Monochromatic Bookmark

Hi everyone, happy Monday – I hope you had a good weekend… Mondays sure roll around quickly these days, don’t they?! Leslie here, sharing a tutorial for making a monochromatic bookmark featuring a herringbone design. Used Lessebo Pitch Black and Classic Crest 165# Double Thick Solar White paired with black/gray/white papers in my stash. Sometimes a classic black and white monochromatic color combo is all you need! The herringbone design is really fun and easy, so let’s get started!

Cut the Pieces

Firstly, cut a bunch of 1/4″ strips from black, gray and white patterned paper. I’m thinking I cut about 12-13; the leftover pieces can be re-used in another section.

Secondly, cut a 2″ x 6-1/2″ piece of Lessebo Pitch Black and use a tag topper punch on the top end.

Thirdly, cut a 1-1/2″ x 2″ piece of Lessebo Pitch Black and use the same tag topper punch. This will be layered on the top of the bookmark to hide the raw edges of the herringbone design.

Create the Herringbone Background

Start at the upper left corner and adhere just a few diagonal strips (upper right down to lower left). When that corner is complete, adhere the next group of strips in the opposite direction (upper left down to lower right). Be sure to butt the square ends up to the last strip in the previous group. Then repeat the process all the way down the bookmark and trim away the extra paper from the edges. You can use a T-ruler if you want but just eyeballed mine.

Complete Top of Bookmark

Stamp and heat emboss a sentiment on the small piece. Afterwards, mix some white gesso with a small amount of water and flick it over the piece with a toothbrush. Once dry (only takes a couple minutes), glue it to the front side of the bookmark to hide the ends of the herringbone design. Adhere a horizontal paper strip over the seam.

Additionally, thread some black and white gingham ribbon through the hole and secure it with a twine bow.

Finish Monochromatic Bookmark

Just a couple things left to do. Add a 2″ x 5-3/4″ piece of Classic Crest 165# Double Thick Solar White to the back of the bookmark. Thought it might be fun to write a personal note on the back for the recipient. Now round the bottom corners and ink the edges in black soot distress ink. Here are shots of the front and back of the finished monochromatic bookmark. Definitely a simple but yet impactful design!

Summing up, these are the other products I used:
PAPER: Docrafts Papermania Capsule Collection 6×6 paper pack
STAMPS: Hero Arts Floral Rainbow & Clouds stamp set
INK: Ranger black soot distress ink
DIES/PUNCHES: Stampin’ Up Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Kadomaru Pro Corner Rounder
ACCESSORIES: Tonic Studios/Tim Holtz 8.5″ Comfort Trimmer, My Sweet Petunia Precision Glue Press, Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue, TapeRunner Double Sided Dots Adhesive Tape, Mini MISTI, Liquitex white gesso, Brutus Monroe Clear Embossing Ink, Brutus Monroe Alabaster Embossing Powder

To conclude, I hope you’ve enjoyed this monochromatic bookmark! I would love to know whether you have tried (or want to try) creating a herringbone background. Be sure to visit CutCardStock on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more DT inspiration! Also join our Creating with CutCardStock Facebook Group for even more crafty inspiration! Thanks so much for stopping by today – we’ll see you next time!

Scrappy hugs,
Leslie