Since graduating from college with my degree in English, I have found my list of must-read books seems to be growing while the time I have to read during the day seems to continually shrink. Fortunately, if you’re like me - and 23% of respondents to a Statista survey on 2018 New Year’s resolutions - you have resolved to read more in the coming year.
Because most of my reading happens during my commute in short, disjointed spurts, I have found myself dog-earring nearly every page in whatever book I’m reading at the time. This can make it hard for me to keep track of exactly where I am, and I wind up wasting a few of those precious minutes I have on the subway trying to find which of those folded down pages truly indicates my place.
Luckily, as I was cleaning out a large box of craft supplies over the holidays, I found a couple of scraps of leather leftover from a previous project. With a few strategically placed needle holes, some embroidery thread, and a handmade tassel, I had a quick and painless DIY bookmark that was beautiful enough to help remind me to take it with me from book to book. These babies also make great gifts for avid readers; simply wrap alongside a new book for a thoughtful present they’ll use again and again.
Read on to find out how to make your own!
You’ll need:
- 2 strips of leather
- Thick embroidery or upholstery needle and pins
- Colored thread of your choosing
- Scissors and tape
Pick out your leather material and cut it into 2 long rectangles. Mine are just under 7”, but you can use any length you’d like.
Tip: If you’re wondering where to get leather, check with a local interior designer to see if they have any swatches that are discontinued. These swatches typically get thrown away, so you’d be helping to upcycle and they can clean out their fabric libraries. Win, win!
Line up your two rectangles and pin together so that the reverse sides of the leather face each other. Using your needle, poke holes every few millimeters along the edges of the fabric.
Take the embroidery thread and stitch the two leather pieces together, dipping in and out of the holes you’ve already created. You can use a whip stitch or a running stitch, whichever you prefer. I chose a whip stitch for this one.
Using either leftover embroidery thread or a contrast thread of your choosing, make a small tassel. If you’re not sure how to make a tassel, this Youtube tutorial is super helpful, and it only take a few minutes!
Pick any of your needle holes and guide the loop of the tassel through. Loop the tassel around itself to secure, and you have a finished handmade bookmark that will help inspire you to read throughout the year!
