HOW TO TURN SCRAP FABRIC AND LEFTOVER TRANSFERS INTO THESE ADORABLE DIY BOOKMARKS | YOUTUBE VIDEO COMING THIS SATURDAY!
Hi creative friends and thanks for joining me today! If you were here last week you heard I broke my foot and it’s been a bit of a challenge keeping up my regular routine. A HUGE thank you for all the well wishes I’ve received on social, email, and of course here on the #siblog… super sweet of you! I’ve had more downtime and it’s given me more time to read, which I love! Good old fashion books with actual pages to turn are my absolute favorite. So for today’s Trash To Treasure Project, I decided to create these ADORABLE DIY Bookmarks using scrap fabric and leftover transfers. I also have a really FUN *G*I*V*E*A*W*A*Y for you! Be sure to read until the end of this post for my talented T2T crews makeovers and 3 Chances to WIN AMAZON $$$GIFT$$$ for you as well!
Let’s get started!
Here are the scrap supplies I started with. A plain piece of fabric and a few leftover floral and botanical transfer pieces.
Before I get into the how-to details here’s the NEW look!
What do you think? Aren’t these DIY Bookmarks adorable?!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED | SUPPLY LIST
Scrap Fabric – SALVAGED
Botanical Transfers
(or any scrap transfer design)
Sharp Scissors
Iron or Steamer
DIY BOOKMARK
I wasn’t sure I was going to get a project out for this week’s Trash To Treasure with all my hobbling around and appointments. But with the help of my sister Andrea (*insert* We Are Family music by Sister Sledge!) hehe, we had such a good time making these sweet bookmarks. These would make great little gifts or stocking stuffers and are easy enough to do with your little ones or grandkids!
Here’s how it all came together…
GATHER SUPPLIES
I used a leftover piece of canvas-like fabric and a few pieces of leftover transfer. There were a few stains on this remnant fabric but it was easy enough to work around. Any heavier-weight fabric would work great for these DIY bookmarks. You could even use an old denim shirt, cotton tea towel, or an old cushion cover! It’s fun to think outside the box with whatever you can upcycle around your home.
IRON FABRIC
My fabric had been sitting in storage for some time so it was creased and wrinkled. This step is totally optional but Andrea ironed the fabric flat before starting our bookmark project.
TIP – Thrift stores sell older irons (that still work perfectly) for two or three dollars. Keep one in your studio or craft room specifically for these crafty types of projects!
RIP FABRIC TO SIZE
To rip the fabric, we used a pair of scissors to create a small 3/4 inch cut and then pulled both sides of the material to rip on the straight grain. This allows the fabric to rip organically and create a frayed straight edge. We weren’t too picky about the size of the bookmarks. Some are a little longer, some shorter, and some are a little wider. They don’t need to be perfect or all uniform unless you want them to be.
RUB ON TRANSFER
Using leftover scraps of this Vintage Floral Transfer, we cut out the individual florals and botanicals.
We then used this Rub On Transfer Method to rub the design onto the fabric bookmark. The transfers rub onto fabric super easy. All we did was remove the transfer from its backing, and placed the design on the bookmark where it looked visually pleasing. Then using the applicator stick, rubbed on a hard surface until the transfer design was released from the mylar onto the fabric.
Doesn’t it look like part of the fabric design? You’d never know it was a transfer, right?!
FRAYED BOOKMARK EDGES
To give an organic look on all sides of the bookmark, we pulled the cross threads to create these cute frayed edges.
Here’s the finished look…
Aren’t they adorable?
I really LIKE the black and white transfer designs but I LOVE the botanicals!
These would make such a thoughtful gift for anyone in your life who loves a good read… and they are so easy to do!
NOW FOR A FUN **GIVEAWAY!**
To thank you for all the well wishes, let’s have a fun giveaway!
THREE AMAZON $$GIFT$$ CARDS to 3 lucky winners!
I’m also throwing in a copy of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. A book that I’m RE-READING… yes it’s that good!
If you’re a creator/artist, OR finding resistance in anything you’d like to pursue in your life, this is an AMAZING READ!
$100 AMAZON GIFT CARD
$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD
$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD
It’s EASY to enter. Just click on the ENTRY WIDGET below and then come back daily to complete more chances to win.
I’m so excited. Good luck everyone! I’ll announce the lucky winners here on the #siblog next Tuesday, Sept 20/2022. Winners have 48 hours to claim the giveaway before another winner is selected… so be sure to drop in next week if you’ve entered! 🙂
AND NOW FOR SOME TRASH TO TREASURE FUN!
You’re going to LOVE what my creative team of Trash To Treasure ladies do! Below are their BEFORE photos. Visit the links below to see the amazing AFTERS and learn how they did it! I’m heading over to take a peek as well! x
1. SALVAGED INSPIRATIONS (HAPPY YOU’RE HERE!)
2. ARTSY CHICKS RULE
3. GIRL IN THE GARAGE
4. PRODIGAL PIECES
5. CONFESSIONS OF A SERIAL DIY’ER
Here’s another look at these DIY Bookmarks before and after. I hope it’s inspired you and given you some new ideas for your projects!
