Dark Romance Bookmark

I just started reading this genre of book. I am a massive hockey romance reader. The first dark romance book I read was God of Fury by Rina Kent, and I decided I needed to read more. I have now added a bunch of dark romance books to my TBR, so naturally, I had to make a bookmark that matches the genre. I will probably make more. I love having a variety to choose from, and I usually have multiple books on the go.

There are so many options to make the perfect dark romance bookmark for you. I have a separate post with ideas to help you create your bookmark. My ideas are just a small fraction of ideas out there. I wanted to help get you started! (link here)

I love how this turned out and am excited to add it to my ever-growing bookmark collection.

Materials 

* Use it to help keep the bookmark straight when adding the vinyl.

** Used to hold the bookmark to the mat.

How to Create

Design 

Your design can be just images, just a saying, or a combination of both. Here are some ideas of sayings you could use (add link)

1. Open Cricut Design Space.
2. Go to “shapes” and search for a shape that matches your bookmark, and add it to the canvas.*
3. For the backing image, go to “images” and search “brush stroke” and add to the canvas.**
4. Move it over the template, adjust its size, then move it off to the side while you work on the placement of the other images.
5. Go to “images” and search for a “gun or knife” or “roses or flowers” image and add it to the canvas. Or one that matches the series you are reading.
6. Move the images to the template you created and adjust size and placement.
7. Go to “text,” add a text box and type in the saying you want.
8. Move the text box over the template and adjust size and placement. 
9. If needed, move everything around until you are happy with the design. 
10. Change the colour of the images to match the vinyl. This isn’t necessary, but I sometimes do it if I have multiple images to help me get the right colour vinyl.

*Not necessary, but I find it helps with placing and sizing.

**This step is only necessary if you want to have something on the back.

Cutting & removing the vinyl

These steps can be a little different for you. Eventually, you will find a way that works best for you.

1. Make sure your machine is on, and the blade is in.
2. Add the vinyl to the mat or mats. Use either the scraper or the brayer to help adhere the vinyl to the mat.
3. Go to “make” and choose “mat for any material” and click “continue”.
4. When ready, click “continue” and follow the prompts.
5. Load the mat into the machine when prompted.
6. Click “go” when prompted. 
7. Repeat as needed.
8. Unload the mat when the cut is done.
9. Take the vinyl off the mat. 
10. Use the weeding tool and remove the vinyl you don’t need.

Adding the vinyl

1. Peel the protective plastic off the bookmark blank.
2. Tape the bookmark to the self-healing mat, aligning it with the grid marks.
3. Take the alcohol wipe and wipe down the bookmark.
4. Take a piece of transfer tape and place it on the image. Run the scraper over the backing to help adhere it to the transfer tape.
5. Add the image to the bookmark. If it goes over the edge of the bookmark, that is okay.
6. Run the scraper over the images to adhere to the bookmark.
7. Remove the transfer tape and take your time peeling it back.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for the other images. 
9. Remove any vinyl hanging over the edges with either scissors or excato knife.
10. Remove the protective plastic from the back of the bookmark. 
11. Add the backing image if you are putting one on the bookmark.

Adding embellishments

1. Attach the tassel or ribbon to the bookmark.
2. Or add any beads or charms to the tassel or ribbon, and then attach to the bookmark.

Grab a coffee or tea and your book, then find a comfy blanket and reading spot and enjoy the book and your pretty new bookmark. 

For more content and creations, like and follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and pinkknight.ca.

If you have any questions, comments, or are looking for your own bookmark email at pinkknight1986@gmail.com,  message me on Instagram or check out my Shopify.