Back to School Bookmarks

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a love of books and even dreamed of having one of those giant libraries with the sliding ladders in my house when I grew up.  Although my kids are still young, I hope to pass the love of books onto them too.  And with them, there's no better way to get them excited about something than custom accessories like these personalized bookmarks (even better if they can help make them)!

Start by trimming several pieces of Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock (110 lb) to about 7" x 2".  (I like this cardstock for projects like these because it's bright white and works with so many different techniques.)  Cut the top of each strip with a tag topper die or punch to form your basic bookmark shape.

Stamp names onto the bookmarks using Versamark ink and alphabet stamps of your choice, cover with white detail embossing powder, and melt with a heat tool.  I used a stamp positioner for this step to help me line up and space the alphabet stamps perfectly and make several of each name.

For two of the bookmarks, I thought it would be fun to add stenciled designs over the embossed names (inks blend beautifully on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White cardstock).  After securing my stencil on top of the each bookmark, I gently added pink or yellow ink onto them with blending brush, concentrating the color to one side for an ombre appearance.

Next I added a second color of ink radiating from the lighter stenciled edge using the same type of blending brush for a colorful two-tone effect.

To get my son involved in the project, I stamped fun school images on the other two bookmarks and pulled out my colored pencils so that we could each color one.  (Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock is a great cardstock for colored pencils as well!)

I didn't want to take away from the coloring too much, so I lightly blended pale grey and purple inks over the center of the bookmarks to bring out the embossed names.

To protect them, I laminated each bookmark.  If you don't have a laminator, I love these adhesive laminating sheets for quick and easy projects!  Just stick the project between two sheets, use a squeegee or old gift card to press them down well, and trim around the edges with scissors leaving a small border.

Once sealed, punch through the plastic on each bookmark where the original hole in the cardstock was with a hole puncher and add twine or ribbon to embellish.

It's such a simple project, but a great way to get kids involved and excited about reading.

Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock is great for so many different papercrafting techniques...which ones would you use to personalize these bookmarks?  Be sure to visit the CutCardStock store to get yours today and if you liked this project please leave a comment below!

Additional supplies can be found here.

~ Annie

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