Bookmarks on the Scroll Saw

Not everyone uses bookmarks these days but if you have folks on your gift list who still prefer the look and feel of a physical book this is a good project.

Bookmark samples made by Tam Godfrey

I use a scroll saw but you could also use a fret saw, or if you don’t want to cut a pattern into the bookmark, you could transfer or paint a design on it. Better yet, if you have children on your gift list sand the blank smooth and invite them to paint or colour it as they wish.

I’ve made blanks for bookmarks a couple of different ways.  I picked up a ‘pizza box’ of veneer a few years ago and I’ve laminated 3 layers of veneer to give me a blank. Make it thicker by adding more layers if you like. The size of the bookmark is up to you. Length seems to vary from 5 ½ to 6 ½ inches, from 1 ½ to 2 inches in width, and from 1/32 to 1/16 in thickness.

Another way to make blanks is to resaw scrap. If you have a well-tuned bandsaw that’s the preferred tool. Steve Good at Scroll Saw Workshop has a YouTube video where he resaws blanks for bookmarks using his scroll saw. It isn’t quick but if you have a scroll saw and no bandsaw it gets the job done. Although I’ve never used it, some makers suggest aircraft plywood that comes in various thicknesses. Sand out the saw marks and you’re ready to begin.

At its simplest, a bookmark is a smooth piece of wood. You can go as simple or as fancy as you like. A design I like quite well involves cutting a flap in the blank so that it can sit over the top of a page. I think I got this idea from a scroll saw magazine, but I haven’t been able to find the actual article. To do this I drill starter holes for the blade. These can be 1/8 inch which is larger than you need for simple blade entry. The larger holes will help to stop the wood from splitting when the flap is flexed to put it over top of the page. In the photo below I’ve used a letter. It’s an easy way to personalize the project.

If you use a generic pattern you can stack-cut the bookmarks. When you’re finished you can finish them with a wipe on poly or simply give them a good sanding. If you leave the wood unfinished it will develop a patina as it is handled.