Bookmarklets (& a Giveaway!)

At the beginning of the month, I ran across a project printout from Stamphenge that I've been holding onto for years.  Jean's project for bookmarklets caught my eye because I seldom read a book without pen and paper in hand.  I jot down quotations, ideas, web sites, and other information that I don't want to forget once I put down the book or return it to the library.  Bookmarklets are the perfect solution for a reader like me!

Part booklet-part bookmark, bookmarklets are little books where you can jot notes as you read, and then slip into your book to hold your place when you put it down.

Jean gives great directions to carry you through the process.  I thought I'd share some photos from my bookmarklet-creating session:

I used regular computer paper to keep my bookmarklet slim.  (Watercolor paper, for example, would make it much bulkier.)  One sheet of computer paper can be cut into four strips that are 2 inches by 11 inches, with just a little strip leftover.

Using a cutting mat and a razor-type knife freed me from having to use a ruler and a pencil for measuring. 

Then I stacked the four strips and folded them over to make a booklet that measures 2 inches by 5-1/2 inches.  (I used the bone folder to make the crease crisper.)

Next, I chose all the different papers I wanted to use as covers for my bookmarkets.

Those papers then had to be cut into 2 inch x 11 inch strips, and folded over top of the folded white paper booklets.

If I had a long-arm stapler, I could have just stapled on the fold...that would have been an easy way to hold the papers together!  But since I don't have that kind of a stapler, I did a few different kinds of bindings.

One method is to punch a hole in the middle-top of the booklet, and thread fibers or ribbons through. (That's what I did for the top two examples above.)  I also did a pamphlet stitch with bookbinding floss, tying it off with a bow on the outside (bottom left above), and tying it off on the inside and cutting off any excess floss (bottom right above, the "cleanest" look). 

Now I have a place to write down all my notes as I read:

AND, I have a bookmark to keep my spot in between reading sessions:

They are fairly simple to create, so once I got started, I ended up with 20 bookmarklets.

GIVEAWAY:
If you would like to receive one my bookmarklets, leave a comment and I will send you one!  Here's the catch:  You MUST include in your comment a book recommendation for me in order to receive a bookmarklet.  What is a good/ fun/ interesting/ creative/ inspiring read for 2014?

Also, if I don't have your address, you will have to email it to me at aleakaskey@yahoo.com if you want me to send you a bookmarklet.  I will send one to everyone I hear from before January 25, 2014!

Happy reading!