bookmarks and pressed flowers

I am a literary creature, I just love the feel of a book in my hands.

If you are like me then you will want the perfect page-saver for your favorite novels or your much-loved Trash to Treasure book! 

I had made this simple bookmark out of my mulberry paper that I made this past summer ( you can go here to revisit that post and how I made the paper )...it's functional, but I could embellish it some. Thankfully I used my Arnold Grummer Microfleur press a LOT this past summer so I have lots of pressed flowers and yes, weeds to choose from on a dreary rainy day to use.

So after choosing something, in this case, I think it's a random weed ( but with lots if fun texture ) I took my Helmar Decoupage & Craft Paste and first coated the paper, then laid the stem on top of it. Next I cut a piece of tissue paper the size of the bookmark and pressed it gently over the stem and then coated it again with the Decoupage paste. I left the tissue paper hanging over the edge and just cut it off once it had dried.

I did the same technique but with a little variation on the next one. I noticed when the first one had dried that it was whiter and more opaque than I wanted it to be. So I repeated the process but this time I gently applied a little bit of the decoupage over the stem and then pressed the tissue paper on top. I got a much clearer finish this way, I think the first time there were air pockets between the stem and the tissue paper....here you can see the difference.

For a finishing touch, the bottom of each bookmark has an eyelet set into it with some string and a bead attached.

It's no surprise that I love to make bookmarks and when I pick out a book I also pick out whatever is my current favorite bookmark to use. 

A handmade paper bookmark isn't a plain page marker, it's an accessory!