You know that feeling when you stumble across a beautiful flower and just have to pick it up? Well, lately I’ve been daydreaming about making my own bookmarks with pressed flowers. I mean, how cool would it be to open a book and be greeted by a tiny piece of nature, right? It’s like capturing a moment in time—who wouldn’t want that? The other day, I was reading out in the garden, and I saw the brightest marigold shining in the sun, and I thought, why not press it and carry that beauty with me? Pressing flowers feels like a sweet way to hold onto little pieces of joy. Have you ever thought about how much more personal reading can be when your bookmarks reflect your own world? I’m really excited about diving headfirst into this project—what if I could make each bookmark tell a story?
Items You’ll Need
- Pressed flowers
- Bookmark material (cardstock or thick paper)
- Glue or Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Laminator (optional)
- Laminating sheets (if laminating)
- Tweezers
- Sealant spray (optional, for durability)
- Craft knife (optional for more detailed cutting)
- Ruler
- Pencil for marking
- Clear bags (for storing or gifting bookmarks)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First, I gather all my materials – the pressed flowers, cardstock for the bookmarks, glue, scissors, tweezers, and my ruler. I want to make sure I have everything I need before I start crafting.
Step 2: Choose Your Bookmark Size
Using my ruler, I decide on the dimensions for my bookmarks. I like them to be about 2 inches by 6 inches. I mark these measurements on the cardstock with my pencil before cutting.
Step 3: Cut Out the Bookmarks
With my scissors, I carefully cut out the bookmarks from the cardstock. I make sure all edges are straight, and I have nice clean cuts. It feels satisfying to see the bookmarks taking shape!
Step 4: Arrange the Pressed Flowers
Now comes the fun part! I lay out the pressed flowers on my bookmarks. I experiment with different arrangements until I find a layout that I love. I can use tweezers to adjust the flowers without damaging them.
Step 5: Glue the Flowers
Once I’m happy with the arrangement, I carefully glue the flowers onto the cardstock. I make sure to apply the glue evenly, so the flowers stick well. This is where I really see my bookmarks come to life!
Step 6: Let it Dry
I let the glue dry for a bit. While I wait, I clean up my workspace and admire my creations. I can’t wait to see them finished!
Step 7: Optional: Laminate the Bookmarks
For added durability, I decide to laminate my bookmarks. I run them through my laminator with the laminating sheets, creating a protective layer over each bookmark.
Step 8: Seal for Extra Protection (Optional)
If I didn’t laminate, I could spray a light coat of sealant spray over the bookmarks instead for extra durability. I do this in a well-ventilated area.
Step 9: Trim Excess Edges (If Laminated)
After laminating, I use my craft knife to trim any excess laminating sheet around the edges of my bookmarks. I’m careful and precise to make them look neat.
Step 10: Store or Gift Your Bookmarks
Finally, I place my beautiful bookmarks in clear bags. They’re now ready to be stored or gifted to friends and family. I can’t wait to share these little pieces of nature with others!