| By :
Mark Etinger
Reading is really cool, we all know that. And good readers also know that a bookmark is a must have for all - there's nothing worse than not being able to find your place only to wind up skipping some pages and spoiling the next chapter, or aimlessly re-reading pages that you have already read. While some bookmarks come and go, studies show that the nicer the bookmark, the longer you will have it. Rather than buy a nice bookmark though, save your money for the book. This craft article will teach you how to make a bookmark that you will have forever. You will need: Cardstock: An 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper (makes six bookmarks) Card making software like Photoshop or Printshop Clip art or a good image design Scissors 3 Hole punch Tassel (directions for which follow) A laminating machine is optional, it makes for longer lasting bookmarks Instructions: 1. Design the bookmark in your card making software. Doing a double sided design is nice, but you don't have to. 2. For maximum usage of your cardstock, cut bookmarks 6 ¼ long and 2 1/8 inches wide. Borderless printing means you get four vertical bookmarks and two horizontal for a total of six on each sheet of cardstock. 3. Print and cut them out. 4. Punch a hole at the top center of your bookmarks. 5. String a tassel through the holes. For your tassel you will need: Crochet cotton Matching colored thread and needle Glue Needlepoint scissors Mini-loom (something that is the width of the tassel length - the metal from the neck of a wine bottle works very well) Instructions: 1. Thread the needle with a double strand. 2. Take a 6 inch piece of crochet cotton and stretch it across the mini loom. 3. This crochet cotton is the hanger, the loop that will connect the tassel to the bookmark. It should be long enough for knotting. After that, string and loop the cotton through the bookmark's hole. 4. Loop the cotton around the loom until it's as thick as you want, then run the threaded needle through the loops at the tassel's top. Tie the different loops together and cut the thread close to the tops. 5. Tie the hanger's ends together in an overhand fashioned knot. Put some glue on the knot to keep it in place. 6. Cut the ends of the tassels so that they come off the loom. 7. Move the hanger loop so that its knot is hidden in the tassel loops. 8. Wind some thread around the tassel knot to keep it tight and add a decorative effect. This is your tassel! This project makes for excellent gifts and commemorative events. If you're part of a book club, it will definitely make you the coolest member to show off how you made your bookmarks, and it can be fun to do with other members as an afternoon activity.
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