I’m with the bibliophiles out there who believe that books are not dead in this age of social media. Nothing will ever change the irresistible scent of a book, then the pleasure of turning a page, and then that guilt when you need (but don’t want to) to close a good read because you’re past your bedtime. Don’t get me wrong: digital books are fine and some may find them more convenient, and in my case, I refer to them for some quick references.
Regardless of the ways that we read books, one thing is certain: we have a day in the year when we can celebrate our “book nerdiness” – Book Lover’s Day on August 9! There are many ways in which we can rejoice, but one easy way is creating an old-school bookmark. You don’t need crazy design skills; just unleash your inner creative bookworm! Even a simple paper clip can turn into a bookmark to entice you to read more!
Silly Face Bookmark
Idea from Dollar Store Crafts
Materials: Paper clips, colored strings, googly eyes, glue
Time: Less than 5 min
Speaking of paper clips, let’s start with these silly face clip marks, that will be a sure hit with kids who are looking to do some craft in less than five minutes. It’s simple: cut several pieces of string around 5-8cm long, tie them to the paper clip, and paste the googly eyes. Add more embellishments like a nose (use a piece of felt). Adding those eyes might be a little bit too much for us adults, though, so you can make the clip look like grass or flower petals. The possibilities are endless.
Googly Binders
Idea from A Girl & a Glue Gun
Materials: Binder clips, googly eyes, glue
Time: Less than 5 min
Put life into your boring binder clips. Adding googly eyes to them? Why not? Don’t know where to get googly eyes? Tell your HR to buy a bunch for you or Buy some off Taobao! Alternatively, make use of your permanent markers and put your own design on your clips. It doesn’t have to be eyes; it can be circles or polygons, or even a shopping bag!
Book Spine Mark
Idea from Books, Booze & Beauty
Materials: Spine from an old or discarded book, cardboard, glue, ribbon/string, rolling pin
Time: Around 20-30 min
OK, this one is a little bit over the top, but it’s another way of recycling an old or discarded book. Use the spine of a book that you don’t read anymore (say an outdated edition) or a book that you’re ready to let go. Cut the spine, and paste it onto a piece of cardboard. Flatten your new bookmark with a rolling pin, then leave it to dry. Punch a small hole at the top, then add a ribbon or string. Optional: you can mix glue with water, paint it on top of the bookmark, and let it dry. It will give your bookmark a shiny or gloss finish.
Map Bookmark
Idea from Journal Sentinel
Materials: Old or unused map, cardboard, glue, ribbon/string, rolling pin
Time: Around 20-30 min
If you feel cutting the spine of any book is a violation of our self-confessed bibliophilia, then make use of other unused or discarded printed materials. The process is pretty much the same, but the print can be anything from an old map, a page of a comic/coloring book, or a newspaper or magazine clipping (perhaps one that shows your face and/or achievements). This map bookmark is great for travelers who keep a journal!
Teacup Bookmark
Idea from Genuine Mudpie
Materials: Cotton string (or a teabag string); cardboard, colored paper, or a used paper bag), glue, cutter/scissors, pencil
Time: 20-30 min
Love books, and love tea as well? Why not bring them together? Draw two cup shapes onto cardboard, thick colored paper, or a used paper bag, and then cut them out. Create your own tea tag, and add your design or any other quotes or greetings. Paste a 5cm string onto both one teacup cutout and the tag, then finish the cup by gluing the other teacup cutout on the other side. Now it’s now up to you to add more designs. Just make sure you don’t mistake your teacup bookmark for your tea bag!
“You” Bookmark
Idea from Wohn Idee
Materials: A printout of your (or your kid’s) full-body photo, cardboard, glue, ribbon/string, rolling pin
This might be the mother of all personal bookmarks. Well, you could add more flair, and dress up like Rapunzel or Jack climbing the beanstalk!
Photos: Deavita.com, Dollar Store Crafts, A Girl & a Glue Gun, Books, Booze & Beauty, Journal Sentinel, Wohn Idee