How to Make Ribbon Bookmarks with Old Costume Jewelry

Truth be told, I first published a blog post about ribbon bookmarks nearly 12 years ago. It was such an old post that I figured a lot of friendly folks had never seen it before. So, I decided to republish it on my website today.

Partly because I’ve accumulated a lot of gorgeous jacquard ribbon in that (lengthy) time period. Like this amazing roll I found at a local Creative Reuse Center (Upcycle Arts here in Charlotte).

Doesn’t it remind you of classic Howard Johnson’s colors? Anyway…

I also had all these pretty ribbon remnants from thrifting and Etsy.

But perhaps more importantly, I now have all of my mom’s old costume jewelry now. In the nearly year since she passed, I’ve spent time going through her collection. I’ll wear/keep the pieces that I remember most fondly, but there were plenty of craft-worthy pieces, as well.

So, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to resurrect and overhaul a very old project. Ready to get started?

This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.

How to Make Ribbon Bookmarks

I read a LOT these days as a form of escapism from news headlines, etc. And since my bookshelves contain both hardbacks and trade paperbacks, I wanted ribbon bookmarks for both. So, first, I placed ribbon in examples of each to determine length.

Basically, about ½” on either side of the page edges is the perfect length. So, I snipped my jacquard ribbons as such, making sure that my cuts left a flat, even edge that created a 90° angle to the length of the ribbon.

Next, I paired up the cut ribbons with old costume jewelry that combined nicely together. Matchy-matchy wasn’t the goal, but ultimately, these were the combinations that I decided upon.

Pendants, brooches with filigree edges or pendant bails, and anything with a loop work best.

From there, I gathered the jewelry findings I’d need:

• Ribbon clamps
• Jump rings
• Jewelry-making pliers

The ribbon clamps effectively keep the ribbon from fraying and allow you to connect a charm. But, like the original post 12 years ago, I found that pre-closing the clamps a little made everything easier. So, first, I carefully closed the opening with my pliers ever so slightly.

I left each ribbon clamp open just wide enough so I could slide a ribbon end in without the teeth catching on the embroidery.

Then, one the ribbon ends were inside the clamps, I closed them securely with the pliers. The clamp teeth should be flat against the ribbon when they’re fully clamped down. 

Lastly, I attached a piece of costume jewelry to one end of the ribbon bookmark with a jump ring.

This is when it’s nice to have two jewelry-making pliers. That makes opening and closing jump rings a snap.

Ribbon Bookmarks with Old Costume Jewelry

…and with the jump ring closed, the first of my ribbon bookmarks was done.

They really are SO easy to make, once you have all the components. If you don’t have pretty ribbon at your disposal, definitely look on Etsy for pretty remnants. And this really is a fun way to upcycle old costume jewelry that you likely wouldn’t wear.

And of course, I also could have attached a dangling bead or charm to the other end of each bookmark, but I’m fine with them just like this.

One step that I didn’t mention because not everyone will need to do this, but I ironed a couple of my ribbon strips. Some of them laid perfectly flat without ironing, but others needed assistance. So, that might be something you need to do- just use lower heat first as a precaution.

Either way, I hope you enjoyed this cozy craft idea. It’s such a fun way to repurpose vintage jewelry (or sentimental costume pieces). And these ribbon bookmarks are a terrific gift idea for any readers or bookworms in your life, too.

I hope you enjoy this fresh update on such an old project of mine. Given my sudden accumulation of vintage costume jewelry, it seemed like an appropriate time to do this. And of course, the fact that I’ve returned to my love of reading so much. Reading physical books, of course- I never did jump on the e-reader train…

Speaking of book lovers, here’s another fun upcycled project to file away. Because that paper towel holder you see at the thrift store might be perfect for this.

Looking for more ideas for repurposing vintage jewelry? This collection has all sorts of inspiring craft ideas.

Craft on!

S

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