Seasonal Bookmarks

A "Raising Spiritual Children" Project

These bookmarks are great to make all year round, just change the natural elements to reflect the seasons. You can even have the children write a seasonal poem, prayer, or phrase on each side before decorating. These bookmarks are great to give as gifts especially along with a good book!

Supplies Needed:
Neutral-colored card stock, construction paper, clear contact, marking pens or crayons, glue, regular or decorative-edged scissors, holepunch (optional), 1/4"-wide ribbon (optional), and flat seasonal objects from nature: flower petals, small leaves, etc.

Preparation:
Cut bookmark sized rectangles (blanks) from the cardstock, cut a length of ribbon 2 times longer than the length of the bookmark. For each bookmark, cut 2 pieces of clear contact paper 1/2" longer and 1/2" wider than the cardstock rectange--DO NOT separate backing paper at this point.

Construction:
Have the children decorate the bookmark blanks (on both sides) with crayons and/or markers. On the first side have them arrange natural elements on the blank and then add bits of colored construction paper if desired. You can leave these decorations loose, or you can use a very little bit of glue to help hold them in place before the contact paper is applied.

Next, help the children carefully peel the paper backing off of one on the pieces of contact paper and then place it sticky side down on top of the decorated blank, making sure that the contact paper overlaps the edges 1/4" on all sides.

You can decorate the other side one of two ways, you can write a special poem, quote or prayer on the second side, along with the child's name and the date or you can arrange more natural elements and bits of construction paper on the second side.

After decorating the second side, repeat the process of laying down the contact paper. Rub both sides to make sure the contact paper has fully adhered to the blank and so that the natrual elements do not move around. Then trim around the edge to about 1/8" away from the edges--there should be a little contact paper stuck to itself around the edge to "seal" in the elements.

Punch a hole about 1/2" from the top or bottom of the bookmark and tie on the length of ribbon.

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