HANDMADE MAGNETIC BOOKMARKS

I consider myself a crafty person. I like to make things, when I have time. I own a greeting card program and a scrapbook program. I collect used Christmas cards to cut up and make things with. You’re as likely to get a handmade or computer-crafted greeting card from me as you are a store-bought card.  I’ve also been known to use my scrapbook program to create wrapping paper and gift bags (which my husband hates because of the amount of ink it uses), and I frequently  presented friends and family with handmade gifts. So, when I began thinking about marketing swag for my books, naturally I turned to my crafty side. Not everything I’ve dreamed up has been a success, but the process has been fun regardless.

Recently while cleaning out a drawer, I came across a cardboard magnetic bookmark I picked up as a travel souvenir. The bookmark was made out of heavy, glossy cardstock. I began to wonder if I could remake a similar item as swag. After a bit of research told me purchased bookmarks were way out of my financial range, I pulled out the trusty card program on my computer and  found a template for over-sized address labels (ten to a sheet).

Using the program, I created this magnetic bookmark from photo paper.

Not everyone has greeting card programs, so I began to wonder what other handy dandy office supply I could use to make magnetic bookmarks. The humble business card came to mind. I’ve seen, and used business cards to make bookmarks. Tie a pretty ribbon or a few beads on the end of the card and you’ve got a quick book mark with all your book info to hand out at book signings. I’ve seen this done so often, in fact, that I started to want something different. Hence, my fiddling around with the magnetic bookmark.

Anyway, after a few tries I came up with a fairly easy method to make magnetic bookmarks using business card stock. Below is what the sheet of business cards looks like, shown as it would come out of your printer in portrait position.

If you already have a business card set up on your computer changing it into a bookmark will be fairly simple. If not, you will have to start from scratch, and that might require some time to get all the parameters right. The hardest part of this project is getting the picture and words centered properly, so when you fold the card the crease is at the top of the book cover frame, which should be at the center of the business card.

I used a jpg of my book cover, and inserted it onto an Avery business card template. Using the Microsoft picture tool option, I rotated the cover on the business card so when the cards were punched out the bottom of the book is on the edge of the card. Using the Picture Tool options, I added a frame and selected various border/frame colors.

Opposite the book cover I typed in my written info (I used book, title, my award info, name and website.) Then using the Text Box Tool Options that appeared when I clicked on the text, I was able to rotate the text inside the box. After rotating the text, I changed the print font sizes to fit my design and the card. It’s important to be sure your text fits within the edges of the picture frame because once you’ve punched the card from the page, you will want to trim them down for a more pleasing look.

When you’ve completed printing and  trimming the bookmark, cut 2  small pieces of adhesive-backed magnets for each bookmark and adhere them to the inside of the bookmark, making sure they line up so they will connect to one another. There will be enough space on the inside of the bookmark for an utograph for your reader fans. I keep a few of these in my purse to hand out. They’re cuter than a business card, and more useful, in my opinion.

If you don't have any need for book swag, these magnetic bookmarks also make great gifts. Just add your own picture of the kids, grandkids, family pets, or other scenes. A few of these would be fun stocking stuffers, or little gifts to put inside birthday cards, or Christmas cards.

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About the Author:

When she's not playing with paper crafting things, working in her garden or quilting,  Catherine writes inspirational and sweet romance. Her novel The Nun and the Narc has won two awards and placed in several other contests.