Are you looking for a fun and easy craft to make and sell? Bookmarks are the perfect solution. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but there is also a massive market for them. You can find people of all ages who love to use bookmarks.
This blog post will show you how to make bookmarks to sell, including what materials you need and some design inspiration. Whether new to crafting or looking for a different item to sell, this guide will help you turn your bookmark-making hobby into a profitable business.
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Bookmark Making Basics
- Decide on the size of your bookmark. It should be large enough to be easily seen when sticking out of a book but not so large that it is cumbersome. A good rule of thumb is to make it about 2-3 inches wide and 6-8 inches long.
- Choose your materials. You will need some cardstock or heavy paper, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, a pencil, and some decorative elements like ribbon, washi tape, or stamps.
- Cut your cardstock to size. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure and mark the dimensions of your bookmark on the cardstock, then cut it out with scissors.
- Decorate your bookmark. This is the fun part! Use whatever materials you choose to add color and personality to your bookmark. Get creative and have fun with it.
- Cut a slit at the top of the bookmark. This will be used to thread the ribbon through later on. Make sure the slit is big enough for the ribbon to fit through easily but not so big that it compromises the structural integrity of the bookmark.
- Thread the ribbon through the slit. Cut a length of ribbon that is long enough to comfortably tie around a book (about 18 inches should do it), then thread it through the slit at the top of the bookmark. Tie the two ends of the ribbon together in a knot or bow to secure it in place.
- Trim any excess ribbon from the ends. You want your bookmark to look neat, so take a moment to trim off any extra ribbon from the ends.
- Add any final touches. If you want, you can add some additional embellishments to your bookmark before calling it finished. A few ideas include gluing on beads or sequins, attaching a charm with jump rings, or writing a personal message with markers or a pen.
How To Make A Bookmark Design On Canva
Canva is a great tool to help you make unique bookmark designs. Here’s how to get started:
Head to Canva and create an account or sign in if you already have one.
Create a new document with the dimensions of your chosen bookmark size. For example, if you make a 2 x 6-inch bookmark, set the width to 2 inches and the height to 6 inches. Or you can use Canvas bookmark templates to create your custom bookmarks.
Select a background for your design. You can choose from Canva’s library of images or upload your image. Pay close attention to the resolution (DPI) of any uploaded images, as this will affect the quality of your final product.
Add illustrations, text, and frames to create your bookmark design. Play around with different combinations until you find one that you like.
Download your finished design and print it out on your chosen paper material.
Check Canvas policies to see if you can use specific graphics or stock photos for commercial use. It is always best to upload your art on canvas to add to the bookmark if you plan on selling them.
Different Bookmark Ideas
Fabric bookmarks
You can make fabric bookmarks from scraps left over from other projects or buy new material specifically for this purpose. Cut a strip 2 inches wide and 12 inches long to make a fabric bookmark. Then, fold the strip half lengthwise and press it with an iron. Next, stitch the long side of the ribbon together with a sewing machine, leaving a ½-inch seam allowance. Finally, turn the bookmark right-side out and press it with an iron.
Ribbon bookmarks
Ribbon bookmarks are simple to make and only require a few supplies. Cut a piece 2 inches wide and 12 inches long to make a ribbon bookmark. Then, fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and press it with an iron. Next, stitch the long side of the ribbon together with a sewing machine, leaving a ½-inch seam allowance. Finally, turn the bookmark right-side out and press it with an iron.
Felt bookmarks
Felt bookmarks are easy to make and only require a few supplies. To make a felt bookmark, cut a rectangle of felt 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. Then, fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and press it with an iron. Next, stitch the long side of the rectangle together with a sewing machine, leaving a ½-inch seam allowance. Finally, turn the bookmark right-side out and press it with an iron.
Wood Bookmarks
Wood bookmarks are the perfect project for those who like working with wood! To make a wood bookmark, cut out a piece of wood 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. Then, sand the edges to smooth any rough patches or splinters. Next, drill a small hole at the top of the bookmark (this will be used to thread the ribbon through later). Finally, paint your wooden piece with craft paint in your design.
Paper Bookmarks
Paper bookmarks are easy to make and don’t require any sewing. Cut a rectangle 2 inches wide and 12 inches long from your chosen paper material to make a paper bookmark. Then, fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and press it with an iron. Next, apply adhesive to the top half of the bookmark. Finally, stick your chosen embellishments onto the glue. This could include adding ribbons, jump rings, or writing a personal message with markers or a pen.
Corner Bookmark
Corner bookmarks are a great way to add interest to your bookmark designs. Cut out two squares 6 inches wide and 6 inches long from your chosen paper material to make one. Then fold the corners inwards and press with an iron. Next, apply adhesive to the inner corner of each rectangle. These creative bookmarks tend to do well at craft fairs.
No matter what type of bookmark you choose, these steps will help you start your journey to creating unique bookmarks to sell.
What To Include On Your Bookmarks
The easiest way to be consistent with your bookmark style is to create a bookmark template on Canva.
Create different templates for different designs like elegant bookmarks, bookmarks with geometric patterns, or your own images of your artwork.
Each bookmark should have your company logo on the back so customers can identify your brand.
Check local and online copyright laws, as you may need permission before adding certain images or graphics to your bookmarks.
You may also want to add specific hashtags so people can track the success of their bookmark on social media.
Finally, you can start printing the bookmarks once all the elements are in place.
Pricing Your Bookmarks
Once you have decided on a design for your bookmark, it’s time to price it. When pricing your bookmarks, there are a few things that you need to take into accounts such as the cost of materials and the time it took to make the bookmark. You also need to consider the going rate for similar items. A good rule of thumb is to price your bookmarks at least double the cost of materials so that you are making a profit.
Make sure to factor in every custom bookmark expense when determining your pricing. Keep a close eye on all the costs of materials used for making custom bookmarks, as they will ultimately affect the value of your services.
Selling Your Bookmarks
Now that you have made some beautiful bookmarks, it’s time to sell them. You can sell your bookmarks in many ways, such as craft shows, online shops, and local boutiques. If you plan on selling online, take clear pictures of your bookmarks and write detailed descriptions. This will help give potential customers an idea of what they are buying before they purchase.
If you wish to sell your own bookmarks at a craft store, make an appointment with the owner and bring along samples of your creations. Always be polite and friendly when speaking to the shop owner, and emphasize the quality of your bookmarks.
Conclusion:
Making bookmarks is a fun and easy way to make some extra money! With just a few supplies and creative ideas, you can create beautiful bookmarks that people will love using. Be sure to price your bookmarks accordingly so that you are making a profit and consider selling them online or at local boutiques near you.
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