Customizable Leather Bookmark

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a customizable leather bookmark!

For my version, I choose to engrave my school's logo, but this can easily be replaced with another logo, initials, or a pattern.

I've always had trouble with bookmarks sliding down on the page or falling out of the book. To fix this, I added a second leather layer to the top of this bookmark design. This layer, which sticks above the page when you put the bookmark in a book, prevents the bookmark from slipping. While technically not essential, it is what makes this bookmark unique.

You will need:

1. A Glowforge 3D Printer
2. Glowforge Software
3. Glowforge-brand Medium Natural Leather (other Glowforge leather should work, but I have not tested it)
4. String

You may also want:

1. Super Glue (for extra support if your string breaks easily)

Sketching

1. Making a sketch before actually going into Glowforge software helps you envision what you want and makes the process easier.

I'll walk you through how to build the structure, but the design is up to you! Personally, I put my university's logo.

Setting Up The Structure

Using the Glowforge builder, complete the following micro-steps:

1. Build a 1.5 x 6 inch rectangle
2. Build a 1.5 x 0.5 inch rectangle next to it
3. Place four dots in the corners of the small rectangle
4. Copy-paste those dots onto the top of the larger rectangle. Be sure NOT to also copy-paste the smaller box.

Adding your Custom Logo/Pattern

This could include your university/school logo, the logo for a company or club, or even something like a family crest. Personally, I put my school logo.

1. You can use the tools in Glowforge to center your image/text.
2. You can also easily add your name or initials using the text feature in Glowforge.

Crucial: Remember to set the image to "engrave" while everything else is on "cut" (see the image above).

Turn on the Glowforge

1. Flip the power switch on the back of the machine.
2. Make sure the lid is clean and closed properly — the camera on the lid is how the Glowforge aligns your design.

Place your leather in the bed

1. Lay the leather flat in the center of the cutting area.
2. If the leather is slightly curved, use masking tape on the edges to keep it flush with the bed (important for clean cuts).

Position the design

1. Drag and drop the design to align it exactly where you want it on the leather.
2. Use the live camera preview to make sure it’s properly centered and not too close to the edges.

Select material settings

1. Select the type of leather you are using.

Focus and prepare to print

1. The Glowforge head will move to focus automatically.
2. Double-check everything: design placement, settings, and ventilation.

Press the glowing button

1. When the machine is ready, the button on the Glowforge will glow.
2. Press it to start cutting. Keep an eye on the job in case of any flare-ups (leather can smoke a bit).

Printing

You will now watch your bookmark come to life!

Safety note: I recommend staying nearby while it is printing. It doesn't take long, and laser printers can be safety hazards if problems arise.

Carefully Remove The Cover

1. Since the leather is covered by a thin layer, you'll have to remove it once the print is done. Make sure to do this before combining the two parts.

If, like me, you have an engraved logo, you may notice some bits of the cover within the logo that are harder to remove. Personally, I was able to scratch these bits off with my finger nail. If that doesn't work, consider using a tool to get it done more easily.

Hole Removal

The picture above should be similar to what you have at this step.

1. Use your hands/a thin tool to poke the holes out of both the main bookmark and the extra layer.

Place the Small Square on the Large Square

Start by simply putting one on top of the other.

Thread the String

1. Starting from the back, thread the string through the top right hole.
2. Thread it through the bottom left hole.
3. Thread it through the top left hole on the back end of the bookmark.
4. Thread it through the bottom right hole.
5. Optional step: Add some super glue to combine the two parts in a more sturdy way. Useful if your string is particularly thin.
6. Tie a knot
7. Cut the excess string

You now have a custom leather bookmark. Read in style without destroying the pages of your book.

If the top part breaks off at any point, I would recommend using glue to reattach it. This isn't necessary with a strong string, but ware and tear is natural.

Throughout the process of building this bookmark, I learned the importance of user feedback. My initial bookmark used wire (could tear pages/skin), was too short, and broke too easily. By iterating, I reached this final version.

Thank you for reading and I hope you like the bookmark!