Love You Bookmark

Need a last minute Valentine gift? Well, I did. So I made these bookmarks today, and thought I’d share it with you in case you are the same kind of unrepentant procrastinator I am. That’s why I’m posting this on Thursday instead of Friday, to give you more lead time.

What you’ll need:

1) the printable PDF of the template, get it here
2) letter-sized cardstock
3) fabric scrap
4) craft knife
5) short length of thinnish ribbon
6) .25 inch hole punch
7) spray adhesive
8) bone folder

Here we go. Print the template on cardstock and cut out the rectangular fabric template. I cut mine out window style, so I can place it just so on the fabric. Use it to trace and cut out a rectangle of your fabric scrap.

Now cut out one of the bookmark templates (of which there are two on the page) using a craft knife and ruler. Cut straight lines only, as shown, leave the curvy bits for later. You’ll see.

(Wow. I didn’t realize how grubby my craft knife looks until now. I’ve had it since freshman year at college, so like 22 years. I understand they come with cushy handles now. Notice especially the petrified band of masking tape. That was to keep my fingers from slipping. In COLLEGE.)

Score it down the middle using the BACK of your craft knife (not the sharp edge), only light pressure required. Or you can use your fancy bone folder.

Now cut out the heart with your craft knife. Wow, that sounds violent. Craft knife newbies, do not be fainthearted (ha), you can do this! Don’t attempt to go all the way round in one direction, do it in parts and approach the corners from opposite sides for smoother results. The heart is not symmetrical, so if you are a little off, big schmeal. Do yourself a favor and use a new blade. If you use a dull blade, you will not be happy with the results and you may give yourself a hand cramp, especially if you are doing more than one.

Now fold the bookmark with the black lines on the outside, not the inside. Press the fold with your fancy bone folder. Or, as in my case, with your cheap plastic folder from Wal-Mart.

This is now folded the opposite way from how it will end up, but you’ll want to use the curved lines on the corners as a cutting reference right now. Cut through both layers to make the rounded corners, making sure to keep it tightly pressed together while you cut.

Now punch the hole through both layers where marked.

Now fold it the opposite way with all the black on the inside, and run your bone folder down the fold. Open it back up and lay it on a large sheet of protective cardboard or paper, black lines facing up, and spray the entire surface with spray adhesive.

Lay your fabric on the dashed rectangle and smooth it out, being careful not to get glue on your fingers.

Carefully fold over the front and press together firmly, using your bone folder to rub along the edges and make sure everything is sticking together.

Lastly, fold your ribbon in half, feed the free ends through the back of the hole, and then pull the ends through the loop you created on the opposite side. Tighten, then trim the ribbon ends, dotting them with FrayCheck if needed. If desired, write a love message under the heart.

Ta-da. Inexpensive and handmade Valentine gift that everyone (who reads) can use.

Y’all all have a blissful Valentine’s, filled with love. I’m going to be gone for a whole week, but I’ll see you again, Lord willing, on Monday the 23rd.