DIY Guatemalan Weaving-Inspired Bookmarks

Activity:    Guatemalan weaving-inspired bookmarks

Click HERE for a Printable Copy!

 Guatemalan dress from Chichicastenango de Santo Tomás in Guatemala

Guatemalan dress from Chichicastenango de Santo Tomás

 

Recommended ages: 9 and older

Guatemala has a rich history of bright, bold, and beautiful textile weaving. Dating back 2,000 years weaving is an essential part of the identity and history of the Maya culture. Modern-day contemporary weavers are descendants of the Maya civilization and continue to practice this tradition from generation to generation.

 

You can make your very own Guatemalan weaving-inspired bookmark!

 

What do you need?

  • 1 cardstock paper 8 ½ x 11 inches
  • Ruler
  • Different color papers
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon
  • Hole Puncher
  • Contact paper (or laminating machine)

Finished bookmarks

 

 

How to make your Guatemalan weaving-inspired bookmark

 

Step 1) Place the cardstock paper horizontal and fold in half and then fold again.

             Open folds and cut on each fold and you will have 4 pieces of paper.

 

blank bookmarks

 

Step 2) Then fold each one again in the middle.  

                 Once folded cut four lines vertically. 

 

                  Unfold and it will look like the image below.

  

 

 

Step 3) Using the color paper. Cut 12 strips of 3 inches wide by ¾ inches high.

 

strips for bookmarks

 

 

Step 4) Insert color into the bookmark with the slits. Use the over and under technique.

             If you have color paper sticking out of the bookmark just cut and trim. Continue inserting strips of paper until you inserted all of the strips.

Inserting strips

 

 Step 5) Once you finished you can laminate or use contact paper to keep strips from coming apart.

                 Use a hole puncher to make a hole at the top and insert ribbon.

 

 

Post on social media your DIY Guatemalan weaving-inspired bookmarks and tag @booklandiabox with #booklandiakids #booklandiacrafts