Make embossed composite bookmarks

1. Select the live (fresh) flowers you want to make into a bookmark. Thinner flowers are best because they are easier to press and dry. Small, delicate flowers like violets, violas, and forget-me-nots are perfect for laminated embossed bookmarks, but there are many possibilities. Make sure the flower heads are tender enough to squish.

2. If you wish, you can separate the petals from the flower head, or leave the flower intact. Place the flowers flat on a white paper towel. You don't need to worry about arranging them now, but make sure none of the petals are touching each other. You don't want the petal colors to bleed into each other or the petals to stick together.

3. Cover the flowers with another white paper towel so that they are sandwiched between the two paper towels. Carefully place the paper towels (and flower petals) between a pile of thick books. You can also place them between the pages of a heavy book and close the book. You want to completely flatten and dry the flower heads.

4. Check the flowers weekly to see if they are thoroughly dry and flattened. It may take up to four weeks for the flowers to completely dry and flatten. Do not use any products such as acrylic spray or hairspray to help preserve the flowers - these products are not required when making laminated bookmarks.

5. Cut bookmarks from two sheets of laminate. The two parts should be exactly the same size as they will be the two sides of the bookmark. Use a ruler to make sure the edges are parallel and straight. Standard bookmarks are usually 2 inches by 6 inches, but you can make bookmarks according to your needs.

6. Open the laminate sheets and glue them together so that they are next to each other. Using tweezers, gently lift the dried flowers off the paper towel and place them on one of the laminate sheets (freshly cut out) in the pattern of your choice. NOTE: You will not be able to rearrange the flowers once they are placed on the laminated paper. Gently press the flowers to remove any remaining air bubbles.

7. Add any extra special touches to your bookmarks. Decoupage, glitter (in small amounts), and other paper-thin embellishments can make your bookmark unique and personal. However, these are not required. Gently press the embellishments into the laminate.

8. Place the other laminate adhesive side down on top of the laminate with flowers and other decorations (if any). As you glue the sheets to each other, slowly and carefully press the two sheets together to deflate any air bubbles. You can't undo the laminate once it's been glued together, so make sure they line up correctly.

9. Rub the bookmark with your hands to eliminate any extra air bubbles. Use a hole punch to punch a hole near the top center of the bookmark.

10. Fold the thin 8-inch ribbon in half and insert the folded section first into the hole in the bookmark to form a loop. Once the folded ribbon is halfway through the hole, slide the two loose ends of the ribbon through the loop.

Pull on both ends until the ribbon is securely attached to the bookmark