Beaded Linen Twine Bookmark

Today’s project is a fun and simple one, especially if you have a few odd beads or special beads you’ve been looking for something to do with.  I recently picked up some antique Arabic prayer beads at Happy Mango Beads that I have been trying to decide how to use, and I had an idea of how I could use them in an everyday piece.  If you are an avid reader, or you know one, or you just want a special bookmark for a special book (like a journal or devotional book) – you can make up one of these pretty beaded waxed linen twine bookmarks in about 10 minutes!

What you will need:

• Beads of various shapes, sizes, and textures.  I picked a color theme of reds, browns and bronzes.  There’s no real “recipe” here, just whatever you have and whatever you like.
• Two focal pieces: either beads or charms.  I used one of each.
• Waxen Linen Twine (mine is brown)
• Two crimp beads and jewelry pliers
• Scissors

First, cut a length of waxed linen about 15 inches.  Depending how many beads you plan to use, you may need it longer or shorter.   Tie an overhand knot in your twine about 3 inches from the end.  If you are planning to use a charm, add a few beads to your twine, and then add a crimp bead.   Thread the charm on, and feed the end of the twine back through the crimp bead to secure the charm.  Crimp it closed with your pliers, and trim off the end.

If you are planning to use a focal bead, begin the same way.  Allow about a 9-inch section in the center to go inside your book.  That should be enough for a standard hardcover book.  If you have a specific book in mind you want to use the bookmark for (like a small devotional book, your journal, or your bible, for example) then you can easily adjust the length of the center part of the strand to fit the dimensions of your book, of course.

Tie a knot 3-4 inches from the other end of the strand, and thread a couple of beads.  Add a crimp bead.  Below the crimp bead you will thread a few more small beads on, and then your focal bead.  Add the remaining small beads – ideally, you will have enough beads that you can reverse the pattern.  thread the tail end of the twine back through the crimp bead, and tighten it up.  Crimp it closed with your jewelry pliers and trim off the excess.

And that is it!  It’s the perfect touch for a special book, or gift for a book-loving friend.  These make up quickly and only use a few beads, so it’s easy to make up several for gifts, if you like!