If you’ve poked around the site a bit, you probably noticed that I have a love of books. I’ve always been a reader and, though I don’t have as much time to dive into novels lately, I still love to wind my way through a good story.
As someone who has been an avid reader ever since childhood, I’ve also had my share of bookmarks. I’ve used the standard, rectangular bookmarks with witty author quotes, business cards, store receipts, and the occasional napkin to mark my spot. I try my hardest to keep my books in great shape. I can’t stand dog-eared pages, and, heaven forbid, if I accidentally crease a page, I might pout about it.
Recently, I pulled a book off the shelf and saw that I had marked the spot where I had left off with a torn piece of paper. I then noticed several other books with raggedy fragments of torn paper peeking out and decided I needed to do better. So, as I settled in for some downtime that evening, I started sketching out a bookmark that could hold my spot – with a little spirited surprise.
This little ghoul is just the right amount of creepy with a classic vibe. Not too cutesy or kid-like, and it can be completely customized using your favorite cardstock or scrapbook paper. Best of all, because these are so quick and easy to make, I’ve already crafted several, and those little torn pieces of paper are going where they belong – in the trash.
You only need a few things to make up your own boo bunch. Grab some paper of your choice, scissors or a cutting machine, spray adhesive or other glue, and ribbon. You’ll find the template for this ghost in the Haunted Library. There’s a PDF for those who wish to hand-cut and an SVG if you have a cutting machine.
Cut out a front and back for your ghost from your papers.
Secure your ribbon to the back ghost with a spot of glue. Ensure the ribbon is not so low that it will show through the eyes openings on the front.
In a spray box, turn the front ghost piece face down and give a light coat of the adhesive.
Place the front piece on the back piece lining up the edges.
And, you’re done!
You can customize these any way you wish.
I added a fun Halloween print paper behind the eyes of this ghosty.
I also made a ghost with vellum for an eerie ethereal effect.
I can’t wait until I have an excuse to buy a spooky book as a gift so I can include one of these Halloween BOOkmarks.
