- 4" x 20" of fabric (I chose a canvas for its sturdiness)
- 12" on ribbon
- a piece of chalk or another erasable writing utensil
- a few different color threads
FIRST: fold your 4"x20" piece of fabric in half, so it is now 4"x10". Have the artist (you, your child, whoever..) create the design on one or both side of the folded fabric in chalk. Instruct the artist to keep at least 1/2" away from edges, and to make the drawings simple-- no need to color in.
NEXT: Stitch over the design with either your sewing machine, or by hand. I used an embroidery stitch and three different colors.
NEXT: Make a hem at each short end of the fabric strip by folding 1/2" towards the wrong side. Now fold the fabric so that the right sides are touching. Sew a running stitch down each of the long sides leaving about 1/2" seam allowance.
NOW: Turn the bookmark right side out. Cut the ribbon into three 4" pieces. Fold them in half and slip the loose ends into the open top of the bookmark. Pin in place. Topstitch around the edge of the bookmark, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.
There are so many possibilities for the design; I'd love to hear your ideas! Now go grab a book!