Handmade bookmarks provide beautiful gift

Are you looking for a personal, thoughtful gift? Most everyone I know has a secret stash of bits and pieces of ribbon and fabric remnants, old costume jewelry, buttons, baubles, bangles and beads. These may be remnants from projects or pieces with sentimental attachments.

I remember my Mom saved buttons from our coats and other clothing when we were kids. I loved going through her “button box” because it was like going on a trip down memory lane. You can transform all sorts of these items and give them new life by creating beautiful bookmarks.

When you’re making your gift, be sure to select material for the bookmark that will have meaning to the person receiving your gift. I have a friend who used extra fabric and trim from her wedding dress to make lovely bookmarks for her bridesmaids. Is it a gift for a favorite teacher? Use school related charms. Put beads on paper clips for a co-worker. If you’re giving a book as a gift, make a bookmark in the theme of the book. This is also a great craft for kids or a family project.

What you need:

You’ll start with any length and width of material, beads, buttons, costume jewelry pieces, bells, dangly charms or specialty items; craft pins, safety pins, a needle and thread, glue gun and glue sticks.

Here is how:

1. Check to see if your ribbon or material has a definite front and back. Be aware of this when folding the ribbon over or attaching your charms.

2. Cut the bottom of the ribbon or fabric at an angle and cut the top straight across.

3. Fold the top of the ribbon over and attach to the back of the long piece by stitching or using the glue gun. This will create a small “pocket” at the top of the ribbon above the glue line which will be sturdy enough to attach your charm, button or specialty item.

4. You can attach these buttons or charms to this pocket by sewing, threading beads with thinner ribbons, use strings or embroidery floss to loop charms through or use craft pins or glue to attach other dangling items.

Once the glue is dry and charms are attached, your bookmark is ready to be used. Simply slip it into a book with the charms at the top so the bookmark will be secure and not slip through the pages. This personalized gift will be a thoughtful reminder of your friendship each time they are used.

Frugal Fun contributed by Patti Diamond author of Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous!, www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom.