Brat Bookmark DIY: Print, Laminate and Finish a Text Bookmark
A bookmark is one of the smallest useful projects you can make from a text design, so the details matter: size, stock, finish and a way to hang a tassel. This guide walks through it using the free Brat Text Generator, with a tool list and measurements.
Dimensions
A common bookmark is 5 by 15 cm. Slim ones, about 4 by 14 cm, suit paperbacks. In the generator, use the custom size and enter a tall ratio such as 500 by 1500 pixels, then export at the highest quality.
Design choices
- Use a short phrase of two or three words.
- Rotate the layout to run vertically if you want a bolder look.
- Keep margins of 3 mm so the cut line does not clip letters.
- Pick high contrast. The colors guide lists tested pairs.
Materials
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Card stock, 250 to 300 gsm | Sturdy body |
| Laminating pouches, 125 micron | Protection |
| Paper trimmer | Straight cuts |
| Hole punch and cord | Tassel |
| Corner rounder (optional) | Safe, neat corners |
Steps
- Make several bookmarks on one A4 sheet by arranging copies of the PNG in a document editor.
- Print one test sheet and check the colors.
- Print the final sheet on card stock.
- Cut along the guides with a trimmer.
- Laminate with a thin border, then trim around it leaving a 2 mm edge so the seal holds.
- Round the corners and punch a hole at the top.
- Thread a cord or ribbon through.
Durability
Lamination protects the print from spills and bending. If you skip it, use a matte spray sealant. Keep bookmarks away from direct sunlight.
Giving or selling
Package in a small sleeve with a card. If you sell them, use original wording only; see the merch hub.
Mistakes to avoid
- Text too close to the edge.
- Skipping the test print.
- Using thin paper that curls.
Design variations for a set
A set of bookmarks can share a layout but differ in word and colour. Try one in the default green and black, one inverted, and one neutral. Number them or tie them with a ribbon for gifting.
Practical gifting
Slip a bookmark into a card or tie it to a book. Add a short handwritten note on the back for a personal touch.
A short production schedule
For a batch of ten bookmarks, allow about an hour to design and print, thirty minutes to cut and round corners and another thirty to laminate or add tassels. Doing each step for the whole batch before moving to the next is faster than finishing one bookmark at a time.
Quality control
Check every bookmark for smudges, off-centre cuts and crooked corners, and keep the best ones for gifts.
A worked example: a batch of ten bookmarks
You plan ten bookmarks as gifts for a book club. On an A4 sheet you arrange five bookmarks per page at 5 by 15 cm, print two pages on 250 gsm card, trim them, laminate with a 2 mm border, round the corners and punch a hole for a cord. Each carries a different short word, such as “page”, “turn”, “finish”. The batch takes an hour and costs a few dollars.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Laminate bubbles | Feed the pouch straight and use the right temperature |
| Edges peel | Leave a wider border |
| Cord slips | Use a lark’s head knot |
| Ink smears | Let it dry before laminating |
Packaging idea
Slide each bookmark into a small paper sleeve with the recipient’s name.
Using the bookmark in practice
Bookmarks get handled constantly, so edge wear is the first thing to fail. Rounded corners resist bending, and a thin laminate protects the print from fingerprints and spills. If the bookmark will live inside a book for years, choose acid-free card so it does not yellow the pages.
Tassel and finishing details
Punch a hole about 5 mm from the top edge, thread embroidery floss through it, and knot it securely. Keep the tassel under 3 inches so it does not catch on other books.
Why a bookmark is a good first print project
A bookmark is small, cheap and forgiving. It teaches the full print workflow in miniature: design, test print, cut, finish and use. Mistakes cost a few cents instead of a whole poster.
Making a batch the efficient way
- Design one bookmark at 2 by 6 inches and export it at the largest size.
- Place four copies on a letter or A4 page with small gaps.
- Print a test on plain paper, then on 250 gsm card.
- Cut on the lines with a trimmer and round the corners with a punch.
- Add a hole and tassel, or laminate for durability.
Variation ideas
Change the word and the colour pair across a set. Keep the layout identical so the set looks coherent. Try one in the default green and black, one inverted and one on white.
Selling or gifting
If you sell them, use your own wording and keep third-party names off the design. Package them in small paper sleeves with a thank-you card.
Teaching moment for kids
Bookmarks are a good craft for children. Let them choose a word, colour the background and decorate the edges, with an adult handling scissors and any laminating. It is a simple way to practise reading, colour contrast and fine motor skills.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not have a laminator?
Use self-adhesive laminating sheets or order from a print shop.
Which sizes fit most books?
5 by 15 cm. More craft ideas are in the scrapbook guide.
What weight card is best?
250 to 300 gsm.
Can I add a tassel?
Yes, with embroidery floss or cord.
Does the green fade inside a book?
Inside a closed book it fades far less than on a shelf in sunlight, but keep your prints away from windows.
Which card weight feels best in a book?
Card around 250 to 300 gsm feels sturdy without being too thick for a home printer to feed.
Brat Generator is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Charli XCX, her record label, or any related brand. Any album or trademark names are mentioned only to describe a visual style.
