5 quick and easy instax™ craft projects to try at home
Got a creative itch to scratch? One of the things we love about our instax™ cameras and printers is that the crafting opportunities are *literally* endless. Whether you’re vibing solo or planning a pizza party with pals, our quick ‘n’ easy craft ideas are the perfect excuse to pull out your prints.
Only have an hour or two to spare? No problem. Your instax™ prints can be transformed into unique gifts, dreamy decor, even personalised games — in no time at all.
Ready to live your best #CraftLife? Get stuck into these must-try makes:
1. Surprise your book loving bestie with a personalised bookmark
Is your BFF officially in their reading era? If you’re after a gift that’s bookworm approved, go for a photo bookmark. Quick and simple to make, these personalised bookmarks not only keep their place, but they’ll also serve as a cute reminder of your friendship every time they crack open their favourite book.
To make your photo bookmark, start by choosing a selection of instax™ photos that your book-loving bestie will love (our mini prints work really well for this). It could be snaps from a shared adventure, silly selfies, nights out, even cute photos of their pets…
Arrange your prints in a horizontal row on a sheet of durable card, before securing them in place with glue or tape. For an extra personal touch, why not caption your pics with funny messages or literary-inspired quotes? Think: “You’re the main character”, “Stay true to your shelf”, or “BRB, off to Hogwarts” — (you can have those ones for free).
After you’ve secured your images and cut your card into a strip, pop your bookmark into a laminating pouch to give it a polished look and protect it from any accidental coffee spillages.
Want to make sure they never lose their place? Punch a hole into the top of your bookmark, being careful not to puncture your print. Then, thread a colourful ribbon or tassel through the hole for the perfect finishing touch.
2. Create a concertina moment with an accordion album
We recently shared our top hacks for creating a fun instax™ photo album. But if you fancy something a bit outside the box, why not create an accordion photo album? An accordion album is basically a concertina book of all your favourite photos. As you open it up, it's like your memories are on a continuous scroll — no swiping necessary.
To create your accordion photo album, start by putting together a pile of your most treasured instax™ prints. We recommend using instax SQUARE™ prints for this, as their compact size makes them easy to handle and arrange within the album.
Place your prints horizontally across a long strip of card, leaving equal space between each photo for the folds. If your measuring skills are a bit on the rusty side, you might want to try some test folds first using a separate sheet of paper or card.
Once you're happy with your positioning and are sure that everything will fit, secure your photos with glue or double-sided tape. Then, carefully fold the strip into a concertina pattern and glue decorative card to the ends for a sturdy and stylish cover. Et voilà, you have a picture-perfect concertina album full of all your fav memories.
3. Elevate your gift-giving with elegant photo gift tags
Short on time? We’ve got you covered. Photo gift tags are yet another super simple photo craft idea that can be created in just under 15 minutes. Use them to personalise your presents, decorate party favours, or even label edible treats.
To create your personalised gift tags, grab a selection of instax™ prints and some colourful, patterned card. Next, carefully cut out shapes for your tags, making sure they're slightly larger than your photos. You could go with a simple square shape or experiment with stars, circles, hexagons, or hearts.
Finally, attach your photos to the tags using glue or double-sided tape, and add a short-but-sweet handwritten message underneath. It really is that simple.
Still got a few minutes to spare? Attach a fine piece of ribbon or thread to your tags to add an extra touch of elegance and sophistication.
4. Upgrade games night with fun photo playing cards
Got an old pack of playing cards lying around at home? Use your instax mini Link 3™ smartphone printer to give them a whole new lease of life. Photo playing cards are the perfect craft project to tackle with friends, and the best part is, you can put them to use right away.
Before the crafting begins, gather your crew, grab your smartphones, and get ready to reminisce. Scroll through those camera rolls, rediscover hilarious selfies, and look back on all those unforgettable moments you've shared. With 52 cards to fill, you'll have a blast choosing the perfect snaps to print!
To personalise your playing cards, you’ll need a roll of contact paper, a retractable blade and cutting board, some glue, and your instax™ prints. Start by flipping each card over (with the suit side facing down), and carefully adhere a piece of contact paper to the surface, smoothing out any bubbles. After you’ve trimmed off the excess, centre your chosen print on the card and secure it in place with the glue.
Want to add some extra durability? After the glue has dried, you can laminate your cards using a laminator or simple self-sealing pouches. And there you have it — a unique deck of playing cards that's sure to be the star of your next gathering.
5. Make a statement with an extra-special greeting card
Fancy an alternative to an online greeting card? With your instax™ printer and a touch of creativity, you can craft a card that's as unique as the recipient.
The beauty of this project lies in its flexibility. So, get ready to rip up the rule book and design whatever your heart desires. You could create a travel-themed card with snaps from your holidays together, a birthday card featuring photos from each year of their life, or a comic-strip-style design with speech bubbles and silly captions.
Bestie anything but basic? We’re giving you permission to be a little extra…
Why not take inspiration from our accordion photo album idea and turn it into a greeting card? Every other page could showcase your favourite photos together, while the remaining pages could feature heartfelt messages, fun facts about your friendship, or a timeline of your memories.
Whatever creative route you take, a handmade photo card is bound to brighten their day.
The ultimate crafting companion: instax mini LiPlay™
Ready to elevate your crafting game? The instax mini LiPlay™ hybrid camera/printer has all the features you need to bring your creative projects to life.
With its compact size and instant printing capabilities, it’s the perfect tool for quick and easy crafting. Plus, with all the built-in filters and frames, you can add a touch of personality to your photos, straight from the camera!
Whether you’re crafting a gift for friends or family or creating an album to store all of your memories, this nifty pocket-sized camera gives you the perfect excuse to get your craft on. Don’t forget to explore our complete instax™ mini film collection. From pastel coloured pink film to playful sprinkles and spray art, there’s a fun frame to match every mood and project.
