The latest bestseller or a classic novel always make a great gift, but you can make it more special by adding something personalized and handcrafted to enjoy long after the story ends.
And, while you’re at it, you’ll probably want to make one of these simple, creative projects for yourself!
In just a few minutes, you can create bookplates to personalize your own books or make a gift more meaningful. Lending out something from your own library? Bookplates are a gentle reminder to borrowers to return those books to you.
Simply download and print
Let the kids help These Kids’ bookplates are great for keeping track of the kids’ school books.
Personalize gifts Celtic bookplates add a magical touch to any book.
Design your own
Choose an image Find a photo or create an image on your computer.
Add text Combine the photo and text using software such as Microsoft Word. In Word, you can drag the image into a blank document, then add text such as “This book belongs to Todd Baker” or “Property of the Brewsters” underneath.
Print design Print your design on photo paper or label paper.
Cut Cut out the bookplate.
Adhere to the book If you used photo paper, adhere it to a book using photo-safe glue.
This bookmark is ready to print at the HP Activity Center—along with countless other creative projects.
Add even more meaning to your reading with personalized bookmarks.
Create your own
Choose image and print Print a favorite panoramic image onto photo paper or card stock. (If you need to resize your image first, try using HP’s free photo editing software, HP Photosmart Essential.)
Cut it down Trim to size (bookmarks are typically between 1" and 2" wide and between 5" and 7" long).
Laminate To increase the life of your bookmarks, have them laminated at a copy shop.
Keep it simple If a quick “download and print” is more your style, the Northwest Native American and Celtic book kits above also include stunning bookmarks in traditional styles.
Cloth book weights also make great paperweights for the office.
Hold your place using this handy book weight—great for when you’re following a recipe from a cookbook or reading outside on a windy day. Make it in five easy steps:
Print your design Print your favorite design or photo onto an HP iron-on transfer using your inkjet printer. For useful tips and tricks, check out the article, Print your own iron-ons.
Iron it onto fabric Iron it onto light colored fabric that’s at least 50% cotton, and cut it into a 6" x 8" size. (If you need to resize your image first, try using HP’s free photo editing software, HP Photosmart Essential.)
Fold fabric Fold in half lengthwise with printed sides together (the bookweight will appear inside-out).
Sew Sew the sides, leaving a 1-1⁄2" opening on one short side.
Fill Turn right-side-out and fill with dried beans.
Blank journals hold unlimited creative possibilities.
Keep a photo record of the seasons.
A Zen garden matchbook to take anywhere
HP Photo Books look polished and are easy to make.
Create handmade journals to give as gifts. Use them to keep photos, record your thoughts, or jot down passages that inspire you.
Get all the art and instructions at the HP Activity Center:
Tell your story With the creative Your life, your journal project, you can combine photos, drawings, and words to express anything you like.
Record the seasons Time seems more meaningful when you take note of all of its subtle work. The Garden photo journal can help you keep track of every month in photos.
Pocket memories This beautiful Zen garden matchbook is the perfect little “brag book” for carrying photos of what you cherish most.
Worth thousands of words For a simple, lasting, and professional-looking way to preserve your photos, take a look at the HP Photo Books. Putting them together is a snap!
Printable version
