Want to do a add a little something extra when you send your next homemade card? How about incorporating a bookmark as a snazzy design element? It's so easy to do and I have oodles of pictures to share with you below!
I originally saw this bookmark idea on a Splitcoast Technique Challenge (TLC187) several weeks ago and decided to make a "chorus line" of them for my book group next week. The layout of the 4.25" x 5.5" card is from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge WSC62.
Begin with a 2" x 4" piece of card stock. TIP: I opted for Night of Navy Textured card stock for the extra "heft" it provides. Score at 2".
Fold each side to the center, making sure to keep things very square for a snug fit on a book page.
Tape folded sides together (don't panic . . . the tape is ugly but gets covered 🙂
Next cut a 2 5/8" x 2 5/8" square and cut again on the diagonal. I used Stampin' Up!'s Naturals Ivory card stock and layered each triangle on a En Fran?ais Background stamp, inked in Creamy Caramel.
TIP: I find it easiest to flip my background stamps face up and ink up with the ink pad face down. I then lay card stock on top with a piece of scrap paper over the whole works. Either using a brayer or my hand, I evenly and firmly press the card stock (keeping things from sliding) into the image, making sure to cover the entire area of the card stock.
TIP: Adding a lot of embellishments (brads, etc.) to a bookmark could damage book. The book "hugging" English Major in me opted for a one dimensional bookmark, using layered images for impact.
I finished up by stamping off the card stock with Organic Grace (Hostess Level 1) images in Night of Navy and adding a Creamy Caramel edge (by flicking the card stock on the ink pad). Both sides of the bookmark sport a stamped triangle.
Bookmark in action.
I hope you enjoyed this simple bookmark. It slips neatly onto today's card as a bonus. If you want to learn how to earn the Organic Grace Hostess Stamp Set used here FREE, click for details.
Just love the colors you used and the stamp set. I tried the bookmarks and they are GREAT!! TFS
Those are so cool!, thats the idea my husband got and started using it already. Of course he’s only done three thus far lol. WE will keep trucking at it. Thank you for the wonderful ideas!!!. How much do you think you would sell yours for out of curiosity?
Fantastic idea! My mother always requests a gift card to her favorite bookstore for Christmas. This will be a wonderful way to add a personal touch to the gift card. I’m planning on giving the bookmark for teacher gifts too! Thank you.
Just discovered your blog this morning (saw your winning card over at Taylor’s place.) Wow! Can’t thank you enough for the excellent tutorials, wonderful pictures, and terrific projects displayed. Can’t wait to make some bookmarks; the colors and stamps are perfect. Am looking forward to checking your blog out every morning 🙂
Lovely! This layout lends itself so well to giving more than the card itself! I think this would be a fun idea for my kids to try to give as gifts to their grandparents. Excellent tutorial (and tips). Thanks for all your efforts!
Beautiful job on this great idea. I love what you’ve done with this. The Organic Grace set will be getting added to my wishlist.
Mary, that card just grabbed me!!! I love it!! I really like the book mark idea too because it can be an attractive, personal but inexpensive little gift to someone. Thanks for the sharing how it was done.
This is a great tutorial Mary! I love the collage stamping and your details. I’m working the bugs out of my blog. Its exciting leaning new computer skills and the tips you gave on taking photos is paying off! Thanks so much… Michelle 🙂
I LOVE this idea Mary! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful card and mini gift!!!
Beautiful! I love the card and the usefulness of the bookmark. The background and layers give it just the right depth and interest. Thank you for sharing Mary.
Beautiful card! Thanks for sharing such a neat idea for a bookmark.
How ingenious (I think I spelled that right)As always, you inspire. I just ordered that Score Pal, you have talked me into it (or demo’ed me into it)Watch that be SU’s next add, it will just be my luck.
Thanks Mary & Hugs
You know what, I would have never given this hostess set a second look until now…thank you for the inspiration and for sharing your awesome talent…
You read my mind Mary!
Ever since I got back from visiting family I’ve been thinking bookmarks. My brother in law is a reader (yay!!) but he folds down the corners of pages to mark his place (Booo!!).
As a lifelong book lover and collector that quirk makes me crazy! I was coming up with a plan to see how many kinds of bookmarks I could make for him as a belated birthday present when my email chimed and there was your lovely blog update. I have to say I never thought of a corner protector as I’ve decided to call this kind of bookmark.
My only question is how well does this stay in place. For someone who carry’s books every and anywhere will this kind of bookmark stay in place with casual use or is it better for the Family Bible kind of thing.
Thanks too for showing off the Organic Grace hostess set! This set helped me get over my sense of loss when Touch of Nature was retired. So evocative of some of SU’s older designs I’ve been chasing on eBay.
Such elegance and grace of design is only one of the reasons I check your blog daily not to mention why I pass the link along to so many.
Thanks Mary!
Hugs and blessings – Jean
Hi Jean:
What a thoughtful and insightful comment. I appreciate every word!
I haven’t used the bookmarks much in practice (just made them the day before the post). However, they seem to tuck snugly against the page (or even several pages to make it snugger (if that is a word). You can do a variation with a 4 x 4 square, just folding the top 2 x 4 (like my tutorial) but having the additional 2 x 4 (on the bottom) extending. That might make it more secure.
Best of luck with converting this naughty “page bender” into a bookmark man!
Hugs,
Mary
What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing.
Perfect!! I just think a personal bookmark is so great to give with the card. I still keep up by correspondence with members of a long ago bookclub. I would love to make these to send them. What a beautiful and useful ensemble. Thank you!
Gorgeous card – love the added bookmark. Thanks heaps for sharing this wonderful idea.
Mary – being an avid reader I absolutely love this idea. Since retiring and going on fixed income any little extra “gift” I can give a friend on a special day is a treasure to me. Thanks so much for sharing. You’re so thoughtful!
Pretty! Thanks for the easy tutorial! I’ll have to try this. I always have problems with getting my “word” backgrounds to be straight. I guess I’ll have to try it like this. Love how it looks with this hostess set, sort of antique! Hugs, Monica
What an adorable idea!
This is really beautiful…I just love the colors and now I’m going to have to give Organic Grace a second look!
Cute bookmarks! I have been meaning to give these a try too. I love the stamp set you used to make them. Gorgeous design!
What do you like to read?
Gorgeous card! Wonderful tutorial!
I just got Organic Grace. You showed off this set beautifully!
Thanks so much for playing!
Hugs and smiles