How to Make a Paper Clip Bookmark Without a Pad

Add a cloth-covered, metal, plastic or pearl button to a paper clip for an inexpensive handmade bookmark.

Since paper clips were designed to hold paper, they are perfect for using as a bookmark in the pages of your favorite book. For a paper clip that is as beautiful as it is functional, embellish the end of the paperclip with a button and ribbon streamers. While specialty paper clips with circular metal pads exist for this purpose, any jumbo paper clip can be decorated and used as a bookmark.

Things You'll Need

• 3 6-inch long pieces of 1/8-inch wide ribbon
• Jumbo paper clip
• Decorative button
• Hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Pick up one of the 6-inch long pieces of 1/8-inch wide ribbon and fold it in half by bringing the two loose ends of the ribbon together.

2. Slide the two loose ends of the ribbon under the single-looped end of the paper clip. Push the two loose ends of the ribbon over the top of the single-looped end of the paper clip, and pull them all the way through the loop of the folded ribbon. This secures the ribbon in place and create two 3-inch streamers extending from the top of the paper clip.

3. Pick up another of the 6-inch long pieces of 1/8-inch wide ribbon, fold it in half and place the two loose ends of the ribbon under the single-looped end of the paper clip and on the right side of the previously placed ribbon. Push the two loose ends of the ribbon over the top of the paper clip and pull them all the way through the loop of the folded ribbon to secure the ribbon in place. Repeat for the final piece of ribbon, placing it on the left side of the first ribbon.

4. Pick up the decorative button and lay it decorative side down on a flat surface.

5. Squeeze a puddle of hot glue onto plain side of the decorative button. Place your fingers at the double-looped end of the paper clip to pick it up. Press the single looped end of the paper clip into the hot glue. The ribbon streamers should extend beyond the top of the decorative button.

6. Hold the paper clip in place for 15 seconds while the glue sets. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the bookmark.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, use a decorated bottle cap in place of a button.