While enjoying a new summer read, I realized I would need a bookmark to keep my place. Instead of running out to the store to buy one, I decided it would be easier to use what I have at home to make my own. I used scraps of card stock and magazine clippings to make mine, and I added a few personal touches. This project did not take much time or planning.
There are a few simple guidelines to follow when making your own bookmark. Keep in mind the size of the book. I kept my bookmarks between 1″ to 2″ wide and 5″ to 6″ long. It’s up to you if you want them to be longer or shorter, depending on the size of the book. You can combine any of the optional supplies to decorate your bookmark.
Supplies: 
decorative scissors or regular scissors
card stock
glue stick
laminating machine, wide packing tape, or contact paper
decorative hole punch or regular hole punch
Optional Supplies:
colored pencils, markers or crayons
stamps
stencils
poems or magazine clippings
photos
string or ribbon
beads
Step 1:
Start by deciding the width and length of your bookmark and choosing the color of card stock you would like to use. Measure and cut out your bookmark using decorative or regular scissors.
Step 2:
Decide where you will want to attach your ribbon and punch a hole in the bookmark using a decorative hole punch, or a regular hole punch if you’re not using a decorative one.
Step 3:
Next, choose your decorations and plan where you would like to place them on the bookmark. Glue your magazine clippings or photos to the bookmark, or, stamp, draw and color your design on the bookmark.
Step 4:
If you are laminating your bookmark, you can measure and cut the amount of laminating sheet that you will need. The same can be done if you are using contact paper or clear packing tape. If you are using the laminating machine, laminate the bookmark.
Step 5:
Trim the edges of your bookmark, if necessary. Re-punch the hole for the ribbon. For my bookmarks, I used a decorative hole punch the first time, and a regular hole punch the second time, to keep the shape of the decorative hole punch.
Step 6:
Next, I measured out about 10″ of ribbon, this can be trimmed later if it’s too long. I attached the ribbon by folding it in half and feeding the loop through the hole I punched. Then I drew the two loose ends of the ribbon through the loop on the oposite side and pulled the ribbon tight.
Step 7:
Beads can be attached by threading them on the ribbon and tying a knot at the end.
Two Savvy Cents 