Learn How to Make a Set of Retro Style Bookmarks

by Elina Stromberg

Digitalization has changed my life in so many positive ways, but books I prefer having and reading in the old traditional format. My book-lover’s opinion is that one can never have too many books nor bookmarks. Any scrap piece of paper would, of course, serve as a marker that keeps the reader’s place in the book and enables the reader to return to it with ease. But in my opinion, a good book deserves to be accompanied by a beautiful bookmark. Especially if it’s hand-made.

Bookmarks are great gifts, too: A paperback book transforms easily into a festive gift when a hand-made bookmark is slipped between the pages. I’m sure that beautiful bookmarks will make their receivers happy; just like great books will do.

Skill: Beginner/Intermediate
Time: 45 minutes

Directions

Step 1

Trim a strip of light patterned paper, and secure on crafting mat with a few pieces of masking tape. Attach stamp on an acrylic stamping block, turn upside down with the stamp facing the paper. Center stamp on the paper strip, and position stamping tool accordingly. Leaving stamping tool in place, turn the stamping block around. Color a few details of the stamp with Memento markers. Stamp colored details on a paper strip and leave stamping tool in place.

Step 2

Ink the entire stamp with a lighter VersaFine Clair ink color. Stamp again on the same position.

Step 3

Heat-emboss the stamped pattern using clear embossing ink. Trim the bookmark to size and mat on a piece of matching colored or patterned paper.

Step 4

Create a few bookmarks on the same go. Play with different color combinations and patterns. For this multicolor technique, you can use any patterned stamp that has some simple details suitable for highlighting. Both rubber and clear stamps will work fine.