So many books, so little time…and even less bookmarks. My house is overflowing with books. There are old favourites that I need to re-read, under piles of library books, spilling over onto stacks of my recent book-spree buys. With all the recent additions to my TBR pile, I have resorted to using receipts and sticky-notes as bookmarks since I only have so many actual bookmarks (magnetic, fabric, tasseled, etc).
Of my actual bookmarks, magnetic work best as they obviously don’t slip out and lose my place, and of my makeshift bookmarks, I rather favour sticky-notes as I can jot down thoughts – handy for writing quick reviews afterwards – something I like to do as it helps books and supports authors. But my new favourite is this one, made from my son’s baby hair, which I saved from his first haircut at age two, and his second haircut at four, just before starting school. Aww.
I sewed the locks onto felt material and faux leather fabric, then used fabric glue to bind them, and the curls give a rather flower-like appearance, which is why I added the green felt stem for aesthetic reasons. The whole thing is attached to black elastic, which fits most of the books I read, regardless of size or width. This way I can bring a reminder of him with me wherever I go; and as a ‘twiddler’, I can play with the curls while I read, rather than twiddling my own hair.
I’ve had mixed reactions to my baby hair bookmark. Most people think it’s a cute idea, and react with ‘aahs’, though a few folks have commented that they find the idea of hair keepsakes a bit creepy generally. I don’t mind hearing people’s true opinions, as I find it interesting either way.
What do you think? Cute, or creepy? Feel free to comment!
Leilanie Stewart 