Directions for a Metal Embossed Bookmark

Embossing sheets are most commonly silver but also come in various colors.

An embossed metal bookmark is a personalized, creative way to enhance the reading experience. There are a multitude of embossing patterns that can be found at craft stores, making decorative possibilities seemingly limitless. The process of embossing a metal bookmark is simple enough for children to participate in with adult supervision, and stimulating enough for an adult to enjoy as a craft project. This project also makes a thoughtful gift to make and give to others.

Things You'll Need

• Metal embossing sheet
• Scissors
• Stylus
• Piece of foam
• Design pattern
• Hole punch
• Piece of ribbon

Instructions

1. Cut the metal embossing sheet to the desired size. A good bookmark size is 6 to 8 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide.

2. Place the cut piece of metal on a piece of foam that is at least 2 inches wider than the bookmark on each side. This will protect your work surface from damage.

3. Tape the design pattern on top of the metal embossing sheet so both layers are now on top of the foam. Taping the pattern will keep it from slipping as you trace the pattern onto the embossing sheet.

4. Use a stylus to trace the pattern onto the embossing sheet. Press down hard enough to imprint the pattern onto the embossing sheet, but not so hard that the stylus cuts through the pattern.

5. Untape the pattern from the embossing sheet and go over the pattern again with the stylus, directly on the embossing sheet. This will further deepen the pattern grooves on the embossing sheet.

6. Turn the embossing sheet over and use a small, smooth object to rub the embossing sheet between the embossed lines. This will produce a raised pattern on the front of the bookmark. This step can be skipped if you prefer the look of the simple embossed lines.

7. Punch a small hole in the top of the bookmark and string through the ribbon. Tie a knot at the base of the ribbon, sitting at the top of the punched hole and leave a ribbon tail to hang over the top of the bookmark.

Tips & Warnings

• For color on the bookmark use craft paint to fill in the embossed areas.

• Using thin ribbon makes the knot tying easier than thick ribbon.

References

• Craftideas.info: How to Emboss on Metal Embossing Sheets