Let’s Make Some Bookmarks ✨

Oh my goodness, you guys, if there's one simple craft that has totally elevated my reading time lately, it's making my own bookmarks! I used to just grab whatever was handy—a receipt, an old card—but then I thought, why not make something beautiful and functional? And honestly, it's been a game-changer. So, let's make some bookmarks together and add a little personal flair to our reading adventures! Why DIY Bookmarks Are the Best! For me, it’s all about the personal touch. Every time I open my book, seeing a bookmark I designed myself just makes me smile. It’s also super practical! You can make them exactly how you like, sturdy enough for daily use, and perfectly sized for your books. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to express your creativity without needing a ton of fancy supplies. Getting Started: What You'll Need The beauty of this project is how little you need to begin. Most of these you might already have around the house: Cardstock or thick paper: This is your base. Watercolor paper works great too for a more artistic look. Scissors or a paper trimmer: For neat edges. Ruler and pencil: To measure and draw straight lines. Adhesive: Glue stick, craft glue, or double-sided tape. Decorations: This is where the fun begins! Think markers, colored pencils, watercolors, stickers, glitter, pressed flowers, old book pages, or even photos. Optional: A hole punch, ribbon, yarn for tassels, laminating sheets, corner rounder. Let's Design and Make Simple Paper Bookmarks This is where I usually start. It's quick, easy, and you can get really creative! First, decide on your size. I typically go for about 2 inches wide by 6-7 inches long, but adjust based on your average book size. Cut out your paper base. Now for the design! One of my favorite techniques is a watercolor wash. Just lay down some light colors, let them dry, and then add a quote with a fine-tip marker. Or, if you're into collages, cut out interesting words or images from old magazines and glue them onto your bookmark. I recently made one with tiny pressed flowers, and it looks so whimsical! Adding a Touch of Elegance: Tassel Bookmarks To make your bookmark extra special, consider adding a tassel! Once your paper bookmark is decorated and dry, punch a hole at the top center. To make a simple tassel, wrap some embroidery floss or yarn around two fingers (or a small piece of cardboard) about 20-30 times. Slide it off, tie a knot tightly around the top loop, and then cut the bottom loops to create fringe. Thread a small loop of string through your bookmark's hole and then through the top loop of your tassel. Secure it, and voilà – instant elegance! Magnetic Bookmarks: The Ultimate Page Keeper These are fantastic because they clip onto your page and don't fall out! To make one, you'll need two small, flat magnets (the kind used for crafts). Take a piece of cardstock, about 2 inches by 6 inches, and fold it in half. Decorate the outside. Once it's dry, glue one magnet to the inside of one flap and the other magnet to the inside of the opposite flap, making sure they align and attract each other. Let the glue dry completely. Now you have a bookmark that securely hugs your page! Tips for Durability and Long-Lasting Use Since these bookmarks are going to be used when reading a book often, we want them to last! I always recommend using cardstock for the base. If you want them extra tough, laminating them is a fantastic idea. You can buy self-adhesive laminating sheets or use a laminating machine if you have one. Also, rounding the corners with a corner punch (or carefully with scissors) helps prevent them from getting dog-eared too quickly. Making bookmarks is such a therapeutic and enjoyable activity, and the best part is seeing your creations every time you dive into a new chapter. Give it a try, experiment with different designs, and let me know what amazing bookmarks you come up with!