Cutter Kit for making bookmark cards

I'm enamored of making bookmark cards now that it's SOOO easy with the Cutter Kit from Stampin' Up. One of the many useful tools in this handy little keychain kit is the perforating tool. I use it with a ruler or with the Wheel guide to make sure I get a nice straight line.

For this card I used Confetti White cardstock. I like this because as I've said before, it's nice and heavy and holds up well for one-layer cards. You also want the bookmark to be fairly sturdy when it is detached from the card. See the little flecks in the cardstock? That's where the "confetti' part comes in. It's very pretty and something different.

So you run the tool along to make the bookmark. TIP: make sure you're cutting on the BACK side of the card, not the front!You may want to practice exerting the right pressure. If you press too heavily, you will make big deep perforations, and your bookmark might suffer premature detachment! If you don't press hard enough, people might not even see the perforations and realize you sent them a nifty bookmark card. 

After you've created the bookmark, you carefully tear off enough of the front cover that the bookmark is exposed but the torn edge still covers the perforated line. Then, set a jumbo eyelet in the top using your handy dandy Crop A Dile, and some fun ribbon. I used Concord Crush Poly-twill ribbon tied with Linen Thread on mine. 

Then you decorate the card as you please… I used Herb Expressions, one of my new favorites, and Concord Crush and Always Artichoke inks. The sentiments in Herb Expressions are really nice… you should read them (page 68). I also used the Auqapainter with the new self-watercoloring technique I told you about last week. And then because the front was a little too plain, I added the Woodgrain background and some sponging.

There you have it–a bookmark card to surprise and delight the recipient, combining both pretty and practical in one great card. Enjoy! And if you don't have the Cutter Kit yet, be sure to order it soon from my shopping website–www.lyssa.stampinup.net.