| How to Make Paper Bookmarks Posted: 07 Feb 2019 04:00 PM PST Bookmarks are handy for almost anyone, especially for avid readers and students. Decorate a simple bookmark using paper cutouts, markers, and ribbon, or make a more intricate design by weaving paper strips together. For something non-traditional, fold paper to make a corner bookmark. Keep your bookmark for yourself, or give it as a gift! EditDecorating a Rectangular Paper Bookmark - Cut a piece of cardstock into a rectangle. Measure your paper to find the desired dimensions and mark them with a pencil. Then, cut along the lines to create your bookmark.[1]
- Adjust the dimensions if you want the bookmark to be smaller or bigger.
- Draw a picture on the cardstock rectangle to add a design element. Use a pencil to create an outline of your picture and then color it in with markers, colored pencils, or crayons. You can draw anything you want on your bookmark![2]
- Try drawing an animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, or mouse.
- Draw a landscape, such as a view of the beach, the mountains, or the desert.
- Keep it simple with a couple of stick figures, shapes, or symbols.
- Glue on paper cutouts or pictures if you want a collage on the bookmark. Cut shapes out of construction paper or cardstock, cut pictures out of magazines, or use a few photos of your own to decorate your bookmark. Apply a bit of white glue onto the back of the cutout or picture and press it onto the bookmark wherever you want it to go.[3]
- Try cutting out hearts and stars for a simple way to decorate your bookmark.
- Cut pictures of people, animals, places, or things out of a magazine and paste these onto your bookmark.
- Choose a picture of your family, significant other, or child and glue it onto the bookmark.
- Add an inspirational quote to make your bookmark more meaningful. Use your bookmark as a reminder to help keep you in a positive mindset! Choose an inspirational quote or message and write it on your bookmark using colored pencils, crayons, or markers. Some options include:[4]
- "Each person must live their life as a model for others." -Rosa Parks
- "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." -Robin Williams
- "You are enough just as you are." -Megan Markle
- "You get what you give." -Jennifer Lopez
- Punch a hole in 1 end of the bookmark and tie ribbon through it to add flair. For an extra finishing touch on your bookmark, use a single hole punch to make a hole about from the end of the bookmark. Cut a piece of ribbon about long, insert it through the hole, and tie it in a bow.[5]
- If you have a specialty hole punch, you can cut out shapes, such as a heart or star, and string the ribbon through the hole.
EditCreating a Woven Paper Bookmark - Cut out 4 strips of paper. Measure and mark your paper with a ruler and pencil. Then, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out the strips. The paper should look like long, thin strips of ribbon.[6]
- Don't worry if the strips seem too long for a bookmark. You will be weaving them together so your finished bookmark will be about half as long as the individual strips are now.
- Glue the ends of 2 pieces so they form a right (90 degree) angle. Place 1 strip on a flat surface, then add a dot of white glue to the end of it. Lay the end of another strip over the end of this strip so that the 2 strips form a right (90 degree) angle.[7]
- Layer the other 2 pieces so that they are parallel with the first 2. Next, add another drop of glue on each strip about from where the first 2 strips cross. Then, lay the end of a strip over the dot of glue so that it is right next to the first strip. Repeat this for the other side.[8]
- Make sure you have 2 parallel strips on 1 side of the right angle and 2 on the other side.
- Fold and glue the outer strips over the inner strips 1 at a time. Take the glue and add a dot to the strip next to it. Then, fold the strip at a 45-degree angle so that it overlaps the strip next to it. Press it into the glue.[9]
- Repeat this on the opposite side.
- Repeat the process with the new outer strips. Continue to fold the outer strips over the inner strips to weave them together. Alternate sides as you go so that you switch to the other side after each time you fold a strip.[10]
- Trim the end when you finish. Keep folding and gluing the strips until you reach the end. Then, use your scissors to cut a straight line about from the bottom of the bookmark. This will give the bookmark a neat, uniform appearance.[11]
EditMaking a Corner Bookmark - Cut out a square of cardstock. Use a ruler and pencil to mark your paper with these dimensions. Then, cut the paper using the lines you have drawn as your guide.[12]
- Use the edge of the ruler to help you draw straight lines.
