Books are timeless.I don’t think Kindle or any other reading device can replace the beauty of reading a book.And if you have a DIY bookmark to go along with it,it’s perfect!Learn how to create three unique bookmarks to gift or keep for yourself.
I love reading! I do miss having the time to relax,read and get lost in the story. My never ending love for reading started with Enid Blyton books my mom owned. I would get lost in the world of Famous Five and Secret Seven. I would patiently wait for an adventure to come by and imagined being in one whenever I could.
These DIY bookmarks are in memory of the countless times I’ve enjoyed a good book. Although I’ve used watercolors in today’s tutorial,gouache has also made a guest appearance. I do want to warn you that this post is quite lengthy but in no way boring!
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Materials you need for creating a DIY bookmark:-
- Watercolor paper and Black cardstock
- Silver black velvet script no.1 brush and Simply Simmons no.10 filbert brush
- ShinHan professional watercolors and Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolors
- Talens Copper gouache
- Single round hole punch
- Ribbon
The dimensions of the bookmarks I made are 2″by 6″.
The floral  DIY bookmark
Step 1:This pretty DIY bookmark is for the floral watercolor enthusiast. The fact that I’ve only used one single color makes it a quick process.I’ve been wanting to try “ShinHan professional watercolors” for a while.And boy! They did not disappoint.The color “Lilac” is a rich,gorgeous hue.I took only a tiny bit and I had leftover paint even after I finished.The script brush I used made it easier for me to work in this style.
Step 2:Â I tried to create a loose and careless impression in this painting on purpose.There is something truly beautiful in getting rough but confident strokes. Start by painting a medium sized poppy very roughly.Paint lines emerging from the center of the flower.Finish it off by painting the pistil of the flower.
Step 2:Next,paint leaves and small berries.I’ve kept some of the leaves in outlines and some filled.Continue painting the poppies.I also added two smaller generic flowers will paint filled in loosely.
Step3:Here comes a big one!To create impact, paint a large poppy flower in a way that only part of it is seen.As explained above,complete the flower.Next fill the blank areas with leaves and berries.
Step 4:Next,Punch a hole on the top part using a single round punch hole.Slip in a piece of ribbon and tie.You can use baker’s twine,cotton twine or even yarn instead.And done!
The foliage DIY bookmark
Step 1:If you’re someone who likes a pop of color now and then,this is your kind of bookmark.I used a filbert brush to lay down a thin graded wash.This is the color “permanent rose” in the Winsor and Newton Cotman series.You can use any large brush you have with you.I sort of made a huge mess of my table while doing this.A word of caution,put a scrap paper below!Allow it to dry.
Step 2:Start by painting leaves in white acrylic ink from the top.You’ll notice that I added a bit of shimmery copper gouache in between.Since the color didn’t pop as I expected it to,I decided to paint more with white.
Step 3:The bottom half is a lighter color.I painted a few copper leaves and it looked perfect there.So,add more white at the top half and more copper at the bottom.Continue adding leaves.In this DIY bookmark also I did not stress on getting the leaves perfect.Once you’re happy with the composition,punch a hole and tie a ribbon on top.
The metallic feather DIY bookmark
Step 1:Let’s face it, black and metallics are a match made in heaven!This is the easiest of the three bookmarks.There is just one element that is repeated continuously throughout.I used a black cardstock for this DIY bookmark.Paint a dainty feather in copper gouache.You can use gold,copper or any metallic color you’re fond of.
Step 2:Repeat the feathers.Paint as though they’ve been tossed up in the air.And that’s it.The easiest DIY bookmark you can do.
What do you think?
Which one is your favorite among the three bookmarks?I would have to choose the floral one! You may have figured out by now that they’re my absolute favorite things to paint.Also,don’t forget to hashtag with #makeinkstruck on Instagram.I would love to have a peek.
Cheers!And Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers 🙂
These are so pretty! And would make a wonderful gift for someone convalescing. Thank you!
Thanks so much Jane! That is such a wonderful thought. I think the fact that it’s handmade would make it all the more special. Thanks for stopping by! x
Beautiful. Love using watercolors.
Thanks kindly Chel!They’re an amazing medium.I would love to see your version if you decide to give this a go.Have a lovely day!x
I love these! The floral is definitely my favorite too. I love the way the copper looks. I may have to try it sometime!
How lovely! Thanks so much for your kind words. The copper looks gorgeous when light falls on it. I would love for you to try it out and please do share it with me if you do 🙂 Have a lovely day! x
Those turned out so beautiful!
Thanks kindly Pamela! x
Omgoodness these are so beautiful!! I opneed this on my iphone earlier and I swore they were real pictures.For the most part, I think regardless of what medium I’m working in, even though the subject might change, I think my perception of it is always pretty similar. I don’t know if it is just how I view things, or the way my brain focuses, but there is usually something familiar throughout my work, even dating back to high school. There are a few people who I’ve had several art classes with who can pick out my work be it photography, painting, collage, etc. I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing though to be so stylized? I don’t know how to change it though. It’s like my own artistic language I guess.
Having your own style is an amazing thing. I always say do art that you’re comfortable with. It comes naturally. You can always take up a challenge but developing that style would be really neat. Good luck !