It’s no secret that I’m a book lover. And by books I mean real ink on paper type of books. It’s true that I do have an e-reader. However that’s just because it makes taking a stack of books on vacation a lot easier on the luggage allowance. But there’s something about holding a book and turning the pages that I don’t get from the electronic version. Reading, like crafting, is when I take some much needed ‘me time”, and that inspired today’s project using the retiring Playful Alphabet Dies.

LEFTOVER TIMBER
If you read my blog yesterday you may remember that while making that card I considered using the Timber 3D Embossing Folder for my card. In the end I went with Brick & Mortar but that left the Timber embossed piece sitting on my desk. Of course I couldn’t waste the 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card so instead decided to turn into into a bookmark.
First though I wanted to add some colour and chose Flirty Flamingo and Highland Heather ink pads. Then using a Blending Brush I began adding the ink to the raised surface of the card using a circular motion. As I worked each colour towards the middle of the card I blended the two together, and made the colour darker at the ends.
With the inking complete I then placed the card on my Paper Trimmer with the 4″ side at the top. Then using the scoring blade I scored it at 2″ to make folding the card in half easier.
To complete the bookmark base I cut 4″ of the retiring Highland Heather 1/2″ Grosgrain Ribbon and folded it in half. Next I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to fix it to the inside at one end of the folded card. Then I used more liquid glue to secure the two sides of the bookmark together with the ribbon ends sandwiched between them.
PLAYFUL ALPHABET
Now I was ready to add the “me time” sentiment. For this I needed the retiring Playful Alphabet Dies and some scraps of Gorgeous Grape Card.

Cutting out the individual letters wasn’t difficult and I even remembered to put some Adhesive Sheet on the back before running it through my Cut & Emboss Machine. What might have been challenging was lining them up, however I had a plan…
I found some old washi tape and tore off a strip, placing it sticky side up on my desk. Next I fixed each letter (right side down) on the tape lining, up the bottoms of the letters with the edge of the tape. Then once I was happy I removed the backing paper from the individual letters. With the backing gone I carefully picked up the tape and flipped it over so I could place the letters onto the bookmark all at once. Finally, after pressing down the letters, I carefully peeled off the tape to reveal my sentiment.
To finish I couldn’t resist grabbing the retiring Detailed Trio Punch to round the bottom two corners. With that my colourful bookmark was complete. Now I’m going to put it to good use in my new Annual Catalogue!
PRODUCT LISTS
Today only, Stampin’ Up! is offering free shipping on every order over $75US / $100CDN. There’s no special code to add, just fill your basket with goodies and the shipping will be adjusted automatically. All products from the current catalogues, Clearance Rack, Last Chance List, online only Kits Collection AND Paper Pumpkin Pre-Paid codes qualify. This offer ends at 11.50pm Mountain Time tonight (2.50am Atlantic tomorrow).
Now the only question is do you place your order as planned and pocket the savings? Or do you figure you were going to spend $x anyway and top up to that value with more product?

RETIRING PRODUCTS – only available while stocks last. The ribbon and punch are now 40% off, while the dies are 20% off.
CONTINUING PRODUCTS
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