How to Make Bookmarks with Typewriter Keys

Typewriter Keys Bookmarks

If you just scored a bag of vintage typewriter keys, you can put some of them to use right away by making simple bookmarks. Hemp twine and black jewelry cord both work well for this craft, but you can use any flexible cord you like. The length of the finished bookmarks is approximately 8 inches, though you can adjust the length of the cord and number of keys to customize them for specific book sizes.

Things You'll Need

• Typewriter keys
• Hemp twine or black jewelry cord
• Silver or glass beads

Instructions

1. Choose the typewriter keys you want to use in your bookmark. You can spell out a name or word, or just string together random letters. Arrange the keys and then flip them over. Typewriter keys have four holes evenly spaced on the sides of the keys; this is where they were attached to the typewriter. Locate the holes.

2. Cut a length of twine or cord to 18 inches. Fold it in half. Begin stringing the typewriter keys by inserting both ends of the cord into each key. You'll want to thread the cord through the four holes in an X pattern. This will ensure the keys stay in place.

3. Continue threading the typewriter keys. When you've finished, loop the ends of the remaining length of cord into a knot just under the last key.

4. Choose two beads, one for each tail of the bookmark. String the beads and knot the cord securely under each.

Tips & Warnings

• I purchased a large bag of these vintage typewriter keys for less than $5 on Etsy. Shipping was also minimal, less than $2.