Chirped by Cass

My book club just had our annual meeting where we all bring a book to propose as a pick for the new year. After everyone presents their book choice and we decide what month it will be for. Then I put together a simple bookmark for the club members. It lists all the books, authors, meeting dates, and any activities we came up with to go along with the books’ themes. After 15 years of hosting, I’m getting quite a collection! Here’s a little “How-To” in case you’d like to surprise your own book club…

The List

First, I generate the list on the computer. I usually fit two lists on one sheet of paper. I typically print them on neutral-colored parchment paper.

Then I use decorative edged paper scissors to cut out the lists. I like the shaped blades because it doesn’t matter much if you don’t cut straight… lol.

Backgrounds

Next I either find scraps of scrap-booking paper or I buy a colorful new 8 x 8 paper pack. I use a paper cutter to trim the paper down to a good size to frame each list, so that it forms a contrasting border. I attach the lists to the colored paper with double-stick tape. Using a corner punch, I round the corners of the colored paper.

Embellishments

Now it’s time to find fun little stickers in my stash or at the craft store, which I adhere to the bookmarks. I add three to four stickers, depending on the size.

For a finishing touch, I take an ultra-fine-point Sharpie and put some kind of small ticking mark around the outside of the parchment bookmark. This gives it a little definition and pop.

Laminating

Next is a trip to the local copy store, where I usually have the bookmarks laminated as a large sheet. Back at home, I just take scissors and separate them. I leave about 1/8″ of the lamination around the edge of the paper. Last step, using the corner punch, I trim off the corners of the lamination.

Here is the finished product! Members of the club love the bookmarks – not only to hold their place in the current selection, but for quick reference regarding upcoming books and meeting dates. They also make nice mementos of past years’ reading lists.

Related Chirps

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• Book Club in a Basket, Revisited…
• September’s Cheep Trills
• Summertime’s Cheep Trills
• March’s Cheep Trills
• October’s Cheep Trills

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