One of my regular models gave me the idea of making bookmarks when she saw one of my watercolor practice pages (shown at the bottom of this page).

When I finished my third book of sketches (given as a gift to some models and friends), I decided to try making personalized bookmarks as an additional bonus for some recipients.

I made my first bookmark on “Bookmark Paper”, which turned out to be too thin and curled when I added color. The recipient asked me to laminate it, and I have such a machine and did so. After that, I used heavier paper that I cut to size myself.

My second bookmark failed when I attempted to color it. Grrr. I decided to keep it for myself, but when I laminated it, it curled around the internal cylinder of the machine, destroying both the machine and the bookmark!

After that, I have been more careful when adding color and laminating (I bought a new machine). I like the exercise of working on such a small canvas, drawing and painting on both sides, and the constant risk of ruining my efforts at any moment.