How to Laminate Bookmarks

Homemade bookmarks can be made from magazine pictures, precious photographs and hand drawings. You don't need special equipment to laminate--just use clear contact paper. The clear contact paper protects the bookmark just like laminating pouches. And at $3 a roll, the cost to laminate the bookmark is minimal.

Cut the bookmark to the desired shape and size. Measure the length and the width of the bookmark. Add 1/2-inch to each dimension. For example, if the bookmark is 4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide, the final measurement required is 4 1/2 inches by 2 inches.

Double the smallest dimension. For example, the required measurement is 4 1/2 inches by 2 inches. Double the smallest dimension, which is 2 inches. The measurement for the contact paper is 4 1/2 inches by 4 inches.

Measure, mark and cut a piece of clear contact paper to the determined measurement. Fold the cut contact paper in half to the original measured dimensions. Fold the paper to the inside with the clear contact paper on the outside of the shape. For example, the determined measurement in this example is 4 1/2 inches by 4 inches. Fold the cut contact paper in half so the paper covering the sticky back of the contact paper is on the inside of the fold to form a 4 1/2 inch by 2 inch rectangle.

Place the contact paper on a flat smooth surface so the sticky side is up. The sticky side is the side with the paper backing. Pull the paper off the sticky side of the contact paper to the fold line.

Carefully center the bookmark on the sticky area. Make sure to center it correctly before applying it to the contact paper. Contact paper is very sticky and no adjustment is possible to the bookmark once it is placed on the paper.

Gently press the bookmark in place on the contact paper with the craft stick. Begin rubbing the center of the bookmark working to the outside edges with the end of the craft stick. This removes air bubbles and presses the bookmark into the sticky material.

Carefully remove the paper from the remaining side of the contact paper. Carefully fold the sticky side of the paper on top of the bookmark, sandwiching it between the two layers.

Turn the craft stick so the long edge is parallel to the work surface. Place your fingers on the center of the bookmark to help hold it in place. Place the craft stick at the top of the bookmark. Slide the edge of the craft stick over the length of the bookmark to remove air bubbles and to ensure the contact paper is secure.

Trim around the outside edge of the bookmark leaving a 1/8-inch border of contact paper.