my favorite DIY Bookmark ideas

If you love books, you will have stumbled across a lot of book accessoires. Gee, there are so many out there. I was really looking forward to having a super nice bookmark and was swamped with options. But I did struggle through and picked my favorite designs which I could do myself. Here they are ...

 

1. Wood / Veneer

You can make this bookmarker yourself. It takes a bit of material and sleight of hand. The best option is to buy some veneer of your choice (there are so many beautiful types out there and yes, you can get them online). Usually one sheet (slack side) will be too thin, so will either need to glue 2 or 3 together or use a base. After you aquired the desired thickness, you can cut it as you wish. Veneer is cuttable with a craft knife (be aware not to score the underlying surface like the table you are working on). If you like to add a ribbon of sort, you can drill a hole into the top. For a good finish, use fine sandpaper to smoothen the surface and apply oil (you can use vegetable oil like sunflower oil) with an old (but clean) cloth. Let it permeate for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess. Let it dry for some hours, use fine sandpaper (at least 320), repeat the oiling process and let it dry again.

If you like to have a kind of print on it, you will need a special laser. As they usually cost more than $100, this only makes sense if you will use it for other projects. Otherwise check out etsy for any veneer bookmarks with engravings.

Pros and cons: This bookmark is a bit labor-intensive and a bit more costly than other options, but wood just looks so nice and, as it is thicker than other bookmarks, will not be easily damaged or lost.
 

 

2. Paper Clip

This is a bit simpler bookmark you can do yourself: Print or draw a favored design on a thick sheet of paper or, if you only have normal paper, glue that onto a thin cardboard. Cut it into the shape you want it to be. Then bend it so you can insert a page into the fold.

Pros and cons: With this idea you have the freedom of choice when it comes to the design. It is not as sturdy as a veneer bookmark or one of leather or yarn. But hey, you can always make another one and it is super cheap. 

 

 

 

3. Yarn

If you enjoy the look and feel of fabric, this diy bookmark idea might be the one for you. There is a whole range of designs (check pinterest!) with different materials too (yarn, wool, cord, round leather string, ...). For instance, you can braid the material of your choice. You can add accessoires such as beads, sea shells, perls, and so on.

Pros and cons: Again, with this bookmark idea you are spoilt for choice when it comes to design, color and material. What I don't like as much with this option is that braided yarn and other types are rather thick. It makes it easy to mark the page but might also strain the book binding.

 

 

 

4. Leather

For this diy bookmark idea you can get leather from your local crafts store or online (there are shops that sell small pieces of left over leather for a cheap price). You will need a sharp craft knife and a ruler or the like to cut it nicely. 

Pros and cons: Leather has a super nice look and feel to it, making this bookmark one of the most elegant ones. The handling can be a bit challenging and of course leather costs more than yarn or cardboard or other materials. If you want to engrave it, you would need the right tools such as an leather stamping kit.
 

 

 

 

5. Paper with Drawing or Water Color

This is a simple and unexpensive option for a diy bookmark: Cut a piece of thick paper (it doesn't have to be white) into the shape and size you want it to be. If you want to print a design onto it, you should do this first. If you draw or paint on it, remember to seal it afterwards so it doesn't smear or wear off. Punch a hole in the top if you want to add a yarn or the like. 

Pros and cons: Paper isn't as robust as other materials, but the design options are endless and you can create your very own, unique bookmark. If you don't feel talented enough, etsy has hundreds of bookmarks like this one for sale.

 

 

6. Cardboard 

This bookmark is basically like the paper one. The main difference being that you can engrave the cardboard with an engraving pen (or special laser).

Pros and cons: A cardboard bookmark is sturdier than one of paper. You can choose the color you prefer and add any design (drawn or engraved). The engraving part requires some sleight of hand.