In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a nature-themed artistic bookmark set that’s perfect for gifting or personal use. Includes video and written instructions.
Handmade gifts are always special, and artistic bookmarks are a simple yet impactful way to share your creativity. In today’s tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a stunning nature-themed artistic bookmark set. With just a few supplies and a bit of time, you’ll have a unique, giftable creation perfect for the holiday season—or a lovely addition to your own bookshelf!
If you prefer video demonstrations, you’ll appreciate this ~9 minute tutorial. In it, I’ll walk you through how to make each one of the three bookmarks featured today.
Like written instructions? Just scroll down for the step-by-step tutorial.
First, you’ll want to begin by gathering a few supplies. In order to create all three of the bookmarks in the set, you’ll need 140 lb. watercolor paper (affiliate link), scissors, a pencil + eraser, and the Traceable Silhouettes and Sayings Bundle.
Then, for the individual bookmarks, you’ll need:
Begin by cutting your watercolor paper into three rectangles. Each strip should be approximately 2.5″ (6.35 cm) wide and 6.75″ (17.15 cm) long.
Now, use the Feather Silhouette, Sun Silhouette, and Mountains Silhouette from the Traceable Silhouettes and Sayings Bundle to trace silhouettes onto each bookmark. I used a light box to do this, but you could just as easily use a bright window. If you don’t have a printer, try tracing directly over your computer screen.
Once you finish, your bookmarks should look something like this:
Gather your size 0 and size 3 paintbrushes and your Arabic gold watercolor. Use a blunt art syringe to moisten the watercolor, then wait a minute or so for the water to soak in. Once it’s had some time to sit, use one of your paintbrushes to mix the water into the paint. Once the paint reaches a consistency that’s similar to cream, use your paintbrushes to fill in the sun silhouettes on the bookmark.
Once the paint has completely dried, use a reliable eraser to get rid of any visible pencil guidelines.
Now, grab your favorite pointed pen nib and holder (I used a Brause EF66 in an oblique pen), iron gall ink, and blue ink (see details below). Alternate using the two inks to fill in the mountains silhouette with tight flourishes.
Note that I used dye-based blue ink to make these mountains. I have several 0.5 oz glass bottles of this ink that I’m happy to give away for free because I find that the ink only works well on watercolor paper. If you want some, use the code BLUE in the gift card/discount field at checkout to get the ink for free with your next order.
Next, get out your art masking fluid and use it to write a quote on your bookmark. (Not sure how to write with art masking fluid? Find a tutorial here.) The quote I chose was “Wisdom takes flight on the wings of knowledge,” which seemed appropriate for a feather-themed bookmark.
Once the art masking fluid has dried, use various colors from your watercolor palette to fill in the rest of the feather silhouette. Then, apply gold watercolor to the feather’s tips for extra pizazz. Wait for the paint to dry, then rub off the art masking fluid to reveal crisp white lettering.
Finish up by using the instructions in the How to Protect + Waterproof Envelopes (and Artwork in General) to apply MicroGlaze to each bookmark. Alternatively, start watching at minute 6:20 of the video version of this tutorial. Adding this protective layer ensures your bookmarks will last and prevents the color from transferring onto your book pages.
Bookmarks make the perfect gift because they’re both practical and thoughtful. Even if, like me, you use an e-reader for novels, bookmarks are still handy for cookbooks and instructional books. With the holiday season coming up, consider this easy and useful DIY gift idea—or keep them for yourself. I won’t blame you if you hang onto them—they’re fantastic, and you deserve a little treat!
I hope that you enjoyed today’s tutorial, which utilizes the motifs in the Traceable Silhouettes and Sayings Bundle in a fresh way. (For another tutorial that utilizes the bundle, see the Foot-Themed Calligraphy Quote Artwork Tutorial.) If you’re loving bookmarks as a project concept, know that TPK has a couple of other bookmark tutorials, including:
Happy creating, and have a fabulous weekend!
Warmly,
*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon
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