How to Make Bookmarks from Greeting Cards

Bookmarks made from cards

Here's a good way to recycle all the holiday and birthday cards that build up over the years. Turn them into colorful bookmarks to use or give to friends. Just slip one into the envelope when sending your own cards at Christmas or on other occasions.

Things You'll Need

• used greeting cards
• scissors, pencil and ruler
• or a paper cutter
• laminating machine (optional)
• hole punch (optional)
• ribbons and tassels (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Sort the saved cards into three stacks. The ones with handwriting on the inside won't work for this. Discard also the ones with unappealing graphics or designs that are too wide. The remaining ones (without handwriting and with good designs) will become bookmarks.

2. Using the paper cutter or the scissors, cut off the back of the card.

3. Don't just cut out the bookmarks willy-nilly. If it's a Christmas card, don't cut it so Santa is half on one bookmark and half on another. The object isn't to get the most bookmarks, but to get the most attractive ones. First visualize the design on the card cut into 2 or 3 strips.

4. Use the paper cutter to cut bookmark-sized strips from the card design. This can be done also by marking the lines for cutting using the ruler, pencil and scissors.

5. 

   Commercially made bookmarks are generally 1 1/2 X 6 inches or 1 1/2 X 9 inches in size. They can be wider (2 inches or so). The length of the bookmark depends on the size of the card, so adjust the width in proportion to the lenghth.

6. 

   Seal the bookmarks in plastic using a laminating machine if you want the most professional and long-lasting results.

7. Make a hole at the top of the bookmark with the hole punch. Tie a ribbon or some yarn through the hole if you want.

Tips & Warnings

• The public library might appreciate a stack of specially made bookmarks to distribute to their readers.

• Don't make the bookmarks too long to fit in an envelope for sending to friends.