I love to read, and I think that all books deserves a bookmarks. I don’t know about you, but I hate when I pick up a book and realize I don’t have a bookmark handy. That happened to me last week while I was on vacation. I found a lovely book market at a local market in Playa Del Carmen that is hand-painted.
What do you do to save your place when reading a great book? Do you use a bookmark or bend the corner of the page to hold your place in a book. I always hate to turn the corner of the page, but what else can I do if I don’t have a bookmark?
What is the purpose of a bookmark?
Bookmarks are handled and seen many times. Every time you pick up a book. I think of them as a book’s partner or trusty companion. They can be used over and over again for different books. Just think if a bookmark could talk what it could tell you!
Bookmarks as so helpful. It is fun to use beautiful and fun bookmarks. Bookmarks should inspire you to want to use them. I remember getting a leather bookmark from my Grandma when she started buying be the series of Laura Ingalls Wilder books. That bookmark was used for so many years. I still have it, and my Grandma wrote on the back of it, so I will always cherish it.
Remember, bookmarks make great gifts, especially if you buy a gift card from a bookstore. What a great thing to add. I love to give them to kids also to encourage them to read.
So when I was thinking about this week’s project, I thought making some fun bookmarks would be a great idea. I found some sublimation bookmark blanks on Amazon. I love metal bookmarks because they don’t lose their shape, and you can add any design to them. The possibilities are endless. So let’s make some bookmarks today!
BOOKMARK SUPPLIES
Sublimation Blanks
I found the bookmark blanks that I used on Amazon. I agree with the description listed on the site for these blanks:
- Quality material: these sublimation blank bookmarks are metal aluminum plate, which are lightweight, smooth and comfortable, reliable, and not easy to fade.
Sublimation Paper
I always use my favorite sublimation paper, A-SUB. It is a Koala product. I have an affiliate link for the website, and if you use my discount code, “fun15,” you can save an additional 15% on my favorite paper. Here is the LINK.
The reason I love A-SUB paper is because of the results. The colors are vibrant, and the paper does not jam in my printer. I also like that the paper is marked with which direction you load in your printer. Some sublimation sheets that I have bought did not have that feature. I like to have both the 8.5 x 11 and the 11×17 on hand. Make sure to check their website for all their sublimation papers and inks.
Other Sublimation Supplies
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. However, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step-by-step instructions below! You choose how you want to learn to do this project!
STEP #1 PICK A DESIGN FOR YOUR BOOKMARKS
The first thing we need to do is decide on a design for our bookmarks. I like to use CANVA.COM to create my designs. I love sunflowers, so I thought I would make some with beautiful sunflowers. But you could also use a picture from your last vacation or maybe a photo of your family. There are so many options.
STEP #2 PRINT DESIGN FOR YOUR BOOKMARKS
Once you decide on a design, you need to print the right size using sublimation paper and sublimation ink, and of course, a sublimation printer! Check the size of your bookmark to determine how big to print your design. I like to add about 1/4” to the entire design to ensure you cover the whole bookmark. The bookmarks I purchased from Amazon are 4.7 x 1.3 x 0.02 inch.
STEP #3 TIME TO PRESS YOUR BOOKMARKS
I always refer to the product information when setting up my heat press time and heat setting. The recommended settings for the metal bookmarks that I bought is 340 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 50 seconds. As they note on the website, the information is for reference only. I always test before I sublimate multiple items at one time. Also, remember that there is a protective film on the surface of the bookmark, so tear it off before using pressing.
The layering order for sublimation varies for each type of blank or substrate you use. I always use a lint brush to clean my substrate, bookmark before layering the item, and print on the press.
Bookmark Layering Order
- Blowout Paper – I use butcher paper
- Metal bookmark sublimation side facing up
- Printed design – I secure the design to the bookmark using heat transfer tape.
- Blowout Paper
Now it is time to press. Once the time is up on your press, make sure to put on some gloves. The bookmark will be very HOT! Remove the paper and heat transfer tape, and there you have it, a beautiful bookmark. Now let’s make some more!
If this project inspired you, then check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
Don’t forget to check out my Fun Stuff Crafts Amazon Storefront!
Social Media Links
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