February 2019
So you need a quick and simple way to organize and bind your paperwork, and you've settled on a traditional ring binder. But now you have to choose the material and binder style. Who knew buying a three ring binder could be kind of complicated? Let us help eliminate the question marks by comparing the two most popular kinds of standard binders: vinyl binders and poly binders...
Mini binders, also called half size binders, hold a half-letter page size measuring 8.5 x 5.5 inches. They come in ring sizes including 0.5", 0.75", 1", 1.5", and 2", as well as in either a clearview vinyl or a poly plastic binder style. Learn more about these small binders...
If you need an alternative way to bind together pages, but you don't want to go the traditional route of a big binding machine, then check out these 5 solutions. Whatever your reason for not wanting a binding machine (perhaps budget, space, volume, etc), that doesn't mean you can't bind your pages in a professional way...
Ever wanted to make DIY foiled stickers? Now you can!
We are so excited to share with you a bit about Doni Hall, a crafter, scrapbooker, and planner in Tennessee who uses our toner reactive foils to make absolutely STUNNING stickers!
If I can be brutally honest for a moment, I must confess that making stickers isn't the primary use for these foils...we didn't even know that this was such a popular application! So to see the fun and festive stickers that Doni uses in her planners and crafts is quite exciting for us! And exciting for Doni too, who says "I love the metallics and especially the holographics! They add so much excitement and sparkle to our weeks!"
Originally from Texas, Doni has retired and escaped into the mountains...something many of of dream of (something I personally dream of, that's for sure). She says that her love for stickers started as a little girl when her grandmother would give her books of stickers; I think many of us have similar memories. Years ago when scrapbooking was the way to craft, she was in the game, and since then, she has morphed her craft into planning. As a Type A personality myself, I LOVE planning too! Doni describes planning as "a glorified calendar that is decorated". And I would add to that, "...with pizzazz and flare! Something that makes you happy when you look at it". Doni says, "when those gorgeous foils are used to make gorgeous shiny stickers, I can't get enough!!"
Ok, ok, I should get on with it, right? Let's show off some of Doni's creations...
Doni's Foil Sticker Creations
Amazing,right?! How does she do it?
Well you're in luck, because Doni loves to share her how-to's on her YouTube channel so you can learn how to make stickers like these. Here are the two different foil sticker making techniques she uses, and below that, her how-to video:
"Method 1) I start with a color background page that I print with my inkjet printer on sticker paper (I like removable sticker paper from Online Labels best). On top of the original color, I run the page through my laser printer to print a black toner print that I want to foil. I have found images that I want to turn into stickers, so making lots of each shape for one page gives me a whole page of foiled stickers. Making numerous copies of different colored backgrounds lets me make any number of pages in different color backgrounds, and different color foils! Then I cut them with my Silhouette."
"Method 2) The other method is to use a Digital Kit or Digital downloads I've found to purchase online. Many shops offer these stickers ready to be foiled, or "Foil Ready". I have tons! All you do is download the file, unzip, then print the page (some have color background pages that would need to be printed on an Inkjet first). Again, to print the part to be foiled, a laser printer using toner must be used to allow the foil to adhere to it in a high temperature setting. I use the Minc machine to heat the foil to the toner (some people have good success with a foil laminator). Last, I run the sheet of foiled prints through my Silhouette machine to cut. Hand cutting is also possible."
Here is what Doni had to say about the sticker making process:
"I use a Silhouette Cameo for my cutting machine, making pages of stickers ready to use in a matter of minutes. But to foil those pages, I use a Minc Machine. It gives an even, smooth, covered adhesion to my stickers, and the foils are easy to use with this method. Having the foils ready to use, and in such easy to use rolls, makes the process easy and fun. I originally purchased Holographic foils in Silver Sparkle and Shattered Glass (WITH the silver underlay for the stickers!), along with the Light Pink and the Purple. I then bought the Dark Red, Dark Blue, and MORE Light Pink! All of the foils are lovely! But the Light Pink is my favorite! It's fun to shop on your website because y'all make the process easy. I can view each color, and even watch videos you've made to give me ideas and excellent information."
Contact Doni
At this time, Doni doesn't sell the stickers that she makes. But she loves to share all of her creations with you online, so be sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel and follow @faithgracecrafts on Instagram.
Had enough yet? NO!? Us either...so let's finish up this customer spotlight with a couple more of Doni's sticker craft photos - enjoy!
About the Author • Mallory Morsa has been a part of Binding101 since 2008 and has experience in several departments within the company. She began in customer service and sales where she honed in her skills to provide the customer with professional, fast, and accurate information. Shortly after, she was promoted to sales supervisor and also took on the role of product expert, training the team on new products. Throughout this time, she also wrote content for the site, as well as contributed stock photography and videography. As the team grew, she moves to an official position as the content specialist and social media manager. Her skills in these variety of areas give her the unique expertise to not just create content for the web, but to create content for you, the customer. She has a Bachelor's degree in business management and marketing, was on the Dean's List each year, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. In her free time, Mallory's favorite things to do include volunteering at the animal shelter by bottle feeding neonatal kittens, reading at the park, cooking plant-based meals, playing board games, and binge streaming TV shows with her 3 furbabies and family beside her.
