Beaded Bookmarks

Make Your Own Fancy Bookmarks

Beads are just not for jewelry!

Beaded bookmarks are pretty placeholders,

Whether you embellish a store bought bookmark by adding a beaded tassel, or create your very own beaded bookmarks from scratch, these crafty curios are fun to make and a delight to use!

Once placed inside a book, beaded bookmarks drape over the spine, adding flair to a display of shelved books.

For a more lavish bookmark, place tassels at the top and bottom of the bookmark. These make great gifts by themselves or coupled with books, journals, or magazine subscriptions.

Embellishing a Store Bought Bookmark

Bookmarks can be purchased at any bookstore, or perhaps you have some lying around, or tucked neatly into your favorite books.

Create a beaded tassel using string and seed beads.

As an alternative, use pretty embroidery thread and tie a few choice beads to the end, topped off with a dangling charm.

Punch a hole near the top of the bookmark, and tie the tassel in place. Use a stapler or a bit of clear glue for added security.

Paper or Laminate Bookmarks

Paper bookmarks are versatile because they can be decorated with stickers and stamps, or they can include a photograph, collage, or personal artwork.

If you use thin regular paper, be sure to laminate it for sturdiness.

Better yet, use heavy cardstock, cut into strips with a straight-edge and utility or craft knife. Add the beaded tassel the same way as described above, by punching a hole in the bookmark and threading strings of beads through it.

Be sure to poke holes after lamination!

Fun with Felt

Felt makes great bookmarks because there are no seams to sew and the fabric won’t fray. You can sew or glue seed beads on the face of the bookmark, making whimsical curlicues and fanciful line art. Even straight rows of beads make for a beautiful bookmark!

Cut fun shapes out of different colored felt scraps, and sew them together placing small beads in the stitches. Don’t forget your beaded tassel!

Book Thongs

Book thongs just might be the fastest bead project around.

All you need is a length of colorful cord and some large-holed beads. Tie knots in the cord, leaving eight to ten inches between them.

String large-holed beads onto each end, followed by a final knot to keep the beads in place. Bright colored cording and beads make this a great project for kids!