A Silly Little Bookmark

One of my favorite memories of growing up was our family’s frequent trips to the public  library to check out books. Whether we went by car with my dad or on our bikes, my sister and I  always came home with a stack of books to read. I am still an avid reader and now my kids and I are the ones making several trips a week to the library. For me, there is nothing better than a good book to read. 

I also love to sew and hand embroider, and I am totally into using recycled wool for my projects. One day I combined my love of reading with my love of sewing and came up with this fun and silly little bookmark. I named him Norman and put him up for sale at my web-store.  My intention was to sell them to adults, however, a friend of mine was visiting my store and her son saw the picture of Norman and said he wanted it. So I wrapped it up and gave Norman to him for his birthday.  My own son, who’s twelve, saw it and wanted one also.  So I made him one named Charles.  My brother’s stepdaughter saw the bookmark and wanted one, too. She named him Wilson. Not only do kids love them, they are simple enough for them to make themselves.

Winter is a perfect time to start making these woolly bookmarks to use when cuddling up with a good book. With a stash of  recycled wool scraps, some old buttons and embroidery threads you will be ready to make a silly little bookmark. 

Supplies

Felted Wool Scraps from sweaters or scarves (the tighter the weave, the better)

Two buttons, about 1/8”-1/4” in diameter

Embroidery Threads in different colors

Scraps of Fringed Trim

Embroidery Needle

Large Paper Clip

Hot Glue Gun

Scissors

Instructions

1. Make a pattern out of paper in the shape you want your bookmark to be. I made mine in the shape of an egg with the top cut off.  The size should be approximately 1-1/2” wide by 2” tall.

2. Pin the pattern to the wool and cut out a front and a back.

3. Position the buttons on the right-side front for the eyes and sew them in place with the embroidery thread.

4. Stitch a mouth with the embroidery thread.

5. Choose a fun piece of trim to use as the hair and baste it in place on the inside of the front at the top.

6. Using the hot glue gun, place a small amount of glue on the inside of the front and press the top of the paper clip in place to secure it.

7. Position the back to the front and pin together.

8. With the embroidery thread, stitch a running stitch around the whole bookmark, finishing the ends securely.

9. Give your bookmark a fun name and start reading!

Tips and Hints: 

©  Have fun! 

© These aren’t meant to be perfect.  Experiment with different wools, shapes, threads, etc. 

© Make a “memory” bookmark from a child’s or loved one’s clothing.

© Make a bunch and give them away!