Don’t you love these whimsical DIY Bookmarks? A perfect dose of cheer, they make me smile. I’ve been making, using and gifting them for years. The receivers seem to appreciate and use them too. There are many uses besides holding a book page. Here’s how I use mine, I’m sure you can add to the list.
- Gift tag for wine bottle
- Party favor
- Luggage tag
- Stocking stuffer
- Gift tag
- Diaper bag tag
- Attach to a wooden skewer in a flower arrangement or plant
- Party place setting
- Care package
- Stuffed in a card/letter
- Christmas ornament
- Refrigerator magnet
Here’s the best part: I use my day to day calendar as the source of the artwork/quotes, saving my favorites as the days pass. Every so often I spend a few hours, make bookmarks in bulk, and keep a pile ready to add to cards, meals, gifts, etc. A small calendar works great because there are so many seasonal scenes, holidays and quotes. I usually have a book mark on hand for any occasion.
MATERIALS:
• A small day-to-day tear off desktop calendar
(I love Mary Engelbreit – fun artwork, whimsy & great quotes http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Engelbreit-2014-Day-Calendar/dp/1449428509) or other artwork or day-to-day calendar of your choice
• Gros grain ribbon (8-9”) that coordinates with colors
• Laminator and laminating sheets
• Hole punch
• White all-purpose glue, small paint brush
DIRECTIONS:
- Trim your calendar page to the desired bookmark/tag size. (If you want to personalize or add a name/address on the back, do it before laminating, or use a sharpie pen afterwards.)
- Place in a laminating pouch, and run through the laminator following manufacturer’s instructions. (I can usually get 6-8 bookmarks out of one 8½ X 11” laminating sheet.) If you don’t have a laminator, you can go to an office supply store like Staples or Office Depot. (Our local UPS store laminates.)
- Cool, then trim plastic evenly around each bookmark.
- Punch hole in the middle at the top.
- String 8-9” of gros-grain ribbon through the hole. Tie a knot. (I keep both ribbon ends together, make a loop, and pull both ends through that loop to make a tidy knot.) Play with the knot ‘til it’s to your liking. Leave tails long or short.
- Angle the ribbon ends or cut a “V”.
- Using a small paint brush, dab white glue on the cut edges of ribbon and set aside to dry. (The glue dries clear and keeps the ribbon from fraying.)
(In honor of my mom!)
TIPS:
• I use and gift these bookmarks often, so it was a no brainer to invest in an inexpensive laminator and laminating sheets. I’ve never regretted it.
• If you don’t have a laminator and don’t want to buy one, go to your local shipping or office supply store that laminates.
• If you’re on a shoestring budget, consider neatly applying clear packing tape to both sides of your artwork, carefully matching seams. Then trim and finish off following directions above.
Have fun making, using and gifting these bookmarks/gift tags. Let me know how you use yours!
Sandi says
Ah yes, seen many of these come my way, what fun. Also remember a night of putting quite a few together, which I really enjoyed. Great idea!
Allie Taylor says
Yes, I was so appreciative of your helping put some together for brunch favors, Sandi. They were a big hit!
nancy mcmahan says
Wonderful gift idea. Thanks for sharing.
Amy says
So cute and a perfect way to recycle small greeting cards too.
Jen says
LOVE your ideas and LOVE the bookmark you gave me!! I use it ALL the time!!
Allie Taylor says
Thank you sweet cousin! XOXO
Susie says
Love these! and I love Mary Engelbreit. I was actually introduced to her delightful cards and products by Elizabeth Morris. I always have loved the way you take something and re-purpose it so creatively and beautifully, Allie.
Allie Taylor says
Thnx. dear Susie. Have always dreamed how wonderful it would be to have all the people I love and treasure together in one place, interacting and getting to know each other. Maybe this blog will be that place. XO
susan burdette says
Allie! So excited to find your site. You had me at Mary Engelbreit! I look forward to more of your fantastic Fancy stuff. A very blessed Christmas to you and the family. Also a healthy happy new year. Susan Burdette
Aunt Margie says
I am getting fed constantly by my bright-eyed niece. I’m loving it! Food for my soul and body! Love you!
Allie Taylor says
Kind words, thanks Auntie M. Love you back.
Carrie says
I have one and love it, Allie!
Linda Jenkins says
This is definitely something I will make. Not only are the quotes inspiring but also help me share that inspiration with others. Homemade is always precious, for it means the giver thought enough of you to take the time to make certain you know it. Thanks for my bookmark, Allie.
Allie Taylor says
Thank you, love your insights and comments. You are a bright spot in my life.
Aunt Pinkie says
Your website is so neat, Allie – you have great ideas and wonderful stories!
Allie Taylor says
Many thanks Aunt P, it’s been a lot of fun. Thanks for visiting the site. Love you.
Tracy says
Thanks for posting Allie. I love these. So many uses for them too!
Karla @SmallTownRambler says
Great idea! Our daughter is quite the young reader and was just telling me yesterday that she only has one bookmark. I think this would be a great project for us to do together!
Charly Wiliamse says
Nice!