Corner bookmarks are a delightful way to mark your place in a book, and when designed with a spooky bat theme, they become a perfect addition for Halloween or any time you want to add a touch of whimsy to your reading experience. I’m excited to share how to create double-sided clear bat corner bookmarks using your Cricut machine, clear sticker paper, and a laminator. This project is ideal for both beginners and seasoned crafters looking to create something unique and functional, so let’s get started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
Supplies Needed for Clear Corner Bat Bookmarks
Before we dive into the tutorial, it’s essential to gather all the materials you’ll need to complete this project. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Cricut Machine: Any Cricut machine that supports Print then Cut, such as the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker, will work perfectly.
- Deep Point Blade: You’ll need this specific blade to cut through the laminated sticker paper with precision.
- StrongGrip Cutting Mat: This mat is necessary for holding the laminated sticker paper in place while the Cricut cuts the design.
- Clear Sticker Paper: This will be used to print the bat images. The clear sticker paper gives the bookmarks a professional and polished look.
- Thermal Laminating Pouches: These sheets will protect your printed design and add durability to your bookmarks.
- Inkjet Printer: Ensure you have an inkjet printer to print the bat images on the clear sticker paper.
- Laminator: A laminator is required to seal the sticker paper within the laminating sheets.
- Scissors: Although most of the cutting will be done by your Cricut machine, a pair of scissors might be handy for trimming any excess laminate.
- Glue: To secure the edges of the bookmark.
Now that you have all your supplies ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of creating your clear corner bat bookmarks.
I created a quick video to show you the easy process of cutting and assembling, check it out below:
Step 1: Upload and Prepare the Bat Image in Cricut Design Space
The first step in creating your bookmarks is preparing the bat image in Cricut Design Space. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Upload the Bat Image: Open Cricut Design Space on your computer. Click on the “Upload” button located on the left-hand side of the screen. From here, you can upload your bat image. If you don’t have a bat image, you can find free designs online or purchase one from a design marketplace. I used this image from Creative Fabrica.
- Create an Offset: Select the “Offset” button and adjust the offset to your preference. Then change the color of the offset to white.
- Flatten the Images: To prepare the images for printing, you need to flatten them. Select both the original and offset, then click “Flatten” in the bottom toolbar. This action will merge the two images into a single Print then Cut file.
- Resize the Image: Adjust the size of your bat image to your desired dimensions. Typically, a size of about 3-4 inches wide is ideal for corner bookmarks.
- Duplicate the Image: Once the bat image is uploaded, select it on your canvas. In the top toolbar, click the “Duplicate” button. This will create an identical copy of your bat image. You need two images for the front and back of the bookmark.
- Mirror the Duplicated Image: To ensure the bookmark looks perfect from both sides, you’ll need to mirror one of the images. Select one of the bat images, go to the top toolbar, click on “Flip,” and then choose “Flip Horizontal.” This will create a mirrored version of your original bat image.
Step 2: Set Up for Print then Cut
The Print then Cut feature is what makes this project stand out. It allows you to print the bat images on clear sticker paper and then cut them out perfectly with your Cricut machine. Here’s how to set it up:
- Arrange the Images: On your canvas, place the original and mirrored bat images side by side. Ensure there’s enough space between them to cut them out individually but close enough to fit on the clear sticker paper.
- Prepare to Print: Click “Make It” in Cricut Design Space. This will take you to the preview screen. Make sure everything looks correct, then proceed to the printing settings. Select your printer and ensure the “Bleed” option is turned on. The bleed option adds a small margin around your images, ensuring that no white edges are visible after cutting.
Step 3: Printing the Bat Images
Printing is a crucial step that requires attention to detail to ensure the best results:
- Load Clear Sticker Paper: Load a sheet of clear sticker paper into your inkjet printer. Make sure it is properly aligned and that you’ve selected the correct printer settings for the best print quality.
- Print the Bat Images: Once your printer is set up, go ahead and print the bat images. Allow the printed sheet to dry completely before handling it. This step is essential to avoid smudging the ink.
- Check the Print Quality: Before proceeding, examine the print quality. Make sure the colors are vibrant, and the images are sharp. If necessary, adjust your printer settings and print again.
