Personalized Bookmarks

I love books. They help form important childhood memories and they give me respite in my adult life. I wanted a more sophisticated bookmark than those of my childhood so I set out to make one. I was introduced to 3M self laminate sheets in college. These babies are so useful. I combined my love of collage and the 3M sheets to create personalized bookmarks.

Here's what you'll need:
+ 3M self-sealing laminating sheets (I used one that fits a 4x6 photo)
+ words and pictures cut from magazines
+ scrap paper
+ pens or markers
+ scissors
+ double sided tape

Once I had everything on the table in front of me I got started. Real talk, I have a small expanding file folder full of pictures cut from magazines, some more than 10 years old! I picked out some words and photos that stood out and fit my mood. I cut them down and then used the double-sided tape to collage the pictures onto the scrap piece of paper. Coordinating the paper to your collage is optional but preferable if you're going to add writing. 

Before I finished collaging I planned out what and where I was going to write. I chose a verse to go with the words Crave Joy that I collaged on the front. I wrote out the verse on the back and then filled in around it. I didn't mind that the photos spilled over the edge. 

Once the front and back were finished I was ready to place it in the laminate sheet. I trimmed enough of the collage that it fit inside the laminate sheet with a small border. The border is important so that you can form a seal around your image.

Slowly roll the laminate across the centered image, removing the backing paper as you go.

Press firmly around all the edges. until they seem smooth and sealed. 

This project is quick and easy. It feels so good to sit down, work for 30 minutes or so, and end up with a beautiful bookmark that can be put to use immediately. I mixed it up on a smaller version and used only a variety of flowers and an Emerson quote on the back. You can get a lot of mileage out of these beauties, and they stand up to multiple trips. multiple books, and even the beach!