On Your Mark: Handmade Bookmarks

It's back to school time—the kiddos will have their reading to do, and even if they don't, the days are only getting shorter! Before long, you may find yourself curled up with a good book or two as well. How will you keep track of what, where and when? With a good bookmark, of course:

Handmade Bookmarks

Materials:
Colored craft felt
Embroidery flosses or No. 5 mercerized cotton threads
Doll needle
Straight pins
Template or old bookmark
Ballpoint pen
Sharp scissors

For each bookmark, cut out a front and a back in felt (either the same or complementary colors) using a template or an old bookmark as a guide. If desired, create embellishments using a smaller template or mini cookie cutter in the shapes of your choice. Secure embellishments with straight pins to the front side of the bookmark, and stitch around the edges, leaving a small border. Once done, match front and back of bookmark together, smooth and secure with straight pins. Again, leaving a small border, stitch along the outside edges, tie off in between the two layers and bury the "tail" in between as well.

Notes: Before joining the front and back together, I took the liberty of free-stitching some fletching along the length of my bookmark. My needlework is by no means perfect, but I enjoy its rustic look, and it's still perfectly functional! My bookmark is about six inches long from tip to tail. I chose to use straight stitch instead of blanket stitch, as this will help the bookmark stay flat and not "puff" around the edges. To judge how much thread you will need to stitch the around bookmark, roughly eyeball a generous 2-2 1/2 times the total perimeter.

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