What makes a laminating machine wide format? Who uses wide format laminators? How much do they cost? Get the answers today at Binding101 where we're experts in print finishing...
A spool of stitching wire has several components, many of which must be taken into account to ensure compatibility with your saddle stitching machine. So let's go over the basics of the spool parts first, then we can dive into the stitching wire itself a bit mote. Use this guide to learn the different parts of a spool...
Hate slow binding? We have that in common! It is a popular thought among users of all kinds that bind books. Whether an individual making journals to sell on Etsy, a business binding presentation materials for meetings, or a print shop making hundreds of books for your various clients, slow binding processes are a pain the 'you know what'. The solution? Coverbind thermal binding! And here's why...
Looking for a top quality roll laminator for your school? Check out our picks for the 3 best school laminating machines on the market. We'll dive into each to discuss the most important points that matter to you as an educator, and tell you how easy it is to pay for your order with a purchase order...
You can find corner rounding machines at quite a range of prices. Anywhere from under $20 for a small handheld punch from a craft store that can punch a couple sheets at a time, up to several thousands of dollars for a high-capacity electric corner rounder that can cut a 4" thick stack in one pass. This variety of models makes it difficult to give a clear cut-and-dry answer for how much a corner rounding machine costs, so we have separated them out by ability/volume with the price range for each...
If you're torn between a manual and electric binding machine --not sure whether or not the additional cost for the electric model is worth it-- then there are a few things to ask yourself before you make your investment. When you answer these questions your business needs in mind, you should know if an electric binding machine is worth the money, or if you should stick with a manual model instead...
A great place to buy ring binders in bulk at unbelievable pricing is right here at Binding101. We have a huge selection of colored ring binders in clearview and poly styles, as well as the ability to customize. The best part, however, is that we only offer high quality ring binders for the same low price (and lower) than other suppliers. Our wholesale binder pricing keeps out top quality binders as low as $1.76 each. Get bigger discounts with higher quantities. Learn more...
Looking for an alternative to punch-and-bind solutions? Check out these 4 great ways to bind pages without the need for a machine...
There are several ways to bind mini pages to create mini books. Just some include with binding coils, wire-o twin loops spines, combs, loose leaf rings, and more. No matter which option you choose, you can make a cute little booklet fairly easily and quickly. Check out these 7 ways to bind mini books...
If you're curious about binding with screw posts, but you want to learn all about them before you take the plunge, then this blog post is perfect for you! In it we will discuss everything you need to know about screw posts, including reviewing the options available, what they're most often used for, FAQs, and tips, tricks, and hacks along the way.
Screw Post Overview:
Screw post binding is one of the most simple options, so there really isn't too much explaining that needs to happen for the average user to understand how they work. Screw posts have two-pieces that are simply screwed together. These loose binding post mechanisms have one "male" side (the screw) and one "female" side (the post) that both feature corresponding threading, allowing for them to be spun together and stay together to create a secure bind, while still being able to be easily spun apart for editing.
Screw Post Choices:
There are a few different kinds of screw posts, differentiated by the material that they are made of. The two most popular choices are made of metal; one of aluminum and one of steel. Don't think of aluminum posts as being flimsy like a soda can, though; they are incredibly strong and durable. In fact, they are the top-choice for screw post binding of all kinds. Steel screw posts are a more common choice for heavy-handled documents, and those that may be out in the field, such as blueprints and the like. Both of these binding posts offer smooth slide closing and opening for quick and easy editing, while having a strong hold once tightened.
In addition to the above screw posts, there are also plastic posts that are often called "snap posts" because the threading is more of a locking mechanism, rather than an feature that enables editing. Sometimes they can be lined up and screwed together, but most people simply press them together. Depending on the size and user's strength, sometimes that creates a near-permanent bind.
Screw Post FAQs:
What sizes do screw posts come in? Screw posts come in a huge range of sizes from tiny posts to find a couple pages to extra long 5" options. Aluminum book binding posts have the longest options, as well as extensions in several sizes that can be screwed in-between the pieces to make them longer. Steel chicago screws also have some smaller extension bars that can be added to make them longer.
What colors do screw posts come in? The standard and most common screw post color is a basic silver. The silver has the most range of sizes available. They also come in black, gold, and antique brass options.
Other Names for Screw Posts:
Screw posts are called by many things... it kind of depends on what your industry is. For example, those in the construction and architecture industries usually ask us for "Chicago screws" or "sex screws" while those in office or corporate industries call them "book binding posts", "book screws", or even "binding bars".
