The time has finally arrived when every member of our household is reading books that they cannot necessarily finish in one sitting. In preparation of this, Santa put two bookmarks in each of our children's stockings last Christmas. Unfortunately, most of those bookmarks have vanished into a black hole somewhere. (I think it may be the same one that mysteriously makes single socks disappear from the washer and dryer.) In any case, I came up with a fun and easy way to solve our problem of never having a bookmark around when we need one . . .
This easy DIY bookmark craft uses Duck Tape, Washi Tape, and Tapeffiti along with poly folders. I chose to use poly folders because they are colorful, more durable than cardstock, easy to cut with scissors, and are fairly inexpensive. I got mine on sale for $0.69 each and one folder can make up to 10 bookmarks if you remember to use the pockets inside too. This craft would be a fun rainy day activity! It would also be perfect for a classroom craft or birthday party activity, especially if you cut out the bookmark shapes and the ribbon pieces in advance. You could even make these to pass out as end-of-the-year students gifts or as party favors. What a fun way to promote literacy!
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
patterned and solid tape (both wide and narrow)
poly folders (in colors that work with your tape)
computer printer
scissors
pen or pencil
standard size single hole puncher (needed for 2 of the 3 styles)
1/8" wide ribbon, yarn, or twine (needed for 2 of the 3 styles)
thin permanent markers (optional)
Step 1. Print out the bookmark templates I have created for you. (To print, be sure your computer's printer is on and ready to go. Then click on the image below to enlarge it. Right click on the image and select "print." Then use your browser's back button to return to this page.)
Step 2. Carefully cut out one or more of the bookmark templates. If applicable, using your single hole puncher, punch a hole through the black circle in the template(s).
Step 3. Place the template on your poly folder and trace the shape with a pen or pencil. Be sure to trace the punched out circle too, if your template has one.
TIP #1: I started by cutting out the pockets from inside the folder. They can be used to make one bookmark each.
Step 4. Cut out the shape you've traced. If applicable, punch out the circle you've traced with a single hole puncher.
Step 5. After you've selected which tapes you would like to use for your bookmark, cut a piece of tape about 6" long. Then position the tape on the front of your bookmark as desired and wrap the ends around the back of the bookmark. (For a neater appearance, make sure the edges match up where the ends meet.) Repeat this as many times as you need to create a design you like. Be sure to experiment with other ways to use your tape, such as creating a frame with it.
Tip #2: One of the perks about using these poly folders is that, with most types of tape I've tried, the tape can be removed and repositioned if it is not exactly as you would like it.
Step 6. For the bookmarks with a hole at the top, cut a piece of 1/8" ribbon, yarn, or twine approximately 10" to 12" long. Then fold it in half and thread the loop end through the hole in the back of the bookmark. Pull the loop out the front of the bookmark, then feed the two ends through the loop. Pull tightly to complete your knot. Tie another knot right at the top of the bookmark for added security.
Tip #3: You can get creative with this by using multiple colors of ribbon, adding beads, or making a tassel at the end.
Step 7. Personalize your bookmark with a name, initial, or a monogram using tape or permanent marker.
This craft comes with a warning . . . I started out with a just few rolls of tape and now need to think of a way to store the many rolls I've purchased since. I may be addicted, so look for more patterned tape crafts in the coming months!
