Faux-Glass Space Bookmark
Introduction: Faux-Glass Space Bookmark
In this instructable, I have made a faux-glass space bookmark using easily found cheap materials. It uses plastic to give it a glass-like look and is double-sided as well. A great craft for all you space lovers out there!
Supplies
2 pieces thin cardboard or cardstock
Plastic sheet
Paint (watercolour or acrylic)
Glue (preferably liquid)
A pencil
A black pen (preferably ball point)
Scissors
Exacto knife/ pen knife
Ruler
Paper clips/ bull clips
Black Marker (optional)
Glitter (optional)
Modge-podge (glue-water mixture can be used as a replacement)
Step 1: Draw the Pattern on Cardboard
Draw the design you want on your cardboard. Remember to draw and keep space for the front and reverse.
My cardboard piece is quite big here, so I am drawing both on a single piece of cardboard. Feel free to draw the front and back on separate cardboard pieces. You can use my design drawn here. :)
Step 2: Cut Out the Basic Shape of the Front and Back
Ensure that you cut out the front and back such that when kept together they line up perfectly.
A little hack for this could be to draw them side-by-side without a gap, so that you fold them over and ensure that the heights and lines match up.
Step 3: Outline the Design With Black Pen
This step will help you out when you later, as it forms ridges that guide your blade later. If you draw with a little pressure, it becomes wayyy easier.
This is also the step where you draw the details in, unlike the first step which was just planning the layout.
Step 4: Cut Out the Little Windows for the Plastic
Now, this is the fun part! using an exacto knife or pen knife (with adult supervision if you are under-age), neatly cut out the little windows where the plastic should appear. In my design, it is the red marked places.
Use the paper clips to keep your front and reverse cardboard together. You need to cut through both of them as shown. Also keep a heavy book, or a protective surface under the cardboard while cutting so that you do not cut through to the table.
I found this step a little difficult, so hey, take your time. 163
Feel free to neaten it up with scissors afterwards.
Step 5: Paint It In!
Paint in your planets!
If you are new to painting, then do check out this easy tutorial by <PERSON>. I love how she explains watercolours with ease, making it so interesting to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QiM8SO2ro
Otherwise, if you're a bit experienced, you can wing it like me!
Pro Tip: I found it easier to paint my planets in first and then paint the galaxy, because the galaxy can always be used to cover up any stray paint streaks from the planets.
I have used acrylic paint here. But the type of paint doesn't matter because at the end, we're going to make it durable.
Step 6: Draw in the Black Borders
You could do this step with black paint itself. But since my hand isn't that steady at straight lines, the easier alternative is to use black marker and draw it neatly.
This is also an opportunity for you to neaten up any paint streaks from the galaxy!
Step 7: Prepare the Plastic
At this step, neatly trace the little windows onto a plastic sheet. Leaving a slight margin between the traced shape, cut these pieces out. But wait! Don't stick them on yet. We have another important step before that
Step 8: Varnish the Cardboard
Using modge-podge or glue (add water if required) coat the painted sides of both the front and reverse cardboard panels. Coat it evenly and make sure the coat isn't too thick. I used glue, but the down-side is that unless you do it perfectly, it may not be smooth in places, giving it an unwanted texture.
The varnishing step ensures that this bookmark doesn't destroy your precious book! It also gives it durability to air, water and dust, so you never have to worry about fading or spills.
Optional: You could sprinkle in some glitter to give the illusion of stars. Lightly sprinkle them on to the fresh modge-podge or glue so that they sit tight!
Step 9: Stick the Plastic and Cardboard
Now, that you've got everything ready, it's time for the final step! Yes, simply assemble the pieces and glue them together. Follow the diagram above in case you're confused.
Step 10: That's It!
And that's it! 407