- Rotate the square so that it looks like a diamond. Place the square on a table, counter, or desk in front of you with the back of the paper facing up. Turn it 45 degrees to the right or left so that the square looks like a diamond.[13]
- If the paper has a print design on it or color on only 1 side, then make sure the non-print or back side of the paper is facing up.
- Fold the bottom half of the diamond up. Grasp the bottom of the diamond, the point that is nearest to you. Then, fold it away from you so that it is aligned with the opposite point (the one furthest from you).[14]
- The diamond will now look like a triangle.
- Bring the right and left corners up to the matched up points. Take the right side of the triangle and fold it up to the top of the triangle. Then, take the left side of the triangle and fold it up to the top of the triangle. Crease the folds by pressing on them with your fingers.[15]
- Unfold the corners and fold the top of the triangle down. Next, unfold the 2 points you just folded and return them to their original positions. Take the top layer of the triangle and fold it down so that it is even with the bottom of the triangle.[16]
- Fold the points back up and tuck them into the pocket. Next, return the 2 sides of the triangle to the top of the triangle. This is the position they were in before you unfolded them. Take the tips of the triangle and tuck them down into the pocket between the 2 layers.[17]
- Press along the edges of the pocket with your fingers to crease the folds in the tips and secure them.
- Your corner bookmark is finished. You can use it as is or decorate it however you like! Try drawing on your bookmark with marker or crayons, or paste on some paper cutouts to make a face on it.[18]
- Laminate your finished bookmark or cover it with a few strips of wide, clear packing tape to preserve it.
EditThings You'll Need EditDecorating a Rectangular Paper Bookmark - 1 piece of construction paper or cardstock
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Paper cutouts and pictures (optional)
- Glue stick or white glue (optional)
- Crayons and markers for decorating (optional)
- Hole punch (optional)
- Ribbon (optional)
EditCreating an Interwoven Paper Bookmark - 1 piece of construction paper or cardstock
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue stick or white glue
EditMaking a Corner Bookmark - 1 piece of construction paper or cardstock
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Crayons and markers for decorating (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Repair Cracked Leather Posted: 07 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST Cracks often happen when leather dries out or is exposed to sunlight. The fibers in the leather abrade one another. Although the damage is permanent, many cracks are easy to hide by rehydrating the leather with a good conditioner. Deeper cracks need to be filled in or treated with a dye to blend them into the leather's coloring. With proper treatment, you can revitalize a precious piece of leather. EditRehydrating Leather with a Conditioner - Wipe off the leather with a cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Using a store-bought leather cleaner is the easiest way to prepare the cracked surface for repairs. Spray the cleaner on the cloth, then wipe away any grime on the leather. Rub along the leather's grain to avoid deepening the cracks.[1]
- If you don't have a commercial cleaner, mix together 1 part mild soap with 8 parts distilled water. Use baby soap or a liquid dish or hand soap.
- Using a small amount of water is a safe way to rinse off soap. Dampen the microfiber cloth, wringing out the excess moisture, then wipe the leather along its grain.
- Wait for the leather to dry before treating it. Touch the leather to check its condition. Cracks form when leather dries out, so your item most likely will feel dry within 5 to 10 minutes. To speed up the drying process, wipe the leather with a microfiber cloth.
- Make sure the surface feels dry to the touch so the soap or cleaner doesn't get in the way of the conditioner.
- Dab a strong leather conditioner onto the cracks. Select a bottled conditioner designed to restore and rehydrate leather. Put a small dollop of the conditioner on your finger or a soft applicator like a sponge or cloth. Then, rub the conditioner directly into the cracks in order to clean out the fabric's pores and prepare them for deeper conditioning.
- Leather conditioner is available wherever leather items are sold, particularly online, at general stores, and at some clothing shops.
- The leather will absorb the cleaner right away. This happens with items that have dried out over time. Regular conditioning keeps leather soft and pliable.
