Stretchy Bookmarks

A stretchy bookmark using semi precious beads that will stay in your book! So often a bookmark will fall out of my book when it gets placed in my bag and moved around. Finally a fun and easy way to keep my bookmark in it's place! The elastic and hemp cord allow the bookmark to be placed inside the book without damaging the pages or spine. It can also be used as a fidget while reading. You can personalize with favorite colors of stone, crystal or gem beads and accent with cord, charms, and tassles.

• A string of beads which can be stone, crystal or gem.
• Scissors
• Elastic cord or hemp cord
• Accents as wanted-tassles, glass beads, charms

Cut your string of beads apart and select one. You may choose to add more than one bead but make sure you have enough cord to not damage the book pages or spine.

Cut your string of cord to your desired length.

Option 1: If you prefer to wrap the cord around the book and tie the ends together, then I suggest three lengths of an average book.

Option 2: If you prefer a stretchy cord then cut the length at least an inch shorter than the average book so that there is tension.

Option 3: If you prefer to knot the cord together then use one and a half length of the average book to allow the bookmark to stay.

1. Slide bead onto the cord. If end is too frayed on the cord, use the scissors to trim the end a bit. Some may have a needle with a large eye that can slide the cord through but this will make it harder to slide through the bead.
2. Once you have the bead where you want, you can tie a knot above and below the bead or can create a knot with space to slide the bead if you want more of a fidget tool.
3. If your cord is too long to wrap around the book, like the blue gem then you can add a temporary knot. If your cord is too short (like the halloween), if it is elastic then it can stretch between the pages. I suggest a bottom bead to help hold the bookmark in place then.

Enjoy knowing that you created a bookmark that will not fall out of your book and help to keep your calm while reading.