Popular Uses for Screw Posts:
Screw posts are used to bind together any loose sheets of paper you may want; presentations, blueprints, journals, binders, or anything else. They are also used for sign hanging, holding mount boards together, for crafts and projects, and more. Screw posts are fast and convenient. They go through any standard hole punch, so you don't need a special binding machine; just a hole puncher. Their huge binding capacity and ability to expand with extensions are another great feature that customers love. Plus, they are inexpensive. All of these factors combine to make an appealing binding solution for all kinds of businesses and individuals, with a huge variety of intended applications.
How to Bind with a Screw Post:
Binding pages with a screw post is simple! Punch your holes (as many as you want), insert the post end through the hole, and then twist the screw end in until it is tight. Sometimes using a screwdriver to really tighten it is helpful, but usually, twisting by hand is plenty strong.
Tips, Tricks, & Hacks for Screw Posts:
Because screw posts are loose, and not connected, your bound book will be more flexible than traditional bound books. For that reason, one trick to get it to be more sturdy is to use a thicker binding cover. Something like a vinyl cover, chipboard sheet, poly matte frost, or even punchable hard covers are a great choice.
You can use any standard hole punch with your screw posts. They should make about a 1/4" diameter hole size, which is perfect for all styles of binding posts, no matter the material or length. Many users will choose a 3-hole punch and add 3 bindings, but may choose to do a 2-hole or even a single hole in the corner instead. But since they are a loose binding, you can use as many or as few as you want. If you're making a small swatch you may just use 1, but if you're making a presentation you might want to use 3 or even 4-5 for extra stability.
And here's one final tip we will leave you with: if you're buying more than 10 packs of posts, you can call us at (866)537-2244 and request a bulk discount!
About the Author • Mallory Morsa has been a part of Binding101 since 2008 and has experience in several departments within the company. She began in customer service and sales where she honed in her skills to provide the customer with professional, fast, and accurate information. Shortly after, she was promoted to sales supervisor and also took on the role of product expert, training the team on new products. Throughout this time, she also wrote content for the site, as well as contributed stock photography and videography. As the team grew, she moves to an official position as the content specialist and social media manager. Her skills in these variety of areas give her the unique expertise to not just create content for the web, but to create content for you, the customer. She has a Bachelor's degree in business management and marketing, was on the Dean's List each year, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. In her free time, Mallory's favorite things to do include volunteering at the animal shelter by bottle feeding neonatal kittens, reading at the park, cooking plant-based meals, playing board games, and binge streaming TV shows with her 3 furbabies and family beside her.
Foiling is fun and easy, but sometimes there are issues that are encountered along the way. This foil troubleshooting guide should help you fix the majority (if not all) of those foiling problems that you could potentially come across. We also go over some tricks, tips, and hacks to make sure you can get the best foil transfer...
If you work in a large office with daily binding needs and you're tired of the time-consuming and sometimes tedious traditional punch-and-bind, then thermal binding is the perfect solution. It can be 5x faster, and much easier and less labor-intensive. You can also make the most professional documents with thermal binding. In this blog post we discuss the 3 best thermal binding machines for large businesses...
If you need pre-punched paper for binding, then Binding101 is the place to be. We stock a variety of copy paper that is punched with various hole shapes, sizes, and patterns for the different kinds of binding options. Whether you need punched pages for plastic coil binding, gbc plastic comb spines, wire-o twin loop binding wires, or even 3-hole ring binders, you can find it here. We also have a selection of pre-punched cover pages for binding as well, in both clear transparent front cover options and thick backings.
With our variety of pre-punched paper you will be able to easily create top-quality bound presentations, reports, and documents of all kinds without a binding punch machine. Print directly onto the punched copy paper with your booklet filler paper, and then pair with the punched covers for a classic and professional finish.
Click here to shop all pre-punched paper for binding or shop the most popular options below...
Coil Bind Punched Clear Covers
Coil Bind Punched Vinyl Covers
Comb Bind Punched Clear Covers
Comb Bind Punched Vinyl Covers
Questions or need a different punching pattern? Call us at (866)537-2244 for a custom quote.
About the Author • Mallory Morsa has been a part of Binding101 since 2008 and has experience in several departments within the company. She began in customer service and sales where she honed in her skills to provide the customer with professional, fast, and accurate information. Shortly after, she was promoted to sales supervisor and also took on the role of product expert, training the team on new products. Throughout this time, she also wrote content for the site, as well as contributed stock photography and videography. As the team grew, she moves to an official position as the content specialist and social media manager. Her skills in these variety of areas give her the unique expertise to not just create content for the web, but to create content for you, the customer. She has a Bachelor's degree in business management and marketing, was on the Dean's List each year, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. In her free time, Mallory's favorite things to do include volunteering at the animal shelter by bottle feeding neonatal kittens, reading at the park, cooking plant-based meals, playing board games, and binge streaming TV shows with her 3 furbabies and family beside her.
Tape binding machines are one of the faster ways to bind documents. Depending on the make and model of any particular machine, you can usually bind as fast as 1 minute or 60 seconds per book. Learn how this compares to other document binding methods...
