Activity Two September 2008

Start off this year’s Bible studies right with a “Pressed Flower Bible Marker” from Ann Ball’s Catholic Traditions in the Home and Classroom, pp. 65-66.

Pressed Flower Bible Marker

You will need:

ordination souvenir card(s) or holy card
small flowers and leaves
craft glue stick
tweezers
scissors
heavy colored paper (not construction paper)
1 sheet laminating paper or clear Contac
thin satin or grosgrain ribbons, 24" each
hole punch

Cut a 4" x 6" rectangle from heavy colored paper. Do not use construction paper, as this type of paper fades rapidly. Center the ordination or “holy” card on one side, with the picture showing, and attach it with a glue stick. On the back, center and paste the other card so that the text shows. If you do not have a card for the back, you can write a personal message by hand, or type or print it neatly on another color of paper and paste that on the back. A pair of tweezers will help you lay your pressed flowers in a decorative manner around the picture on your card. When you are satisfied with your design, glue the flowers in place by brushing a small amount of glue (mixed with a little water) onto the paper and carefully adding your flowers. Allow to dry.

Laminate your card front and back with the laminating paper. This is tricky, so read the instructions that come with the laminating paper carefully. You may even want to practice some other type of card first; it would be a shame to let this part spoil your entire project. You should cut your paper larger than the card, fold down the backing a bit and stick it to a counter. Then carefully smooth the paper down and across the face of your card. Turn the card over and repeat the process. Using the handles of your scissors, press down tightly all around the edge of the card to make certain the two pieces of laminating paper are tightly stuck to each other. Trim off the excess about 1/16" from the edge of your card; if you cut too close, the paper may peel away.

Carefully punch three holes across the top of your card. The top of each hole should be no closer than ½" to the edge of the card. Space them evenly across the card, one in the center and one each equidistant from the center hole and the edge of the card. Fold a piece of ribbon in half and push the loop through a hole from the front to the back. Thread the loose ends of the ribbon through the loop and pull taut. Repeat for the other two pieces of ribbon. Carefully draw a thin line of craft glue or fabric paint across the end of each ribbon to keep the ribbon from fraying. Your finished bookmark can mark several places in the recipient’s bible or prayer book.

If you particularly enjoyed this craft, you may want to try a larger project. Using the same technique, you can press and glue flowers on a larger religious print. Frame your work in a picture frame under glass, as the Germans did.

Try making one usingOSV’s Year of St. Paul Holy Card! The cards can be ordered in quantity by clicking here»
Or, download for free by clicking here»