In this craft project, you'll cut out a simple leather bookmark in one of eleven designs, including several that are very easy to cut. The shapes include an eagle and a rocket and all measure about 1" by 6" (3 x 15 cm). Bookmarks always make great gifts, and leather ones last virtually forever. If you are new to leather crafting, start with this project!
For an easier craft, the bookmarks may be printed directly on cardstock and colored with markers. Or, make felt bookmarks following the same instructions.
Related crafts: For more bookmarks to make and give as gifts, see Cardstock Animal Bookmarks, Artwork Bookmarks, Bookmark Greeting Cards, Handwoven Bookmarks, and Punched Bookmarks.
Download and print the Leather Bookmark pattern or Simple Bookmarks pattern. There are five shaped bookmark designs on the Leather Bookmark pattern sheet, and six simple shapes on the Simple Bookmarks pattern. For a reusable templates, print the pattern on cardstock. Bonus pattern: Or use the Fringed Bookmarks pattern to make a simple fringed bookmark—see the Tips section for instructions.
Patterns are Adobe PDF files. The Adobe Reader is available for free.
All of Aunt Annie's project patterns are designed to be printed on standard letter-size paper (8.5"x11" or A4). When printing from Adobe Reader, you may need to select Auto-Rotate and Center or Choose paper source by PDF page size to ensure the best fit.
Cut out the bookmark design of your choice.
Tip: Try to cut neatly for a good pattern.
Place the pattern on the leather and hold it in place with one hand. Trace around the pattern with a ballpoint pen.
Tip: If you're using dark blue or black leather, try a red pen.
Use heavy scissors or leather snips to cut out the bookmark. Cut inside the ink lines so that no ink is left on the bookmark.
Tip: To cut inward points, cut first from one side in, then from the other side in.
Tip: The eagle bookmark is the most difficult to cut. Skip cutting the beak if you like.
If you like, add details to bookmarks with permanent markers.
Tip: It is important to use permanent markers in order to avoid bleeding of the ink onto book pages.
That's it. Your bookmark is done!
Tip: Choose from five bookmark designs on the Leather Bookmark pattern. Make the bookmarks in leather colors of your choice.
Fringed Bookmarks
Tip: Make a simple fringed bookmark from suede. Cut a strip of suede 6" to 8" long, and then cut a fringe on both ends that is 1" to 1½" deep. You can use a template on the Fringed Bookmarks pattern as a guide, if you like.
Tip: Leather is much easier to cut with heavy-duty scissors.
Tip: For a quick and easy craft, make cardstock bookmarks. Just print the colored pattern on cardstock and cut out. You might also decorate them with colored markers.
