Today we’ll be making beautiful bookmarks from our precious, pretty paper scraps. (That’s a lotta p’s.)

Let’s get making!

 

What you’ll need

• Scrap paper
• Adhesive/glue
• Paper trimmer/scissors
• A few flat embellishments (like sequins and die-cuts)
• Paper punches
• Sewing machine + white thread

 

How to make a scrap paper bookmark

First you need to shop your scrap stash for some great little bits. I’m making two bookmarks – one with orangey papers and one with blues and greens.

Pick out a few flat embellishments as well. (You wanna make sure it’s all pretty flat so the finished bookmark won’t dent the book pages when it’s wedged in there.)

Now trim everything into rectangles. Be sure to have a few larger rectangles about the size of the finished bookmark (which is whatever size you want it to be) so it’s sturdy when assembled.

You can also use a few paper punches to spruce up your bookmark design. I used a butterfly punch and a circle punch to create focal points on both bookmarks.

Adhere the rectangles together. I prefer using a liquid glue like Glossy Accents because it dries pretty fast and is super strong. We don’t want bits flying off our bookmark, now do we?

Time to add stitching to your bookmark. Get your sewing machine out and go to town! I love the random, unraveled look of stitching all over and loose ends.

A great little tip is to sew a little section, then lift the foot and move the project, and continue to sew in another spot without cutting the thread. It really adds to the messiness and looks so pretty!

You can totally stop right here and have a gorgeous, finished bookmark – or you can add a little extra detailing.

I’m a sucker for ink splatters so…

… I had to get my gold, deep orange and metallic coffee inks out. A quick flick of ink and it’s done. :)

So if you’re gifting a book, be sure to include one of these – or give a homemade bookmark by itself. They’re that nice, am I right?

Also, these are totally doable for small kids as well if you help them with (or skip) the sewing. Perfect gift for grandparents.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

xo Nina