Create a charm-ing bookmark using ribbon and charms from old jewelry

Paper bookmarks, business cards or other scraps of paper are no way to mark a spot in your current book. Instead, repurpose old jewelry and make a bookmark that’s as beautiful as the story you’re reading. A charm sewn to each end of a ribbon adds sparkle to the top and bottom of a book, and one side can fold over to rest on the cover. Best of all, many of the materials needed to make it may already be lying around the house.

This project combines fruit charms from an old necklace with a light blue gingham ribbon for a quintessentially sweet style. However, any small pendants and colored ribbon will do. Consider pairing velvet ribbon with rhinestones arranged in an art deco design. Small flowers, animals or your initials would also be a darling way to add a personalized touch.

Materials
- Ribbon, 1/4 inch wide
- Strawberry charm
- Cherry charm
- Needle
- White thread
- High-temperature hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks

Instructions
1. Cut a piece of ribbon a few inches longer than the book of your choice.

2. Fold over one end of the ribbon. Sew the cherry charm to the end of the ribbon. Be sure to sew through both layers.

3. Use a bit of hot glue to secure the edge of the ribbon. Allow it to dry.

4. Repeat step 2 for the other end of the ribbon using the strawberry charm, but face the charm in the opposite direction from the cherry charm. This will allow you to fold over the top end of the bookmark and lay a charm face up on the cover.

5. Repeat step 3 to secure the ribbon next to the strawberry charm. Allow it to dry.