Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Mark of a Charmed Life

book marks

These bookmarks are amazing because they won't fall out like a regular between-the-pages bookmark (which is always happening to me) and they add a bit of sparkle to whatever you're reading. Plus, they can be as unique as the person (gifting a scrapbooker or sewer? They have charms!) or as special as the book (I've made these for scripture markers more than once).

There really is no way to mess these up unless you make them too short--so if there is a special book in mind, make sure to measure it!

Charms and beads are really easy to find, just make sure that the hole is big enough to thread the ribbon or floss through it. Hobby Lobby and Dandelion Bead Connection (on Rosemont Garden in Lexington) are where I recommend but Michael's and even Walmart have nice selections.

Bookmark Instructions:


Materials and Supplies:

~About 2' of 1/8th inch satin ribbon or No. 5 perle pearl cotton (it's usually spun as opposed to cross-stitch floss which is looser)

~1 metal charm (Hobby Lobby has loads!) or large glass bead
~5 to 10 smaller glass beads
~3 to 7 metal or wood spacers or bead caps
~Clear nail polish or glue
~Scissors
~Fishing Knots Merit Badge :) kidding


Directions:

Start by deciding on the order of your beads and spacers. You really don't need spacers but they add a different visual element. Don't forget there are two sides to the bookmark (top and bottom) so you need to divide up your beads how you think they look best. There is no right or wrong way to do this!

1. Tie the charm onto one end of the floss/ribbon leaving about a 1" tail. Make sure it's nice and secure. If you're using a large glass bead, you'll have to make lots of knots or use a spacer with a smaller hole to keep it from falling off.

2. Thread all the beads for the first half of the bookmark onto the floss/ribbon making sure that the tail also goes inside the beads.

3. Make a knot as close to this grouping of beads as possible. It might require several knots to make sure the beads stay in place.

4. Remember: there are two parts!


5. Measure off the length of the book spine or about 10". If you're making your own measurement, give yourself about 1/2 " extra for wiggle room. Place a few overlapping knots (one big knot) at this point.

6. Thread on the rest of your beads and then add a secure knot at the end.

7. Use a small dot of clear nail polish or glue on all knots for extra strength.


Need an extra idea?

Place the bookmark in a new book, a favorite childhood book, or with a gift card to a bookstore.

You can also place the bookmark on a piece of cardstock to give it a little special presence then add a poem, quote, or picture to the card.

Open A Book
by Jane Baskwill

Open a book and you will find
People and places of every kind.

Open a book and you can be
Anything that you want to be.

Open a book and you can share
Wondrous worlds you find in there.

Open a book and I will too
You read to me and I'll read to you.


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