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS DIY BOOKMARK PROJECT OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU. IT MAKES MY DAY! 🙂
Happy creating friends!
Denise x
susan says
These are sooo cute! Lots of possibilities! Great for the book club! Hoping your foot heals swiftly π
Denise says
Yessss, and thanks so much, Susan!
Tess says
Can’t wait to make these! They’re so simple yet quite beautiful. What a nice gift they’d make.
Denise says
Hi Tess! I think they’d make a cute little gift as well!
Lisa C says
I like to give books for Christmas presents and these bookmarks would be a fun addition! Thanks for the idea!
Denise says
They really would add that heartfelt ‘extra’ for sure! Thanks Lisa!
HonorΓ© says
Hello Denise, Iβm sending good thoughts and positive vibes in your direction for a full and speedy recovery. Love the scrap fabric bookmarks. Think Iβll adapt it just a bit and use up some of my scraps to make some holiday gift tags for the upcoming season. Thank you for the inspiration.
Denise says
Holiday gift tags – brilliant!!! And thanks for the well wishes, much appreciated! XOXO
Angie Eisenbeis says
Gift tags would be a super cute idea too! Especially with the holidays coming up!
Lori Sawyer says
The bookmarks are so pretty! Hope you heal fast but enjoy the downtime while you can.
Denise says
Thanks Lori, appreciate this!π
Susan says
I’m making these for Christmas. Thanks!
Denise says
Yay! Have fun Susan!
Bonnie W Binson says
I LOVE bookmarks and these are the cutest !
Denise says
Aw thanks Bonnie! I love them too! When I traveled more, I used to pick up a bookmark from every country and city I visited. I still have them. It’s fun to look back on them all!
mary says
What a great gift for many occasions. I love the size, the vibrancy of the transfer and the workspace it requires to make the project. It would be great with any gift basket addition in the future.
Denise says
Thanks Mary and love the idea of including them in a gift basket!
christina hicks says
So glad your able to hop around! Speedy recovery. Love the bookmarks——
Denise says
Thanks Christina!
Sherri says
This project is inspiring AND practical ~a perfect combination. I admire your creativity and resourcefulness!
Denise says
thanks Sherri! XOXO
Terri says
I hope your foot heals quickly! And thank you for the idea to use transfers on fabric. So cute.
Denise says
Thanks Terri!
Niki says
So pretty Denise! These would be a great gift for a womens luncheon or retreat. Itβs fun to get crafty with left over scraps. So sorry to hear about your foot. Hope you heal quickly and completely.
Denise says
That would be fun! And thanks Niki! XOXO
Rita says
Iβm a reader of books. A few friends are and they would like these too. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Denise says
Thanks for the well wishes Rita!
Rose Cocchiarella says
Thank you, Denise, for such a wonderful idea on how to use up those extra transfer pieces!!
Denise says
My pleasure Rose!π
Toni says
You have the best ideas! So cute.
Denise says
Aw, thanks Toni! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Denise, I think your injury was a blessing in disguise for this project, with the help of your sister – these are ADORABLE! Praying for a quick recovery for you! xo
Denise says
This doesn’t feel like a blessing ππ€£ but who knows, they say things happen for a reason… maybe I just don’t know what it is. So happy you like them Jen and thanks for the well wishes. Hugs XOXO
Darlene says
Beautiful bookmarks!
Denise says
Thanks Darlene!
Fiona says
What a fun idea! Iβd love to do something similar to decorate fabric sachets stuffed with dried lavender.
Denise says
Ohhhhh, I like this idea!!!
gloria miller says
I have a young friend who recently broke her foot! Will pass this adorable idea along to her. Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.
Denise says
Ohhh no, I hope she’s back on her feet real soon… and thanks for sharing Gloria!
Olivia McKillop says
Great idea for leftover transfers. Speedy foot recovery!
Denise says
Thanks Olivia!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Adorable, love them, Denise!! xo
Denise says
Thanks Nancy! XOXO
Christy James says
These are so stinkin cute. Denise! What a fantastic use of transfer scraps!! XOXO
Denise says
Right!?! I keep all my little transfer bits cuz you never know!ππ€
RuthAnn says
Such a great idea to use those little bits of leftover transfers.
Denise says
Thanks RuthAnn!π€
Denise says
Thanks RuthAnn, and ya, keep all those little bits and pieces because you can do so much with them!
p says
Thanks for the inspiration. Very sweet bookmarks. π
The War of Art sounds like a good read. I’ll definitely look into it!
I’m glad you (and your sister) were able to find a less aggressive project during your recovery.
Sooo wonderful to have special family bonds. π
Take care. Your recovery will be faster for it.
p
Denise says
Thanks so much and so happy you like them! And ya, my sister is my everything.π―ββοΈ Love her to bits!π
CC Cole says
so cute and easy – think i could do this!! great gifts for party oor groups
Denise says
You can SO DO this… super easy!π
Kellee says
You’re a genius! How do you keep the edges from fraying even more on their own?
