I'm always playing around and thinking of new uses for my old jewelry. Here's an easy little project that uses nothing more than velvet ribbons, vintage jewelry bits and some findings. I love the easy ones....instant gratification!
It occurred to me that I needed some pretty bookmarks one evening when I reached for a used dryer sheet in the nearby laundry basket to stick between the pages of my book. How sad is that? Usually I stick an old receipt or some other ugly scrap of paper in my books when I need a bookmark. No more!
In a matter of minutes (if that) you can make these pretty bejeweled bookmarks. The ribbon clamps can be purchased here, and are available in several different widths.
Simply cut the ribbon to the desired length and squeeze a clamp onto each end using jewelry pliers. Then attach a jump ring and your chosen bauble to the loop on each clamp. That's it.
I also made some clips while I was at it. I had gotten the clips a few years ago at a scrapbook store, but I'm sure they're still available. Just a dab of hot glue {I should have a holster for my glue gun since I use it so much} or E6000 and you've got a pretty little clip.
Just thought I'd share with you, in case your books have dryer sheets stuck in them too. :)
you should sell these bc i don't have pretty bobbles to add to mine plus there's the minor detail that i'm too lazy to make my own lol
Posted by: Pam Holley | January 14, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Andrea,
Thanks so much for sharing! What a beautiful way to mark a page. I need to make some of those!
Enjoy your week,
Debi
Posted by: debi @ life in my studio | January 14, 2009 at 01:23 PM
So cute. And thanks for the link for the clamps. I swear I have found more stuff because of you! Like the foil wrap, love it:)
Posted by: Andrea Villarreal | January 14, 2009 at 01:24 PM
I love them. They are so adorable. Truly Andrea they would be a wonderful addition to your store! :) Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Becky Caldwell | January 14, 2009 at 01:26 PM
As usual, completely brilliant and beautiful!
Posted by: Holly Abston | January 14, 2009 at 01:26 PM
I'm jumping up & down screaming for joy :) These are adorable! Thank you again for inspiring me
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa | January 14, 2009 at 01:26 PM
You should have those available in your store! They are fabulous, and I know mine would not turn out like yours and that would always bother me. Designing is definately your calling. I love the vision of you with a glue gun holster. That's a good one!
Posted by: Jeni Carlson | January 14, 2009 at 01:33 PM
How gorgeous and feminine. I love 'em!
Posted by: Michelle | January 14, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Stunning. And so simple too! If you ever find a holster for a glue gun let me know too!
Posted by: gabrielle | January 14, 2009 at 01:43 PM
These are fantastic! The would make perfect party favors! Especially for a shower! So sweet! Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Heather - Speckled Egg | January 14, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Those are beautiful Andrea!
Posted by: MonicaA | January 14, 2009 at 01:56 PM
These are so pretty. I'm heading up to rummage through my jewelry box right now.
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy | January 14, 2009 at 02:07 PM
So pretty! I use random receipts and things too in my books :)
Posted by: The American Homemaker | January 14, 2009 at 02:13 PM
andrea
I love your blog - your photography skills rock.
you bookmarks turned out so much better then mine. I made some similar to these last year but didn't use the pretty velvet ribbon and for my paper clips I used some soldered stones - I love that we all have our own variation to an idea.
Thanks for sharing
Posted by: tina | January 14, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Thank you for sharing such a sweet idea! I went ahead and bought some clamps on ebay :)
Posted by: Berlin | January 14, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Very sweet, I think I'll try it. I do already have all of the supplies. It will make such a great gift for the ladies at book club.
thanks again
Cari B
Posted by: luckygirlgifts | January 14, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Those came out lovely.
Posted by: Drama queen's mum | January 14, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Beautiful idea! And beautiful "baubles"!!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Posted by: robin | January 14, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Thanks for sharing this fun, easy, and useful projects! Super love it, and your generous spirit! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Dede Warren | January 14, 2009 at 03:50 PM
What fabulous ideas - I just love your beautiful photos!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | January 14, 2009 at 04:01 PM
LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND PRACTICAL. ALOT BETTER THAN A DRYER SHEET.
Posted by: SONIA | January 14, 2009 at 04:16 PM
I love these! I think I even have all the supplies so I can make a few right now. I love an instant gratification-type craft! LOL
What a great little gift these would make. Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Heidi German | January 14, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Do you even know what a bookmark JUNKIE I am? I am in love with these... I may have to bribe you into making me one! OhhhH! Wouldn't these make cute wedding favors - if you got some sort of love charm or custom custom charm for one end ... hmmmmm
And as for fabric softners... I read somewhere once that they keep spiders and bugs away... and as we know I am more scared of bugs, spiders (and crickets) than the above average scardey cat... so I have fabric softners in all sorts of places! And if this is not true, about keeping bugs and spiders away - NO ONE SAY ANYTHING. Let me go on living in my safe little fabric softener lined bubble.
Posted by: hope | January 14, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Wow. that comment I just left really makes me sound crazy.
Posted by: hope | January 14, 2009 at 04:58 PM
I love them!!! What a great idea, thanks so much for showing us!
Hugs~Kelly
Posted by: Kelly Long | January 14, 2009 at 05:15 PM