Written by Chelsea Lena Girard
Have you ever seen those perfect looking bookmarks or that book sleeve you always wanted online but of course, it’s too expensive for you to purchase? Trust me, we’ve all been there. But don’t worry, there is a way you can be creative and save money! Let’s talk about DIY book merch.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “I don’t have a creative bone in my body” or the typical “I’m too busy.” But let me stop you there, I am here to save the day and save both your time and your mind while making your own book merch!
Read on to discover how to make bookmarks, book sleeves, and bookish shirts!
1. Traditional Bookmarks
It’s easy to be creative, but it’s even harder to execute an idea for your perfect traditional bookmark! Bookmarks are probably one of the simplest things you can make and you’re the true artist! You can make your favourite Hogwarts house inspired bookmark right before your own eyes using these use steps.
You Will Need:
- A piece of blank cardstock—using a heavier paper will make it so your bookmark doesn’t become flimsy and break.
- Scissors
- Glue/tape
- Additional details such as laminate paper, glitter and/or stickers
- Cut a piece of cardstock that is 2-3 inches long. Make sure to make it so the bookmark isn’t too wide or to long so it doesn’t stick out the bottom of the book.
- Add the special elements to your bookmark! Use glitter, stickers, special quotes or sayings.
- Use the laminate paper as a protective cover for your bookmark, gently place the laminate on top of your finished bookmark and apply either tape or glue to secure it in place.
- There you have it! Your first of many DIY bookmarks!
2. Book Sleeves
Do you have a favourite book that you’re terrified of being torn or having the slightest page fold? That’s why we have the beauty of book sleeves to keep your book safe and out of harms way from the dangers that follow our precious paperbacks and hardcovers. Here are some steps in order to make your very own book sleeve!
You Will Need:
- Fabric 12 inches in height and 17 inches in width
- Foam 10.5 inches in height and 17 inches in width
- Thread
- Pins/clips
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Turn the fabric upside down, place the foam on top and add an inner lining.
- Pn in the edges together to make for easier stitching.
- Stick the middle of the fabric, foam and lining in order to make two halves. Also stitch along the right, left and bottom of the fabric, foam and lining.
- Fold the bottom of the fabric up and stitch it together.
- Stitch the outer fabric again to make it look like a pillow.
- It should look like this as of right now.
- Flip your book sleeve back inside and out and you just made yourself your own book sleeve!
3. DIY Bookish Shirts
You may be completely confused as to how to make your own DIY bookish shirt, but these steps are going to save your spendings in the long run!
You Will Need:
- A shirt
- A transparency paper
- A printer
- An iron or hair dryer
- Place your blank shirt on a smooth surface.
- Print your design on the blank transparency paper, you can get this at your local art store.
- Place your design on the shirt. Note: You may want to print your design backwards as when printing on the shirt, it will come out backwards. Flip the image.
- Using the iron or hair dryer, press down on the image, making sure you are providing even pressure and constantly moving the hot surface. If you leave the iron in one spot for too long, it will burn your masterpiece.
- Wait for the shirt to dry and wear your DIY bookish shirt with pride!
Now if you still read through all of those bookish merchandise ideas and you’re still not sold, you can head over to these shops and purchase their handmade products as well! @alwaysept for book sleeves, @ohpandaeyes for necklaces, and @bookartbookmarks for beautiful handcrafted bookmarks!