Denise says
Hi my friend and thanks! I’m not sure…lol. I guess if I were to seal them with the spray wax they wouldn’t fray! But I’m guessing using them in books isn’t anything that would cause excessive fraying anyway. Maybe I’ll have to come back in a few months with an update… let you know how they held up.π
Niki says
I would maybe try some fray check right above where you stop fraying and that should stop it from going any further.
Cilla says
Thank you for all the ideas and inspiration you give us! The War of Art sounds especially helpful.
Denise says
Thanks Cillia, and yes – it’s a book I’ll read over and over for sure!π€
Tory DeShazer says
Love your creativity and crafty ideas!!!!!
Denise says
Thanks Tory!
Jackie C says
Found this through Confessions of a Serial DIYer, These are fantastic!! LOVE them!
Wondering how well the transfer will hold up to use.
Denise says
Hi Jackie and WELCOME! Christy has the sweetest followers so I’m so happy you dropped by! I’m not sealing them because I *think* they will hold up just fine. But for extra protection, this spray wax would work beautifully! Christy also sells spray wax in her shop.π
Lisa Spencer says
My daughter and I are readers and those are absolutely beautiful.
Denise says
Hello Lisa and a big hello to your daughter! Thanks so much!π
Cindy D says
Just love your blog. You sure know how to make something everyday over the top. Thank you for gifting.
Denise says
Aw, thanks Cindy! I appreciated all your support! XOXO
Monique says
Hi Denise. What a wonderful project to do with my granddaughter. Sheβs an avid reader. Your bookmarks turned out adorable.
Denise says
Oh, I think she will really enjoy doing these… and using them! Thanks Monique! XOXO
Laura D says
What a great use of stuff you likely have on hand!
Denise says
Thanks Laura!π
Tess says
Love these bookmarks! Hope you mend well!
Denise says
Thanks so much Tess! XOXO
JenB says
Love the bookmarks, I have some old linen fabric that this would be perfect for. Thanks for the giveaway
Denise says
Thanks Jen! Old linen fabric would look amazing!
Cecilia from Georgia says
How cute! They look like cross stitch! Hope you are mending well and don’t over work that foot! Glad Andrea is close by and can help you out!
Denise says
They DO look similar to cross stitch!!! And thanks so much! Hugs
Karen says
Love the bookmarks! What a fun way to use up scraps.
Denise says
Thanks Karen!π
Meg Koett says
Definitely making these this holiday season! Thank you for sharing!
Denise says
Oh I’m so glad it’s sparked a holiday craft for you! Thanks Meg!!
Emily Torbert says
Fellow reader here! Love these pretty bookmarks!
Denise says
Hi Emily! Thanks so much! XOXO
Kellie says
These are absolutely adorable! I didn’t know how well the rub-on transfers work on fabric. So sorry you broke your foot. Prayers that it heals quickly.
Denise says
Aw, thanks for the well wishes Kellie! And yes, they work amazing on fabric. I’ll have a short Youtube Video sharing how easy on Saturday!
gwen says
So easy, so beautiful! These would be a great addition to a gifted book (new or previously read!).
Denise says
Hi Gwen!!! They would wouldn’t they?!! Homemade gifts are always a hit!π
Mother Deer says
These bookmarks are adorable and look professionally made. Great project and results π
Denise says
Thanks so much!π
Do Dodson says
Cute idea, Denise! Itβs always a win to use up scraps from other projects. Great gift idea too.
Denise says
Thanks my friend and ya, these would make super cute little gifts! XOXO
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Bookmarks are adorable.
Thanks for the wonderful instructions.
Thank you also for this wonderful giveaway opportu7nity
Denise says
Thanks and my pleasure Colleen. Good luck! XOXO
Joan Young says
This looks so simple, yet beautiful! Thanks for your wonderful ideas.
Denise says
Thank you Joan!
candy says
These are awesome! What a great idea that I will definitely use immediately! Thank you!!!
Denise says
Thanks Candy! And have fun!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Bibliophile family here!.ππΌββοΈ We love to make and gift bookmarks. These are so pretty! Healing vibes sent your way. π₯°
Denise says
Thanks my friend and same here! I remember our Mum started bringing us to the local library even before we could walk. We didn’t have funds to buy books but we always had a TON to read in our home.πππ
Susie Wilcox says
What a great gift for my reading friends! I need to get started on Christmas gifts.
Denise says
I think they will LOVE it!π€
Janette says
What pretty bookmarks, love them and such a nice gift too.
Hope your foot is on the mend, sounds really painful, take care.xx
Denise says
Thanks so much Janette! And I’m getting around a little better now that they removed the temp cast and I have the boot. XOXO
Dorene says
These came out beautiful and the transfers really do like the are part of the fabric
Denise says
They really do, don’t they?! Thanks Dorene!