Hi everyone! 

This is Dana (DomesticatingDana over on the Cricut MB) and I’m so happy to be here with everyone.  September brought us an awesome 1^st month here at the Cricut FANatics, but it also brought us back to school.  Back to school means back to homework, including nightly reading.  Need a little something to make reading a little more exciting for your kids?  I have  a fun little project that is quick and easy and makes a great little gift for readers of any age. 

 

I love to make these magnetic bookmarks- practical, easy, and super-FAST!   They cling around your page in your book so they dont fall out & you can locate your page easily.  They are great for kids especially because they don’t fall out of the book when they are tossed in and out of backpacks! Here is how I make mine:

Cut a strip of cardstock to 2.5” x 5”, and then score it at 2.5” (half) and fold.  This creates the base of the bookmark.  Use a bone folder on the crease to help it lie flat.   Cut 2 strips from an adhesive backed magnet sheet (found in the general crafting section of your local craft store) to approximately 2”L x 0.25”W each.   On the inside of the bookmark, adhere one strip along each of the short ends, lining them up so they magnetize.

 

Then decorate your bookmarks with your choice of cuts! 

 

Done! (Told you it was super-FAST!)  Fold it over the page in your book and it will stay in place.

The great thing about this project is the limitless possibilities!  You can make it any size and embellish it any way you want.   Like…

Monograms:

 

Shapes:

Holidays:

 

These make great birthday presents (to go with a book or a bookstore gift card), party favors, and even treats for your child’s classmates!

A few hints: 

• When I am choosing my Cricut cuts, I use my Gypsy (or CCR) and place a square that is the same size as the finished bookmark on the mat and size up my cuts.  If I am using patterned paper, I want to make sure that my cut doesn’t cover all of it up.
• To line up the magnets on the front and back pieces, I cut the magnetic strips and magnetize them together so the adhesive is on the outsides.  I remove the backing on one side only and adhere it to one of the short sides.  Once that is in place, I remove the backing from the other strip (now face up and magnetized to the other one, and fold the book mark closed.  This will line your strips up evenly.
• I wanted to laminate one to see how it turned out, but my laminator is packed away due to some remodeling we are doing right now.  I have not tried it before, but would recommend the thinnest pouch in order to allow your bookmark to fold and stay together.  I would also recommend laminating and then adhere the magnets.

I hope that you get some inspiration from this project.  Thanks for stopping by!

 

Cricut Info & Supplies Used:

Designed by: Dana Bilson

Cricut Machine Used:  Cricut Mini

Cricut Cartridges Used: Create a Critter (apple, cut at 2”), Hello Kitty Font (monogram D, cut @ 1.5”), Life’s a Party (soccer shaped bookmark- used the card feature cut @ 2.5”), Mini Monsters (Jack-o-Lantern, cut at 1.75”) 

Other Supplies Used:  Cardstock, adhesive magnet strips (found in the general craft section of Joann’s), adhesive