Faux-Glass Space Bookmark

In this instructable, I have made a faux-glass space bookmark using easily found cheap materials. It uses plastic to give it a glass-like look and is double-sided as well. A great craft for all you space lovers out there!

2 pieces thin cardboard or cardstock

Plastic sheet

Paint (watercolour or acrylic)

Glue (preferably liquid)

A pencil

A black pen (preferably ball point)

Scissors

Exacto knife/ pen knife

Ruler

Paper clips/ bull clips

Black Marker (optional)

Glitter (optional)

Modge-podge (glue-water mixture can be used as a replacement)

Draw the design you want on your cardboard. Remember to draw and keep space for the front and reverse.

My cardboard piece is quite big here, so I am drawing both on a single piece of cardboard. Feel free to draw the front and back on separate cardboard pieces. You can use my design drawn here. :)

Ensure that you cut out the front and back such that when kept together they line up perfectly.

A little hack for this could be to draw them side-by-side without a gap, so that you fold them over and ensure that the heights and lines match up.

This step will help you out when you later, as it forms ridges that guide your blade later. If you draw with a little pressure, it becomes wayyy easier.

This is also the step where you draw the details in, unlike the first step which was just planning the layout.

Now, this is the fun part! using an exacto knife or pen knife (with adult supervision if you are under-age), neatly cut out the little windows where the plastic should appear. In my design, it is the red marked places.

Use the paper clips to keep your front and reverse cardboard together. You need to cut through both of them as shown. Also keep a heavy book, or a protective surface under the cardboard while cutting so that you do not cut through to the table.

I found this step a little difficult, so hey, take your time. Feel free to neaten it up with scissors afterwards.

Paint in your planets!

If you are new to painting, then do check out this easy tutorial by Makoccino. I love how she explains watercolours with ease, making it so interesting to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QiM8SO2ro

Otherwise, if you're a bit experienced, you can wing it like me!

Pro Tip: I found it easier to paint my planets in first and then paint the galaxy, because the galaxy can always be used to cover up any stray paint streaks from the planets.

I have used acrylic paint here. But the type of paint doesn't matter because at the end, we're going to make it durable.

You could do this step with black paint itself. But since my hand isn't that steady at straight lines, the easier alternative is to use black marker and draw it neatly.

This is also an opportunity for you to neaten up any paint streaks from the galaxy!

At this step, neatly trace the little windows onto a plastic sheet. Leaving a slight margin between the traced shape, cut these pieces out. But wait! Don't stick them on yet. We have another important step before that

Using modge-podge or glue (add water if required) coat the painted sides of both the front and reverse cardboard panels. Coat it evenly and make sure the coat isn't too thick. I used glue, but the down-side is that unless you do it perfectly, it may not be smooth in places, giving it an unwanted texture.

The varnishing step ensures that this bookmark doesn't destroy your precious book! It also gives it durability to air, water and dust, so you never have to worry about fading or spills.

Optional: You could sprinkle in some glitter to give the illusion of stars. Lightly sprinkle them on to the fresh modge-podge or glue so that they sit tight!

Now, that you've got everything ready, it's time for the final step! Yes, simply assemble the pieces and glue them together. Follow the diagram above in case you're confused.

And that's it! You've made your very own super cool Faux-Glass Space Bookmark! How cool is that! You can try out the same design for other themes as well.

If you liked this tutorial, don't forget to favourite it.

If you've tried this out, do post a pic down below, I'd love to see what you came up with.

This is my first ever instructable, so do share any feedback or tips that you might have!