Book Marks - Three Ways Tutorial

As you know, I love to read. I have an embarrassing array of book marks ranging from a ratty playing card, to a chocolate bar wrapper, to last years' pocket calendar from Merril Lynch (not sure where that came from). To honor all of the wonderful books I have lined up to read in 2009, I decided to make some worthy book marks.
Would you like to come along?

I am always most inspired by finding ways to use the supplies I have on hand for this kind of project. Gather your odds and ends together and alter this tutorial to use what you already have around your house.

Let's make bookmarks!

For the first version, you will need the following supplies:

30 inch length of grosgrain ribbon
needle and thread
beads

Fold the ribbon in half and sew the two ends together about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom.

I used a lighter thread to illustrate, but you will want to match the thread with your ribbon.

Using a match, melt the ends of the ribbon to stop from fraying.

Using a whip stitch along the bottom, sew beads to the end of the ribbons. I used two seed beads and one dangle bead in each stitch.

Slide the ribbon between the pages and around the cover to mark your spot.

For a more earthy or masculine take on the bookmark, you will need the following supplies:

18 inch length of suede cord
Beads with larger holes

Begin with the suede cord, and tie a bead to the end with a knot.

At random intervals, thread beads to the end of the cord. Anchor each bead in place with a knot tied before and after it.


Leave the center 11 inches or so to slide between the pages of your book then finish with a final cluster of knots and beads at the end.


Finally, to make this beaded bookmark you will need the following supplies:

15 inch length of jewelry wire
One large flat bead
Several sizes of beads or charms
seed and/or thin barrel beads
wire snips
needle nose pliers
crimp beads


Begin by threading a crimp bead followed by a seed bead. Bring the wire around the last bead and back into the crimp bead and ...

...crimp!

This will prepare your end and allow you to thread the decorative beads about 2 inches up from the bottom.
Fill in the center 11 inches or so with seed beads and thin barrel beads small enough to slide between the pages of your book.

Finish by threading a large flat bead onto the end with a seed bead and crimp bead. Thread the beads as described for the other end, and crimp to hold in place.