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.
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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