Paper Craft Constructions: The Bedtime Bookmark

Using construction paper to fashion your own hand-made crafts is a fun (and inexpensive) creative outlet. Greeting cards, wall decorations, table toppers and picture frames - you can make almost anything with construction paper. The best part of each of these easy, low-budget projects is that you can do them on your own or with the kids.

To get started, try something quick and easy, like the Bedtime Bookmark. This craft is suitable for doing with young children, but you’ll need to do the precision cutting for them. You’ll all have fun putting it together, and in about thirty minutes you can enjoy the finished project

What you’ll need

• Black and dark blue construction paper
• Scissors
• X-acto knife
• White chalk
• White glue
• Paper towel
• Ruler

What to do

1. Using your ruler and the black construction paper, measure and cut out two 7-inch by 4-inch rectangles.
2. Place the rectangles on top of each other, and with your scissors or X-acto knife, cut a decorative edge. Make sure that the edges match up all the way around - you’ll need that uniformity later.
3. Use the blue construction paper to cut out a 6-inch by 2.5-inch rectangle.
4. Take one of the black rectangles you’ve already cut and use your X-acto knife to remove the center. You can use a decorative edge or a straight one, but make sure that the hole you leave is approximately 5 inches by 2 inches.
5. Now that you’re done cutting, it’s time to get creative! On one side of the blue paper (this will be the bottom), draw a solid line about 2.5 inches up, and fill that space with chalk - your goal is to cover up all the blue with white. Once that’s done, wrap a piece of paper towel around your fingers. With sweeping motions, drag the chalk upward so that it creates a blended look.
6. When you’ve blended your “horizon,” use the chalk to draw tiny, white stars of varying size at the top. Then, blow all the excess chalk off your creation - it’s time to put it together.
7. Remember the black rectangle frame you made? Center the blue piece within that frame and carefully glue them together. If it’s not perfectly centered, simply move it around until it is. You’ll want to wait until the glue dries on this piece before you fasten the back on to avoid any movement.
8. Once the first two pieces are securely stuck together, you can attach the backing. Spread glue evenly but lightly (too much glue will warp the construction paper) on the last remaining piece. Here’s where lining up the pieces comes in - once your edges are flush, allow it to dry.
9. If you have the time, take your completed bookmark to your local copy store and have them laminate it; this can be done for under a dollar, and adds a finished look as well as preserves your bookmark.
10. After trying this fun and easy construction paper craft, you’ll be hooked! It’s such an inexpensive hobby, and the only thing limiting you is your own imagination!