These are simple and fun gifts to give for all kinds of occasions. They are easy enough for a child to complete, or you can make them more embellished for your personal use.
Supplies:
1/4 inch wide grosgrain ribbon
3 to 9 beads with wide openings
one large bead (with very large opening) or designer finding that you could loop ribbon through
paper clip
glue
Directions:
Cut three 12 - 14 inch long pieces of ribbon.
From one end, string 1 to 3 beads and then knot the ribbon. This is where the paper clip comes in handy, because it helps to push the ribbon through the hole. Make sure your knot is big enough to keep the beads from slipping off the ribbon.
Take the large bead and string all three pieces of ribbon through the hole and then knot them.
If you want to use a finding then weave the ribbon through the openings and glue the end back to the ribbon. You can even sew the end of the ribbon to itself to form a loop. With mine, I had two findings that I fastened together with clear elastic thread and looped the ribbon on the inside, so that the ends were hidden.
The possibilities here are endless as to the types of beads, ribbon, and findings you can use. You can also create the bookmark with one ribbon or 5 ribbons. The separate ribbons allow you to mark several pages in a book.
Beaded Bookmarks--often marketed as "Book Thongs" and sold for seven to ten dollars at bookstores, but easy to make and an excellent project to use up odd bead leftovers from other projects. These also make lovely gifts--especially if you are also giving a book!
Approximate Time 10 Minutes
Supplies:
12 inches of Waxed Linen Thread, Embroidery Floss, or thin ribbon
Assorted beads and spacers--usually around ten pieces
Instructions:
Tie a double overhand knot or square not in one end of the thread, string, or ribbon. Be sure that the knot is bigger than the hole of the bead you wish to use (see picture)
String beads on the knot end of the thread, string, or ribbon. I usually add about an inch and a half's worth (see picture). Tie a knot at the end of the beads when the arrangement is to your liking. Again, be sure that the knot is bigger than the holes in the beads.
If you're nervous about making sure the bookmark is long enough to span a book, do a trial run with a book. Mark with your finger the appropriate length of thread, string, or ribbon (see picture).
Repeat step 2 on the other end of the thread, string, or ribbon.
Tie off the end so that no beads escape and you have a beaded bookmark suitable for reading or for gift giving! See the main picture for the finished product in use!
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These are simple and fun gifts to give for all kinds of occasions. They are easy enough for a child to complete, or you can make them more embellished for your personal use. 
Beaded Bookmarks--often marketed as "Book Thongs" and sold for seven to ten dollars at bookstores, but easy to make and an excellent project to use up odd bead leftovers from other projects. These also make lovely gifts--especially if you are also giving a book! 
What size of waxed linen string is best for beaded bookmarks? 
By Poor But Proud11/09/2011
Beaded Bookmarks
