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My supplies<\/p><\/div>\n

For the following two dividers, I used a double-sided card stock<\/a>. Normally, I would not laminate a card stock, but for the purpose of demonstrating the laminating<\/a> technique, I will laminate these two dividers. I also use a paper-cutter<\/a>, tab punch and tabs<\/a>, Martha Stewart single hole punch<\/a>, a round-edge punch, and Avery<\/a> self-laminating sheets.<\/p>\n

Use one of the pages from your planner to determine the size of the divider. A page width is normally sufficient because you will be adding the tab, which will stick out beyond the page for easy viewing. If you are not using a paper cutter, use this page to trace<\/a> the divider on the card stock.<\/p>\n

A note before trimming your dividers. If you are not using one of the tab punches, you will need to trace a tab on your divider before trimming it and laminating. If you do not have confidence in your ability to free-hand a tab, grab a file folder<\/a> and trace the tab and cut it out with scissors. If you do not have a cutting board (and the variety and price of the many on the market range from very cheap to expensive) just use a good pair of scissors<\/a> (one that cuts) and cut along your trace lines.<\/p>\n

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Trimming to size<\/p><\/div>\n

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Trimmed edge<\/p><\/div>\n

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Avery Self-laminating sheets<\/p><\/div>\n

Once the card stock (or decorative paper) is cut to size, lay one sheet<\/a> of the laminating sheet paper side up on the table. I use laminating sheets and have found that these serve my purpose quite nicely. There are a number (loads) of laminating machines on the market, both hot and cold. I do not laminate many things and have not felt the need to purchase one.<\/p>\n

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Paper backing – will be removed<\/p><\/div>\n

Peel the backing slowly working from the top left-hand corner. Be careful not to touch the sticky side unnecessarily because it is very sticky. The sheet will lie flat on the work surface. Once it is exposed, lay each piece of card stock (one sheet of decorative paper if making large dividers) down on the laminate. This size card stock allowed for two to a page of laminate. I placed them side by side.<\/p>\n

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Peeling backing<\/p><\/div>\n

Next, pick the sheet of laminate with the two pieces of card stock up and lay it to the side.<\/p>\n

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Place a second sheet paper side up on\u00a0the work surface. Peel the backing off as\u00a0before. Place the sheet containing the card\u00a0stock on top sandwiching the card stock between the two sheets of laminate matching the white strip at the end. Smooth out all wrinkles by running hands over the card stock. Matching up the two paper edges that remain on the end after removing the paper backing make this task very easy. Match the paper edging and hold with one hand while you roll the dividers down until the papers are stuck together.<\/p>\n

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Sandwiching – use these paper strips to align<\/p><\/div>\n

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Trimming to size<\/p><\/div>\n

After smoothing the laminate and making sure the bubbles are worked out, the next step is to cut the extra laminate away.<\/p>\n

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Trimming laminate<\/p><\/div>\n

After trimming the excess laminate, set the pages aside to work on the tabs. If you do not have a tab maker, you should trace a tab on the divider before cutting and laminating so it will be one piece (see above). I use a tab maker and the laminating tabs that come with it.<\/p>\n

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Tab punch<\/p><\/div>\n

I punch the tabs looking at the bottom of the punch to cut as close to the edge as possible to avoid waste. This leaves the rest of the page for another project.<\/p>\n

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