Step 4: Laminating the Sticker Paper
Laminating adds durability and a professional finish to your bookmarks, ensuring they stand up to regular use:
- Prepare the Laminating Sheet: Use a thermal pouch that is slightly larger than the printed images. This will give you some room to work with and ensure the entire sticker sheet is covered.
- Laminate the Sticker Sheet: Place the printed sticker sheet between the two layers of the laminating pouch. Make sure the sticker paper is centered to avoid any uneven lamination. (See the video above for a demonstration.) Run the sheet through your laminator according to the manufacturer’s instructions with heat. Laminating the sticker paper not only protects the print but also makes it sturdier for handling and use.
- Trim the Edges: After laminating, you may notice some excess laminate around the edges. Use scissors to carefully trim away any excess, leaving a neat edge around the print. Do not cut the registration marks.
Step 5: Cutting the Laminated Bat Images with Cricut
Now that your design is printed and laminated, it’s time to cut it out using your Cricut machine:
- Place the Laminated Sheet on the Mat: Place the laminated sticker sheet onto a StrongGrip cutting mat, ensuring it is firmly adhered to the mat. Load the mat into your Cricut machine.
- Select the Material and Blade: For this project I created a custom setting that worked best for me. Adjust as you see fit. To create a custom setting follow the steps below:
Select Your Cricut Machine: If prompted, select the Cricut machine you are using (e.g., Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker).
Choose Material Settings: On the material selection screen, scroll down and click on “Browse All Materials.”
A new window will pop up with a list of materials. Scroll to the bottom of this window and click on “Material Settings” (or “Add New Material” if using certain versions).
Create a New Material Setting: At the top of the Material Settings screen, you’ll see an option to “Add New Material.” Click on this button. A dialog box will appear, asking you to name your custom material. Enter “Laminate Bookmarks” as the name.
Adjust the Cut Pressure: Once you’ve named your material, adjust the cut pressure using the slider or by typing in “350” in the pressure box.
Select the Cutting Tool: In the “Blade Type” dropdown menu, select “Deep Point Blade.”
Set the Number of Cut Passes: In the same dialog box, there’s an option labeled “Multi-Cut.” Set this to “3x” to ensure the Cricut cuts through the laminate properly.
Save the Custom Setting: After you’ve adjusted all the settings (pressure, blade type, and cut passes), click the “Save” button to save your new custom material setting.
Use Your Custom Setting: Now, whenever you’re ready to cut your laminated bookmarks, you can select “Laminate Bookmarks” from the material list, and the Cricut will use the pressure, blade, and multi-cut settings you’ve configured. Save it as a favorite for easy use.
3. Cut the Bat Images: Click “Go” to begin the cutting process. Your Cricut machine will precisely cut around the bat images. Once cutting is complete, carefully remove the mat from the machine and peel away the excess material, leaving you with perfectly cut bat images.
Step 6: Assembling the Corner Bookmark
With the cutting complete, it’s time to assemble your bat corner bookmark:
- Align the Bat Images: Take the two cut bat images and align them back-to-back. The mirrored sides should face each other, ensuring the design is visible from both sides.
- Secure the Edges: Apply a small amount of hot glue to secure the edges of the bat images. Be sure to leave the inner corner edge open so that the bookmark can easily slide onto the corner of a book page.
- Press and Hold: After applying glue, press the edges together and hold for a few seconds to allow the glue to set. I also pinned them with small clips while they dried.
Step 7: Enjoy and Share Your New Bat Corner Bookmark!
Your clear corner bat bookmark is now complete and ready to use. Simply slide it onto the corner of a page to mark your spot in your favorite book. These bookmarks make excellent gifts, especially around Halloween, and are sure to delight anyone who wants a little extra flair to their favorite book!
Creating custom bookmarks like this is not only a fun craft project but also a fantastic way to personalize your reading experience. The clear design with the laminated finish gives a professional touch, making these bookmarks a great addition to any book lover’s collection.
I hope this tutorial is helpful so you can make a whole set of these spooky yet charming bookmarks to enjoy yourself or share with friends.
Need more bookmark ideas?
How to Create Clear Ghost Bookmarks with Cricut
How to Make Corner Bookmarks
How to Make Clear Bookmarks
Happy crafting!
PIN FOR LATER!
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1 comment
Love these!! What kind of glue did you use?