- Smooth out the cracked areas with additional conditioner. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to the applicator pad. This time, scrub over the cracks and the areas around them. Continue scrubbing along the grain. The leather will become a more consistent color, hiding the cracks.
- If the leather hasn't been conditioned in a while, consider treating the entire item now. Conditioning it prevents new cracks from forming elsewhere.
- Let the leather rest for 2 hours until it feels dry to the touch. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended drying time. The leather needs plenty of time to absorb all of the conditioner. Wait until it feels dry to the touch before continuing to treat it.
- If you have the time, let the leather dry overnight. Waiting a little longer gives the conditioner plenty of time to rehydrate the leather.
- Condition the leather again if the cracks are still visible. Depending on the conditioner, you may need to treat the leather multiple times. Spread more conditioner on an applicator pad and scrub it across the cracks. Check the leather again the next morning after giving it plenty of time to dry.
- Continue treating the leather until the cracks are gone or the leather stops absorbing the conditioner. If it stops absorbing the conditioner but the cracks are still visible, you will need to try a filler or dye.
EditSealing Cracks with a Leather Filler - Wash grime off the leather with soap or a leather cleaner. Select a bottled specialty leather cleaner or a mild soap. Baby soaps and mild dish and hand soaps are safe on leather. Make sure the soap isn't designed for harsh surfaces or grease. Put the cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe up any dirt and debris still on the leather.[2]
- If you use soap, mix it into distilled water first. Then, lightly dampen a cloth with the soapy water.
- Wait overnight for the leather to dry completely. Any moisture on the leather will prevent the filler from settling into the cracks. To encourage the leather to dry faster, wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. Make sure the leather looks free of grime and feels dry to the touch before attempting to treat the scratches.[3]
- Cleaning up leftover soap with water is fine, but use a lightly dampened cloth. Too much water exposure damages leather other time.
- Store your item in open air away from direct sunlight. Exposure to harsh heat and sunlight damages and fades colored leather.
- Smooth the cracks with a piece of 600-grit super fine sandpaper. Apply gentle pressure while treating the cracks. Keep wearing them down until the leather feels uniformly smooth to the touch. Then, wipe it off with a dry microfiber cloth. Make sure the cloth removes all of the dust from the cracks so you can fill them in.[4]
- Using higher grit or ultra fine sandpaper is safe, but avoid harsher sandpapers. Lower-grit papers are coarser and more likely to leave noticeable scratches.
- Spread a leather filler over the cracks with a palette knife. Leather fillers are paste-like products that come in small tubs. Pick up some of the paste with the knife, then brush it onto the cracks to fill them with a thin layer of paste. Apply additional paste until all the cracks appear filled.[5]
- Palette knives are thin and fairly blunt, making them a great choice for spreading the paste. If you don't have one, use another blunt object like a credit card. Avoid sharp knives or other objects that will scratch the leather.
- Leather fillers are available online and at some general stores. They are often sold in kits that may include a sanding pad and an applicator knife.
- Remove excess paste with the edge of the knife. After spreading the filler, you will probably have a fair amount outside of the cracks. Tilt the palette knife sideways, then scrape its edge gently over the leather. It will pick up the remaining paste. Continue removing the paste until you can no longer see it outside of the cracked areas.[6]
- Place the excess filler in the cracks, back in the container, or wash the knife off in water as needed to remove it.
- Let the leather dry for 6 hours until the filler solidifies. Leave the filler exposed to open air so it dries faster. To protect your leather item, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat.[7]
- Heat sources like heaters and ovens run the risk of drying out the leather, causing it to crack further.
- Apply more coatings of filler as needed to even out the cracks. The filler shrinks as it dries, so you will need to apply a second layer. Spread more filler with a palette knife or a similar blunt object. Scrape up the excess, then wait for then new layer to dry. When the leather is repaired, the cracks will no longer be distinguishable.[8]
- Depending on how deep the cracks are, you may need to apply additional layers of filler. Some cracks require as many as 5 coatings. Repeat the treatment until the cracks are well-filled.
