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Make Bookmarks with Canva and Silhouette Cameo

Creating your own custom bookmarks is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your reading experience. With Canva’s easy-to-use design tools and the precision of the Silhouette Cameo, you can print and cut a custom bookmark in no time. This, along with the durability of lamination sheets, you can make bookmarks that are both beautiful and long-lasting. Get ready to follow this step-by-step guide to craft your very own unique bookmarks with Canva and your Silhouette.

How to Create Custom Bookmarks with Canva, Silhouette Cameo, and Lamination Sheets

Materials Needed:

Bookmarks with Canva and Silhouette

Step 1: Design Your Bookmark in Canva

First, create a new design in Canva. Go to Canva and sign in to your account. If you don’t have a Canva account, you can register for a Free account.

Once you’re in Canva, click on “Create a design”.

staring a new design in canva

Next, select “Custom dimensions.” A typical bookmark size is 2″ x 6″. With these lamination sheets you could also create 2″x7″ bookmarks.

sizing your design in Canva

Next, design your bookmark. Use Canva’s tools to add backgrounds, images, text, and any other elements you like. You can also use some of the Canva templates and edit them to personalize.

Designing bookmarks in Canva
bookmark design in Canva

Once you’re satisfied with your design, you’re ready to click on the download button at the top right corner and use the right arrow to choose your download options.

Download your bookmark from Canva

I usually choose to download the PNG option and make sure “Transparent Background” is checked. I also use the quality slider and choose 3x the size. This is an optional step, but you will get a high quality image and can downsize back to 2″x6″ in Silhouette Studio.

Step 2: Prepare Your Silhouette Cameo

Now, open Silhouette Studio. Launch the Silhouette Studio software on your computer. Use the page setup panel icon on the upper right and choose a letter size design page.

Next, import your design. Import your PDF design into Silhouette Studio. I usually use the “Merge” command from the “File” menu on the upper left hand corner of the program.

Merge function in Silhouette Studio

Next, set up your cut lines. Go to the send panel, click on your design, and choose “Cut Edge” to cut your design. You can also set your cut settings to “Cardstock, Plain”.

cardstock cut setting for print and cut in Silhouette Studio

Go to page “Setup” and on the third tab over, turn on your registration marks. Your Cameo (or Portrait) will read these marks and know where to cut your design.

Silhouette page setup for cutting bookmarks created with Canva

Go ahead and duplicate the one you created or use the “File>Merge” function to add other bookmark designs to your page. Fit as many as you can within the red cut lines and avoid the hash mark area of your page when positioning your designs.

Full sheet of custom bookmarks in Silhouette Studio

Now you’re ready to print and cut your bookmarks. Print your bookmark design on cardstock paper using your printer. I love the clear and vibrant printing of my HP Envy.

Printing custom bookmarks from Silhouette Studio

Place the printed sheet on your cutting mat and load it into the Silhouette Cameo. Send the job to your Silhouette Cameo to cut out the bookmarks.

Cutting custom bookmarks with Silhouette Cameo

Step 3: Laminate Your Bookmarks

First, prepare the lamination sheets. Take your bookmark size lamination sheets out of the package.

Then, laminate the bookmarks. Open your bookmark lamination sheet. Place each cut-out bookmark inside a lamination sheet. Make sure it’s centered and smooth without any wrinkles or bubbles.

Next, seal the laminates. Follow the instructions for your lamination machine to seal the bookmarks.

Laminating bookmarks

Step 4: Trim the Laminated Bookmarks

If desired, cut the excess laminate. Use a pair of scissors or a paper trimmer to carefully cut around the edges of your laminated bookmarks, leaving a small border to keep the seal intact.

trim laminated bookmarks with paper trimmer

Step 5: Enjoy Your Custom Bookmarks

Finally, your custom bookmarks are now ready to use! Enjoy the satisfaction of using your own personalized bookmark in your favorite books or give them as thoughtful gifts to fellow book lovers.

Final Tips:

  • Experiment with different designs and themes to match various books or occasions.
  • Consider adding tassels or ribbons to the top of your bookmarks for an extra touch of elegance.
  • Don’t forget to check out the bookmark size lamination sheets. These are wonderful and yield a very professional looking project.

By following these steps, you can create high-quality, durable bookmarks with Canva and your Silhouette. Let YOUR bookmarks showcase your unique style.

For a fun way to make bookmarks with your Cricut drawing pens check out THIS project!

Be sure to join the Say It With Simplicity Crafting Group on Facebook and share your unique bookmark designs. Happy crafting!

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