Looking for a fun and easy craft project you can finish in under 30 minutes? Whether you're brand new to crafting or just need a relaxing creative break, this DIY magnetic bookmark is a perfect, beginner-friendly project!
You can use absolutely any image you love, cute animals, favorite characters, aesthetic illustrations, or even an adorable pic of your pet! For this tutorial, I'm using a cat image because, let's be real, cats make everything better, right? 😸 But definitely feel free to choose whatever makes your heart happy!
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🧰 What You'll Need:
-
An image you want to use (preferably a PNG file)Need inspiration? Check out Creative Fabrica for tons of adorable images!
- Cutting Machine like the Came Silhoutte 5 or similar cutting software
- Printer
- Cardstock or photo paper
- Magnetic tape or magnetic sheets
🐾 Step-by-Step Tutorial:
1.Pick Your Image
Choose any image that makes you smile! PNG files are ideal since they typically have transparent backgrounds. When imported into Silhouette Studio, PNGs might generate automatic red cut lines, but we’ll remove those.
2.Remove the Auto Cut Lines
- Select your image
- Click "Modify" in the right-hand menu
- Choose "Detach Lines"
- Delete those unnecessary red lines (Goodbye, clutter! 👋)
Now your image is ready to become an adorable bookmark!
3.Add an Offset (Border)
- Select your image and click "Offset"
- Set the offset distance to about 0.075 inches
- Separate the image from its offset for a moment
- Select the offset only, then go to Object > Replicate > Mirror Above
- Move the two offset shapes roughly 1 inch apart
Time to connect these pieces together!
4.Draw the Center Connector
- Draw a small rectangle (approx. size: 1.79 x 0.86 inches)
- Place it between the two offset shapes (use your cutting mat’s ruler to line things up neatly!)
- Select all three parts (two offsets + rectangle), group them, then weld (Object > Modify > Weld)
You've got your bookmark base ready, nice job!
5.Insert and Align Your Image
- Copy and paste your original image so you have two
- Place one on each half of your offset bookmark shape
- Flip the top image vertically (Object > Mirror > Flip Vertically) so it looks correct when folded
- Select everything and center-align
Now it looks adorable from both sides!
6.Set Up for Cutting
- Arrange as many bookmarks as you can comfortably fit on your page (usually 3–5)
- Enable Registration Marks (View > Registration Marks > check the box)
- Slide the inset dot fully left to maximize your space
Don't forget to group your image and shape before printing (we've all learned that the hard way, haven't we? 😂)
7.Print & Cut
- Print your page on cardstock or sturdy photo paper
- Load your printed page onto your cutting mat
- Let your cutting machine do its thing!
8.Add the Magnetic Touch
- Stick magnetic tape or sheets inside both ends of your bookmark
- Fold it over your book page—and voilà! Instant cuteness that's practical, too!
💡 Beginner-Friendly Tips:
It's perfectly okay if things aren't perfect—crafting is meant to be relaxing and fun!
Simple, bold images are great starting points
Thicker paper makes your bookmark sturdier and longer-lasting
This project is quick, simple, and makes for a lovely handmade gift. Go ahead and personalize it with anything you love—cats, books, anime, flowers, quotes—you name it! Happy crafting! ✨