EditBlending Cracks with a Leather Dye - Treat cracks with leather filler to blend the coloring in better. If you don't use filler first, you apply the dye or paint directly to the leather. This is enough to repair most cracks, but they may still be easy to spot. Filler is colorless, so it does a better job of permanently hiding bad cracks.
- For particularly deep or ugly cracks, add filler first so they don't stand out as much.[9]
- Sand the leather with 600-grit sandpaper and wipe it clean. Smooth out the cracks to prepare them for the dye. Press the sandpaper or sanding pad down gently and rub along the leather's grain. Make sure the leather feels smooth to the touch. Wipe up the dust with a clean microfiber cloth.[10]
- Use the cloth to clear out any dust that falls into the cracks. Leftover dust prevents the leather from absorbing the coloring evenly.
- Spread a thin coat of leather dye over the cracks with a sponge. Leather dye comes in a variety of colors, so choose a bottle that matches your item. Then, pour a little bit of the dye on a sponge or applicator pad. Rub the cracks to spread the dye into them.[11]
- Leather dye is available online or at some craft and general stores. They are sometimes sold in kits that include sandpaper and applicator pads.
- Another way to color cracks is with spray paint and lacquer thinner. Get a matching color of spray paint safe for use on leather. Spray some of the paint on a cloth, then pour the lacquer on the cloth. Rub the cloth against the cracks to color them.[12]
- Dry the dye for 2 minutes with a hairdryer set to high. Plug in the hairdryer and point it directly at the dyed areas. Move the heater back and forth across the cracks to prevent the leather from drying out. After you're done, the layer of dye will be dry to the touch.[13]
- If you don't have a hairdryer, try an alternative heat source, such as a heat gun. Be careful, since heat guns can easily burn leather. Move the gun around to prevent any spots from overheating.
- Blend the cracks with multiple coats of dye as needed. Cracks generally require 2 to 5 treatments before they look repaired. Spread more of the dye over the leather. This time, dab some of the dye directly into the crack, then rub the area around the cracks to blend them together.[14]
- Dry the dye each time with a hairdryer. Keep applying dye until the cracks are indistinguishable from the rest of the leather.
- Treat the cracks with a leather sealer to protect the dye. Spray the sealer onto a clean sponge or applicator pad. Then, rub the cracked area, applying a second coating as needed to cover all of the dye. The sealer acts as a conditioner that also protects the cracked area from stains and further damage.[15]
- Purchase a bottle of leather sealer online or at your local general store.
- Heat the sealer with a hair dryer for 2 minutes to cure it. Activate the dryer one last time to finish the repair. Hold the heater close to the leather, pointing it directly at the treated area. Move the heater back and forth to prevent the leather from overheating. Once the leather feels dry to the touch, check it to make sure it looks as good as new.[16]
- To prevent leather from cracking, apply a leather conditioner about every 3 months. Leather cracks as it dries, so a good conditioner prevents most damage.
- Keep leather out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Heat causes leather to dry out, leading to cracks. If your leather items seem to crack often, it could be from heat exposure.
- Use a leather glue to seal rips and tears. Simply spread the glue, then press the torn piece down to lock it in place. You can then treat the tear with filler or dye to blend it in.
- If your leather item is valuable or heavily damaged, consider bringing it to a professional. Professionals are able to make extensive repairs or even reupholster items to preserve them.
- Leather is delicate, so any treatment may permanently damage it. If you are worried about damaging a valuable piece of leather, test the treatment in an inconspicuous location first.
EditThings You'll Need EditRehydrating Leather with a Conditioner - Leather
- Microfiber cloth
- Water
- Leather cleaner or soap
- Leather conditioner
- Applicator pad, sponge, or cloth
EditSealing Cracks with a Leather Filler - Leather
- Microfiber cloth
- Water
- Leather cleaner or soap
- Leather filler
- Palette knife
EditBlending Cracks with a Leather Dye - Leather filler for tough cracks
- Leather dye
- Sponges or applicator pads
- Hairdryer
- Leather sealer
EditSources and Citations
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