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!





Comments

  1. I really love the idea of the weed in your bookmark how you put the decoupage over the weed before you apply to tissue so that the tissue kind of melted into the background of the bookmark. Awesome awesome job.

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  2. I really love the idea of the weed in your bookmark how you put the decoupage over the weed before you apply to tissue so that the tissue kind of melted into the background of the bookmark. Awesome awesome job.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Greetings Sandee,
    As an avid reader and paper maker.....I LOVE this project!!!!!
    Love and light,
    Michele

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved reading this and seeing this project again, Sandee. How do the botanicals hold up with the tissue protector? Does the decoupage hold the tiny florets to the bookmark? Thanks as always! Kim

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