Chances are parents have started someback-to-schoolshopping. Have you noticed, though, that bookmarks are often not among the supplies found at the store? So here’s an easy project: fun, pencil-themed bookmarks. They’ll come in handy, and it also gives the kids a chance to prepare for the new school year. For a colorful variation, younger children may want to create crayon bookmarks instead of pencil ones.
Materials:
(These supplies are sold at craft stores, some department stores and online.)
Jumbo craft sticks
Acrylic craft paint: yellow, pink, peach, silver and black
Paintbrush
Scissors
Emery board or sandpaper, optional
Fine-point black permanent marker
Acrylic sealer
Directions:
Note: Each craft stick will need to be painted on both sides. Allow one side to dry before painting the other side.
1. Paint each craft stick with yellow paint; let dry.
2. Paint about an inch or so of one end with pink paint for the eraser; let dry.
3. Leaving about 3/4-inch of the pink paint visible, paint a stripe of silver over the bottom of the pink; let dry.
4. Paint about 1 inch of the other end of the craft stick with peach paint; let dry.
5. Use scissors to cut the end into a point, making sure there are no splinters. Sandpaper or an emery board can smooth out edges. (Skip this step if you are concerned about a pointy tip for younger kids, or just round off the tip with scissors.)
6. Paint the end of the tip black for the pencil lead; let dry.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 4 and step 6 for the other side.
8. Label the bookmark with the marker. Some suggestions include the class subject (science, math, etc.), the child’s name or her school’s name. For a more generic approach, write “No. 2” and give them as back-to-school gifts!
9. Apply a coat of acrylic sealer to both sides of the bookmark.
Amanda Formaro is a professional crafter; find more projects at her website, craftsbyamanda.com.
