An easy-peasy gift to give

How many times are we suddenly invited to join a friend during the holiday season and feel that we should have a little giftie for them? I love making these bookmarks and they're perfect for a friend or co-worker who loves to read!

Here's what you need:

ready-made shipping tags (these are usually pre-punched and come in packs at any craft or office supply store) or heavy cardstock paper

scrapbooking papers

stamps

inkpads (a vintage dark brown is good for "aging" the edges)

variety of ribbons and fancy yarns

heavy-duty glue stick

hole punch (if you use cardstock rather than shipping tags)

Process:

Embellish the fancy paper with stamps and any other embellishments you want to apply; then ink the edges if you want a "vintage-y" look;

Trim to fit the shipping tag or cardstock paper; apply glue stick to the back of the stamped piece and secure to the base tag / cardstock;

Gather up several strands of fancy yarns and ribbons and slip through the hole, securing in the back with a lark knot -- or just a plain knot; trim to the length you want.

Just to be sure, I usually weigh down the bookmark with something heavy for a few hours to ensure that the glue is set.

Depending on the occasion, I sometimes write a note on the back of the bookmark.

And that's it! Bookmarks are the little gifts that keep on giving . . . ;-)

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