How to Make Bookmarks Out of Recycled Books
Out of date editions, unread gifts and well-worn copies of books can pile up in a hurry if you are a reader. Recycling books is a challenge because of the glues and types of materials involved in the books. However, rather than tossing unwanted books in the trash can, recycle them in a different way -- by making bookmarks out of them. Salvage the memories of old books by repurposing the artwork and well-loved words into a keepsake that will be put to good use.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- White glue
- Laminating machine
- Laminating sheet
- Clear tape
- Hole punching tool
- Thin ribbon
- Glitter, rhinestones, stamps or stickers (optional)
Instructions
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Cut along the seams of the two book flaps, if using a hardcover book, to create a base for your bookmark. Cut the front or back cover from a paperback book -- use the back cover if you plan to take artwork from the front cover of the book.
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Cut the cover in half lengthwise if you are using a paperback book; you do not need to cut the flaps in half if working with a hardback book. Stack the halves on top of each other with the printed sides either facing in or out, depending on your design preference. Glue the halves together using white glue.
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Cut out pictures from the cover of the book, if available. Snip letters that are large from the cover or back of the book. Clip page numbers from the book to add to the bookmark in a random fashion or rearranged, such as for a specific date or your phone number, to give the bookmark personality.
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Cut words from the pages of the book to paste in a new arrangement for the bookmark. Look for passages or sentences that stand out or have specific meanings to add to the bookmark.
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Laminate the bookmark with a laminating machine or sheet of laminating paper. Alternatively, cut away the plastic removable sleeve of the book -- typically found on hardcover books -- and use this plastic to cover the bookmark. Trim the sides of the plastic around the bookmark and secure with clear tape.
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Punch a hole in the top end of the bookmark using a hole punching tool. Cut a 10-inch length of thin ribbon. Insert the ribbon into the hole and pull it through until you have two equal lengths on each side of the bookmark. Tie a knot in the ribbon that is flush to the bookmark.
Author Bookmark
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Make an author-specific bookmark; this is ideal if you have a preference for the author of the book you are recycling. Cut out the author's photo from the book, if available. Glue this on the front of the bookmark.
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Snip the author's name, which will be included most likely in larger print on the front cover, and add this on the front of the bookmark. Cut the letters apart and paste them in a vertical line, if the name is lengthy.
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Cut out the biographic details of the author, if available; this will usually be written in paragraph form at the back of the book. Glue this on the front or back of the bookmark, depending on the space available.
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Snip out the list of works completed by the author, which will be found near the front of the book, if applicable. Paste this list on the back of the bookmark for inspiration and reference when searching for a new book by your beloved author.
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Tips & Warnings
The ideal dimensions of a bookmark are 2 to 3 inches in width and 6 to 8 inches in length; you can use this as a guide to trim your bookmark to size.
Embellish the bookmark by adding glitter, rhinestones, stamps or stickers, if desired.
Do not use any pages or covers of books that contain mold or mildew as the spores could spread to the pages you are holding in your new book; this would cause your book to become contaminated and eventually rot.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
