Bookmark's the spot

It's snowing here again. Big, ol' fat flakes. A perfect day to stay inside, and perhaps...read? Yes, reading sounds much better than doing the dishes or making dinner. I think the family will win on this one, though, and be fed another day. I've been feeling so dang blah lately. It's got to be the weather. I can't wait for spring.

Our weather has been so weird this winter. It was 60 a couple of weeks ago, and two days later it was 20. I just knew the extremes would be the death of us all. And I was right. Ok, sort of, I'm exaggerating. I do that sometimes (a lot), but my baby girl has strep throat and looks miserable. Being the sensitive, top-notch parent that I am, I asked if she could perhaps wear a mask when she was home. She said, "No." Damn.

Oh yeah, bookmarks. Here are some fun, free printables that I thought you might like.

7 Terrific Handmade Bookmarks to Craft with Love

Here are some some great ideas for homemade bookmarks. Just in time for holiday gift-giving, or to keep for yourself.

source: lollyjane

I LOVE these chic magnetic bookmarks created by lollyjane! Here are the step-by-step instructions to make your own.

source: creativefamilymoments

I think these fantastic photo bookmarks would make an awesome gift for grandparents or teachers. You can find the simple directions here.

source: specialsmallstuff

These darlings are made from fabric scraps! Bec at Special Small Stuff says the button helps to keep the bookmark from slipping down.

source: krcreations

This adorable bookmark, created by Kelly Rasmussen, would be a perfect accompaniment to any book. Directions here.

source: greenpaper

I'm really drawn to these bookmarks made from old book spines. I love them. They look so vintage. The directions are here (you have to scroll down a bit).

source: Sandy's space

This bookmark is my favorite so far. It's so elegant. Sandy Ang created this book mark with an origami (Kusudama) flower dangle. Check out her blog for the step-by-step instructions.




And finally, here's a video tutorial on how to do a simple, lovely beaded bookmark.

Here's a post I did for some free printable bookmarks, and a post featuring some other great DIY book re-purposing projects.

Happy crafting,
Angela.

A Classier Page Marker than a Band-Aid

This post was inspired by the receipt I'm currently using as a bookmark in the my most current read. As I looked at the other books on the stack that I've started, I realize I use some serious redneck stuff as bookmarks. One contained a shnibble of napkin, yet another contained part of a paycheck stub. I stopped there. I really didn't want to expand on the subject of my...well let's just call it "creative page marking".

So here are some handy printable bookmarks I've found around the web. Much, much classier than folded Kleenex (it's unused) or the band aid (still in the wrapper) that I've been known to use.

Download from Be Nonsensical, the creator of these darlings

Printable Bunny bookmarks. Print yours from family shopping bag.

I love these! These were created by Sharon Rowan. Get your free download here.

Julia, over at Everyday Mom Ideas did these. You can download them here.

The Graphics Fairy brings us these fantastic beauties. Download/print here.

In keeping with the antique-y theme, these are from Craft Stew. Get yours here.

These stunners come from Call Me Victorian. Download them here.

Great book review bookmarks! There's another style available as well. Download here.

What do you use to mark your pages? Do you use nice bookmarks or do you just grab whatever's handy? Or do you *gasp* dog-ear?

Talk to you soon,
Angela
 
 
 
 

Easy Peasy DIY Book Re-purposing Projects

Feeling crafty? Following are some pretty nifty ideas for recycling some old books I found while wandering around the internet. Yes, I know that the desecration of a book, any book, is taboo to many. Just think of it as living on...a reincarnation, if you will.

Make a Purse

Check out this cute handbag brought to us by Chrisjob at Curbly.com. The step-by-step video is awesome for the craft-challenged such as myself. I also love that the materials list is pretty basic.  Here's the link to get all the juicy details on how to fashion one of these beauties yourself.

Make a Book Headboard

I am surprised at how much I LOVE this! The creator, jessyratfink, wrote "My apartment doesn't have much on the walls. I've always wanted a headboard. I love books. Answer? Book headboard." The materials list is not outrageous, and the directions look very easy to follow. Some people's creativity is truly astonishing! Here's the link with the directions to make your own.

A Literary Clock

I love, love, love this idea. The project require very few materials and how sweet would this be in a kid's room? The author, mdhaworth, also suggests using a cookbook for a kitchen clock. Here's the link for the step-by-step how-to.

Secret Storage

Need a place to hide your chocolate stash from the kids? Here are the directions for hollowing out an old hardcover book.

An Invisible Book Shelf

I can see myself doing this one with my to-be-read pile next to my side of the bed. We don't have room for nightstands. And, as a bonus, it would be limited to one stack. One VERY BIG stack...Hubby will love it. Here's the tutorial on this one.

Some Literary Illumination...Make Lamps

Table Lamp

Another great idea! This would be perfect on a nightstand (if you have one) or a cozy reading corner.  Here are the handy directions for this one.

Floor Lamp

Another crafty idea. This time for a floor lamp...The directions are similar to the table lamp. Here they are.

Let your creative juices flow. Let me know if you try any of these projects and how they turn out. I'd love to hear from you. Have a fantastic weekend.


Angela