Summer reading is underway … have you downloaded your Summer Reads Bingo card yet? We thought it would be fun to build on the summer reading experience by making some inspiring bookmarks!
Materials:
- rigid card stock paper
- discarded magazines, brochures, junk mail, etc.
- scissors
- glue stick
- hole punch
- yarn
- optional: punches to cut out shapes
Instructions:
- Cut a bookmark out of cardstock (any dimensions you like).
- Cut out interesting images, words, and color patterns from magazines, etc.
- Arrange the images and words on your bookmark.
- Glue all of your pieces down remembering to secure the edges so they don’t curl up.
- Punch a hole near the top for the tassel.
How to Make the Tassel:
- Wrap a long piece of yarn around your fingers.
- Thread a shorter piece of yarn around the bundle closer to one end, and tie it to secure.
- Cut the loops on the longer end to create the tassel.
- Thread another piece of yarn through the smaller loop and tie it to secure.
- Tie the opposite end and thread through the bookmark.
The Power of Words
Do you have a favorite quote or line of a poem that you could add to your bookmark? Do you want your bookmark to have a message or follow a theme (i.e., Eric Carle)? Vary the sizes and fonts of your lettering to emphasize certain words. If you can’t find the word you are looking for, spell it out with individual letters.
Layout and Using Color
Layer your images and lettering. We used two layers of cardstock to create a border. Words can be positioned vertically or diagonally for interest. We also chose just three shades of color (blues, yellows, and pinks) which keeps it from looking too busy. Remember that having a bit of white space is also good for balance. Another idea is to just use rows of words in different colors and fonts.
Let your imagination and creativity run wild. Happy reading!