Materials:
Thick craft paper or card stock (choose a colour that complements your flowers)
Variety of pressed flowers (such as pansies, buttercups, small leaves, ferns)
Scissors
Clear contact paper or laminating sheets
Hole punch (optional)
Ribbon (optional)
Heavy books or flower press (optional)
Instructions:
- Pressing Flowers (Optional): If you don't have pressed flowers readily available, you can press your own. Gather fresh flowers and leaves, ensuring they are completely dry and free of moisture. Place them between sheets of absorbent paper (like blotting paper) and layer them between heavy books or use a flower press. Leave them undisturbed for several weeks until they are completely dry and flat.
- Cut the Bookmark Shape: Cut a desired shape for your bookmark from the craft paper or card stock. Rectangles are classic, but you can get creative with rounded corners or other shapes.
- Arrange the Flowers: Lay out your pressed flowers on a flat surface to plan your design. Experiment with different combinations and placements until you find an arrangement you like. Consider colour balance, size variation, and overall composition.
- Secure the Flowers: Carefully position the pressed flowers onto your paper bookmark. You can use a small amount of craft glue to temporarily hold them in place while you secure them with the clear contact paper or laminating sheets.
- Apply the Finishing Touch: Cut a piece of clear contact paper or laminating sheet slightly larger than your bookmark. Carefully peel back the liner and centre it over the bookmark and pressed flowers. Smooth out any air bubbles with a credit card or squeegee for a clear and even finish. You can use a second sheet of laminating film for extra protection and rigidity (optional). Trim the excess contact paper or laminate around the edges of the bookmark with scissors.
- Punch a Hole (Optional): If you want to add a ribbon for hanging, use a hole punch to create a small hole at the top of the bookmark.
- Tie a Ribbon (Optional): Cut a length of ribbon and thread it through the hole. Tie a decorative bow and trim the remaining ribbon ends.
- Let it Dry: Allow the glue (if used) and laminate to dry completely before using your bookmark.
Tips:
- Use a variety of pressed flowers in different colours, shapes, and sizes for a visually interesting bookmark.
- Work with small amounts of glue to avoid creating visible marks on the flowers or paper.
- Consider using a practice sheet of paper to experiment with your flower arrangement before transferring it to the final bookmark.
- If a flower is particularly delicate, use a toothpick dipped in glue instead of applying it directly.
- Pressed flowers can fade over time. To minimise this, avoid storing your bookmark in direct sunlight.
Embrace your creativity! This project allows for endless customisation. Explore different flower combinations, shapes, and embellishments to create unique and personalised bookmarks that are a joy to use and a delight to behold.
