There are many ways to design a beaded bookmark, but I wanted to teach you a few of my favorites. I have two ways to make these unique bookmarks and as an added bonus they only take about 10 minutes! Plus as a special treat I included another style that uses stretch cord.
Before you know it you will be kicking out bookmarks left and right. Both of the styles I use the most include a metal bookmark hooks. They look like shepherds hooks that hang over the top of the spine of the book, with the bookmark chain dangling down. You can even get fancy with it and additional strands and charms based on your taste and style.
You can find most of the supplies listed below at your local craft stores, or online. I like to buy bulk as I also sell my creations. All the pictures in this post are my own work, except for the final picture at the bottom. If you would like to shop my work, you click any of the pictures they will link to their item on my store. Or you can click my link at the bottom to see everything in my shop at once.
Alright here's what you will need to get started on your own project!
Materials you will need for both styles:
Beads of your choice (I prefer glass, gemstone, and crystal)
Charm, Tassel, or feather of your choice. These are for the bottom you do not need them if you want just the beads.
Earring posts (the longer lengths work best), I like these because they are cut to the length I like. You can switch it out for wire or string/cord of your choice.
Metal bookmark of your choice (My favorites are the dragons)
O-rings
Style 1: The Single Post Style
This first style that I like to call the Single Post Style is the easiest of the two. The hardest part is choosing the bead sequence you want. Once you have decided on the metal bookmark hook you want, I chose a dragon for this example, the beads you want, and your charm. You then get to put these pieces together.
Grab an earring post and add your beads in the order you like.
create too loops on each side to seal your beads in place. I like to buy the long earring posts with the loops at the end.
You attach your charm to the bottom of the post, use an O-ring if one is not already attached to your charm.
Attach to your metal bookmark and boom! You have a bookmark.
Style 2: Chain Link Style
This is one of my favorite looks because its fluid and allows the bookmark to move, its less stiff. The chain link style takes a little longer but not by much. I like to use the smaller earring posts for these, easier to create the chain link look.
Pick your beads and start to slide them on the earring post, after each one add a loop to seal it closed.
Attach them together using the loops, until you get to your desired length. Keep book size in mind when creating the length.
Attach your charm of choice at the bottom and using an O-ring to attach your chain to the metal bookmark.
Bonus: Stretch Cord Style
This is a bonus style for those who do not want to use metal bookmarks. The stretch cord style uses stretch cord to go around the book to hold your page. This style is not as widely used but its still stunning and way better than a random receipt or post it.
Pick out your cord in the color of your choice.
Tie a knot in your cord leaving enough space to reattach later. Thread on the beads you want. You can also add extra an earring post in the middle like the picture to combine the two sides.
Repeat step two tie a knot and add your beads.
Attach the two sides together so it mimics a necklace.
Tip: make sure you measure your cord to the length of the book so it fits perfectly.
I hope you enjoyed the beaded bookmark tutorials. They make perfect gifts for those avid readers in your life. They fit into both hardcover and paperback novels and add a unique touch to them. Plus you can match the bookmarks to the book. The bookmarks attached to this post are all my designs except the last stretch cord ones. The artist no longer has them listed.
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I do make and sell my own crafts, if you would like to come share your support, the link is below, stop by! Plus any blog subscriber gets a bonus promo code to get 15% off my shop. Thank you so much, and see you next time crafters!
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