Materials
- Pressed leaves, ferns or small flowers
- Thick card or handmade paper
- PVA glue or decoupage medium
- Clear self-adhesive film, laminating pouch or craft sealer
- Ribbon, twine or fine cord
- Optional: pressed-paper backing or fabric scraps
What You Will Need
Tools
- Scissors or craft knife
- Metal ruler
- Pencil and eraser
- Hole punch
- Fine paintbrush
- Heavy books or a flower press
- Clean paper for pressing
Gather with Care
A beautiful bookmark begins with respectful gathering.
Good Materials to Use
- Fallen leaves in good condition
- Small garden leaves or flowers you have permission to pick
- Herbs from your own garden
- Florist offcuts
- Pressed botanical craft supplies
What to Avoid
- Protected or rare plants
- Collecting from nature reserves without permission
- Taking large amounts from one place
- Plants you cannot identify safely
- Wet, mouldy or damaged material
Ask permission before gathering on private land and follow local rules for protected places. Take only a little, leave plenty behind and avoid disturbing wildlife or habitats.
Press the Botanicals
- Choose flat, clean pieces Pick leaves, fern fronds or tiny flowers that are dry and free from damage. Very thick or fleshy plants are less suitable because they retain moisture.
- Arrange between clean paper Place each botanical between two sheets of plain absorbent paper. Spread the leaves and petals into the position you want them to keep.
- Add weight Place the paper inside a heavy book and stack more books on top, or use a flower press.
- Leave them to dry Press for around one to three weeks depending on thickness. Replace damp paper during the first few days if needed.
- Check before using The botanicals should feel completely dry and papery. If they remain cool, soft or flexible, press them for longer.
Make the Bookmark
- Cut the base Cut a strip of thick card approximately 5–6cm wide and 16–19cm long. Round the corners if you prefer a softer shape.
- Plan the arrangement Place the pressed botanicals onto the card without glue first. Try one tall fern, a small group of leaves or one simple flower rather than overcrowding it.
- Fix the botanical in place Lift each piece carefully and brush a very thin layer of glue beneath it. Smooth it gently with a clean dry brush.
- Allow it to dry Leave the bookmark flat until the glue is completely dry. Place clean paper and a light book on top if the card begins to curl.
- Protect the surface Cover both sides with clear self-adhesive film, laminate it or apply a suitable clear craft sealer. Trim neatly around the edges.
- Add the finishing hole Punch a hole near the top, leaving enough card around it so the edge remains strong.
- Add ribbon or twine Thread through ribbon, cotton cord, wool or natural twine and knot securely.
A single fern or leaf often looks more elegant than a crowded design. Let the natural shape do most of the work.
Ways to Make It Personal
Add a Quiet Message
Write a short quote, name, date or memory on the back before sealing the bookmark.
Choose a Meaningful Plant
Use a leaf from a favourite walk, herb from a family garden or flower from a special occasion, provided it can be gathered responsibly.
Change the Base
Try handmade paper, recycled card, fabric-backed paper or a soft wash of natural colour.
Create a Small Set
Make several bookmarks using related plants, colours or shapes and present them together with a second-hand book.
Wrap It as a Gift
Presentation Ideas
- Tuck it inside a chosen book
- Place it on a kraft card backing
- Wrap it in tissue or a small paper sleeve
- Tie it with linen thread or soft ribbon
- Add it to a reading hamper
Care Note
- Keep the bookmark dry
- Avoid direct sunlight when not in use
- Do not bend or fold sharply
- Store flat between pages
- Handle delicate unlaminated pieces with care
A Little of the Wild, Preserved
A pressed bookmark is a very small gift, but it can hold the memory of a garden, a path or a season. Gather carefully, make simply and let the natural shape tell most of the story.