These DIY instax™ photo flip books are a MAJOR mood
Chronically online and craving a break? We might be self-professed cyber addicts, but sometimes *even we* get the urge to stop the scroll and switch off.
We’re not saying we’re about to lock our phones in a drawer and throw away the key. You never know – bestie might be in a crisis or today might finally be the day that Sabrina Carpenter decides to respond to our late-night DMs (never say never). But sometimes, we just wanna stop swiping, make ourselves a Matcha, pull out our favourite instax™ film prints, and get stuck into a new craft project.
Our latest project pick? These ultra-aesthetic photo flip books. Flick through them on a rainy afternoon, gift them to pals for whenever they’re craving their own digital detox, or make it your mission to create the ultimate photo flip book collection.
Whether you choose to make one flip book or 100, with our instax™ instant cameras and printers, it couldn’t be easier.
Selecting your instax™ snaps
This craft project is all about making your instax™ photos the star of the show. Create a book of laugh-out-loud moments, dedicate a selection of snaps to your bestie, or pull together travel pics that instantly transport you back to sun-drenched beaches and unforgettable adventures.
Quick disclaimer: if you don’t own an instax™ instant camera, you’ll need to use one of our smartphone printers for this bit. Technically, this does mean using your phone, but this is basically the opposite of doom scrolling, so you're good, right?
Plus, once you’ve viewed the instructions and are at the crafting stage, you’re not gonna need your smartphone – except, maybe, for shuffling songs on your Spotify playlist. Who doesn’t love a good productivity playlist?
Obsessed with tiny things? For a dinky photo flip book that’ll fit snugly in your palm, use your instax mini Link 3™ smartphone printer to print a selection of instax mini film™. These miniature film prints are perfect for popping into a pocket-sized flip book that you can carry with you wherever you go. After developing, place your pics straight into your instax™ photo book to keep them crumple-free and protected.
‘Go big or go home’ kinda person? Why not create a mega flip book full of instax SQUARE™ prints or instax WIDE 400™ shots? You could dedicate your larger photo book to nostalgic uni photos or, if you have pals who’ve recently tied the knot, you could fill it with iconic group wedding snaps and give it to the bride and groom. A handmade wedding gift never goes amiss.
Your photo flip book essentials
Once you’ve selected your all-time favourite images, it’s time to gather your supplies. If you’re anything like us, you’re probably into craft projects that give maximum results with minimal fuss. And luckily for you, this project is as easy as it gets. Forget having to follow waffly, long-winded steps or tutorials; we’re keeping it simple and straightforward, so you can focus on being creative.
What you’ll need:
- A pair of scissors
- Coloured card or heavy craft paper
- Your instax™ prints
- A hole punch
- A roll of double-sided tape
- Extra decorations (think stickers, decals, or glitter)
- Metal book binding rings (you can pick these up online or in local craft shops)
BRB, making a flip book
We’ve tried and tested this DIY IRL – and trust us – it's super easy to recreate. There are literally only four steps in total. Need a visual guide? Check out the video below or keep scrolling for instructions.
Step 1: Size up your situation
First things first, grab your card and scissors. Decide how big you want your flip book to be and cut your card to size. Make sure your pics will fit with a little extra space at the top for punching holes (we'll get to that in a sec).
Pro tip: If you're planning on having a front and back cover, keep a couple of extra sheets of card handy. Oh, and make sure all your pages are the same size. Let’s be real – a wonky flip book isn’t a vibe.
Step 2: Time for the holes
Next, grab your hole punch and make some holes along the top of each sheet of card. Do this before you stick your pics down to avoid accidentally puncturing your precious instax™ prints.
Step 3: Stick it to 'em
Stick your pics onto the card using double-sided tape. Then, go wild with decorations. Add stickers, handwritten captions, glitter – whatever your creative heart desires. Feeling extra? Try layering your photos for an edgy collage effect.
Step 4: Flex those binding skills
Last but not least, grab your metal book binding rings and slip them through the holes for the final finishing touch.
Check out the video tutorial below:
In need of some aesthetic inspo?
Earlier on, we mentioned creating a mega collection of photo flip books. Why not try something unique for each? For ours, we opted for an ethereal vibe with sparkly stars and coloured blocks, but you could try out a range of different styles and themes.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Colour story: Use the instax mini LiPlay™ or instax mini 99™ to add colourful filters to your pics before printing. Go for a vintage vibe with sepia tones, or channel your inner Wes Anderson with a classic pastel palette.
- Theme queen/king: Dedicate each flip book to a different theme. Think summer vacays, festival fun, foodie adventures, and more. The more memories you make, the more themes you can add to your collection.
- Style nostalgia trip: Create a flip book for each fashion era of your life. Totally obsessed with noughties athleisure at uni? Giving off major E-kid energy at college? Capture those iconic looks in your flip book. Okay, it might make you cringe slightly, but it’s a bit of fun and will take you right back to your glory days.
- Collage chaos: Big fan of the maximalist aesthetic? Go wild with layers, textures, and embellishments. Add receipts from unforgettable nights out, glue in keepsakes from your travels, or add abstract patterns and prints. When it comes to maximalism = the more, the merrier.
- Minimalist mood: All about that minimalist life? Keep it simple and chic with a clean, pared-back design. Stick to a limited, neutral colour palette – your photos will do the talking.
Too good not to share: making memories with instax™:
LBR, these personalised photo flip books are too good not to share. Had a go at making one, yourself? Don’t forget to tag @instaxHQ in your photos and videos. We’d love to know your theme of choice and which of our instax™ cameras is your fav. We’re completely obsessed with what our followers create, so keep the instax™ magic coming – we’re here for it.
Officially in your film era? Don’t forget to stock up on our instant camera accessories. Whether you’re a serial selfie-taker or a landscaper lover, we have everything you need to create the ultimate instax™ photography kit.
