product that will be making an appearance in the Vintage shop in Galena, IL. Do you see them somewhere in this post? My first batch turned out so cute that I’m keeping them. So, I’ll be making more.  
P.S.S.  Smash books are moving along as well. I’ll be posting an update soon. Finally figured out what I wanted to use for the covers. 
Read Part Two of The Polaroid Project here.