Have you ever spent hours looking for a gift for a friend and couldn’t decide on anything? Worry no more, for we are here to help you out. If your friend is a fellow bookworm, then we have the perfect gift: a hand-crafted beaded bookmark.
A beaded bookmark is one of the simplest crafts you can make to give away with a book. Not only is it a great gift for bookworms, but it also makes for a fun activity for elders to participate in. The process of making beaded bookmarks has proven to have therapeutic effects on elders, making them feel relaxed and happy. Moreover, it is extremely easy to make these bookmarks: almost every senior can make it without any extra assistance.
All the items needed for this craft can be found in a craft store at low prices. However, if a craft store is not accessible, you can buy them online as well. Below we have listed the items you will need to make a beaded bookmark along with our top recommendations for each item:
About 8 large-sized beads (you can also use different sized ones)
Our Top Product Recommendation:
TOAOB’s 50pcs Assorted Glass European Lampwork Beads
You can use the over-the-counter, large beads. However, if you want to enhance the appeal of your bookmark, decorative beads by TOAOB are the best available option in the market! They are made of high-quality glass and a silver-coated brass core. The beads feature European glass lampwork in five different colors: red, pink, purple, blue, and green. Their size varies from 0.4-0.6 inches, and the diameter of the holes also varies from 0.16-0.19 inches. Fifty pieces of European glass beads are assorted randomly in each package and are adorned with different designs. Although they are more expensive than usual beads, the final look of the bookmark achieved by the craft beads from TOAOB is worth the money!
12 inch or a longer cord (a leather cord, a shoestring, or even a metallic-looking cord works)
Our Top Product Recommendation:
Fun-Weevz’s 10 Meters of 2mm Genuine Leather Cord
This cord by Fun-Weevz is made of genuine leather; the high durability will keep your bookmark firm and allow it to withstand wear and tear. The consistent thickness throughout the length of the cord gives it extra strength and resilience, preventing it from straining under the weight of the beads.
Adhesive craft glue or glue gun
Our Top Product Recommendation:
Dual Temp Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit by Gorilla
The hot glue gun by Gorilla features dual temperature mode, easy squeeze trigger, built-in stand, and enhanced safety measures to protect you or your loved ones from harm’s way. One packet of mini hot glue gun kit also offers seventy-five glue gun sticks with a working time of just forty-five seconds. They are weather-resistant and can be used in both indoor and outdoor activities. Furthermore, the small weight of the glue gun kit by Gorilla makes it more portable and easier to maintain than other similar products available in the market.
Small tassels
Our Top Product Recommendation:
CREATRILL’s 100 Pcs 13cm/5 Inch Silky Handmade Soft Craft Mini Tassels with Loops
This package by CREATRILL offers a hundred pieces of soft handmade tassels in twenty different colors: five pieces of each color. These fine silky tassels are made of top-quality terylene, which gives them durability. They are five inches long overall, and the diameter of the loop is about 0.3 inches: the tassel is 3 inches long, while the loop is 2 inches long. The eye-popping colors of the tassel are the perfect embellishment for your bookmark, adding vibrancy.
Sharp marker to draw with (make sure the marker you use is waterproof).
Our Top Product Recommendation:
Set of Thirty Permanent Colored Markers by Shuttle Art
The permanent marker set by Shuttle Art features thirty versatile rich, and vivid colors. Due to the high-quality quick-drying ink used in these markers, they are waterproof, smear-proof, and even fade-resistant. The fine tip of these markers makes them an ideal choice for showing off your creative side by drawing, writing, and coloring. Moreover, they are free of any acid or other toxic chemicals, making them suitable for use by children and the elderly alike.
How to Make a Beaded Bookmark?
Once you have acquired all the items, the next step is to make the beaded bookmark. Start with tying a knot on one end of the cord and then add the beads along the length of the leather cord. Use glass beads of different colors and sizes. It’s fun to let them slide around; however, if you want the bead to stay put in place, tie a knot after adding each bead to keep it from sliding. Keep enough cord coming out of the top of the head so you can loop it back into the bead hole.
You can use the colored markers to make different designs on paper or even write a short quote and then stick it on the bookmark with the glue gun or some other adhesive gun. You can also try making smiley faces or drawing your favorite anime or cartoon characters. Once you have added enough beads, tie a knot at the other end of the cord with the tassel of your choice. Voila, you have created a hand-made beaded bookworm!
The Takeaway
Crafting beaded bookmarks is not only hassle-free but also has therapeutic qualities for the elderly. It is a fun and easy way to let your creative juices flow without having to spend a vast fortune. Try making a beaded bookmark today and gift it to a dear friend or family member! If you are an elderly or someone caring for an elderly looking for more creative ideas to spend your time productively, read our article on Fabulous Craft Angels for Seniors and Elderly.