I’m a picky person. I don’t create a lot of drama about things — well, not usually — but I do prefer things to always go my way. Strict rules govern how I like to eat, write, work and, of course, read. And these same rules dictate to me what I can even use to mark my place in the books I read! It’s probably a little bit more than obsessive-compulsive, but I like to control everything . . . even down to bookmarks.
Yes — bookmarks.
If you flip open one of my paperbacks, you’re not going to find a receipt or magazine postcard wedged in the spine. Nor will you come across an old grocery list, a notecard or a photo. I use paper bookmarks exclusively — the flat, cardstock ones typically found for free by registers at Borders or the like. I don’t like plastic, and I don’t like metal. I can’t get into anything that makes the book bigger or doesn’t let the pages lie flat. I’m not into tassles hanging off the pages, and I don’t like anything that’s going to be longer than the actual book itself. I can occasionally get behind some ribbon — but it depends on the type.
Are you still reading? Do you think I’m totally nuts?
If your answer is a resounding “YES!”, I’m happy to share some of the creations others have made on Etsy . . . because I love them, but I just can’t imagine I’d ever use them. Because I’m just — meh. I have to do it my way! I have about 15 flat, cardstock bookmarks I just rotate from book to book, and I can’t see that changing anytime soon.
The only exception to this is a paperclip bookmark made by the lovely Kristine of beach cottage studio. With an awesome journal I purchased from her in the spring, she sent me one of her creations — and I do love it, and use it often! It was very sweet of her to include it, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
Ready for some more bookmark love? Then cast aside your reservations and start clicking!
Ribbon bookmark by beachcottagestudio, $4.95
Murano glass heart bookmark by caldon98, $10
Minty the Happy Cupcake bookmark by littlegenschi, $6.50
Set of three corner bookmarks by LilBitSassy, $2.50
July 28, 2009 at 11:53 am
I am the opposite – I use anything I can find laying around as a bookmark. Should be more prepared…
July 28, 2009 at 12:05 pm
OMG those are LOVELY! I’m so bad, I just fold the page in half. *eek* I’m sure I am your worst nightmare.
July 28, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Very pretty! But I’m with you – only flat bookmarks will do!
July 28, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I loved this post! I’m very similar in my OCD. All summer I used one bookmark – just a lame Dewey Decimal one haha – but unfortunately I lost it in the lake when I was reading while fishing. So I am currently using the cable bill until I can get to the library to pick up another bookmark!
July 28, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I love this post! That paperclip bookmark looks like a really cute idea. I could totally make one of those. The corner bookmark also looks like something I could get behind–I wouldn’t mind trying that one out.
Generally, though, I confess I am one of those guilty receipt-bookmark users. That is mainly because whenever I have a real bookmark, I tend to lose it. Bookmarks just aren’t something at the top of my mind unless I have an immediate need for one. Most often I go to close a book and wind up scrambling for something to mark my page. Lately I’ve been getting most of my books from the library hold shelf, and they have a receipt with my name tucked into each book, and that works out quite nicely.
Not long ago I had a book thong a dear friend gave me. I loved it. It had a few pretty beads on top and a Celtic cross on the bottom. Alas, I lost it at Subway. Don’t ask me where it went. I looked everywhere. I have to admit, I’m still a bit heartbroken about it.
I just can’t bring myself to go through that kind of love and loss again.
July 28, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I am on the look out for new bookmarks (they’re actually on my shopping list!) because I’ve lost every.single.one.I.own. I didn’t think that was even possible, as I thought I had pretty much a lifetime supply (my Grandma was a librarian).
I’m using the receipt from the library right now. Classy. That paper clip one is super cute! I don’t know if I would use it, but it’s really cute
I might buy it just to look at it! I like the idea of the page corners, I’ve never seen anything like that! I’ll have to check them out (cheap, too!).
July 28, 2009 at 4:20 pm
You’re not nuts! I’m not too picky about bookmarks, but I don’t use metal ones either. They just fall off all the time. I really like the corner ones you posted.
July 28, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I love bookmarks, but will admit that I use whatever is handy in a tight spot. In my opinion, that old receipt or train ticket is better than dog earing the page! I’m not all that picky, but I must have flat bookmarks. For some reason I can never get the metal ones to work for me. They just fall off, especially the pretty ones with the heavier tops.
July 28, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Those are all so pretty. I make my own because I have so much scrapbook stuff left over when I’m done with a book!!
July 29, 2009 at 10:14 pm
You’re not the only nut in your nut basket! I am picky on bookmarks too, although not entirely on the same things. Like you, it shouldn’t make the book heavier, and I don’t like “clips” that damage the pages. My bookmarks have to be longer than the book so that I can easily pick where I left off. I also don’t want to use a bookmark with a specific book on it, in an another book. And other details like that
July 30, 2009 at 4:41 pm
From all the comments, you can be assured that you are not alone and you’re definitely not nuts!
I could never use the various metal bookmarks I’ve received as gifts. They always seem to fall out, and make the pages bulge out as well.
I usually pick up the flat bookmarks at the library. They’re very sturdy and are usually creative. My current favorite is “Revenge of the Librarians” showing a scary liberian going after someone with an overdue book! *L*
July 30, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I still have the bookmark you gave me! It’s so pretty! It’s the only one i haven’t lost!
July 31, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I’m kind of fussy about bookmarks too, although I love to collect all kinds of them, I usually only use certain kinds – very flat, and not longer than the book. So I have different bookmarks for hardcovers and paperbacks
When I was younger, I spent a lot of time at the school library helping the librarian. She always used a kleenex tissue for a book mark because she said it was the only thing thin enough to be safe for the spine! (I’ve rememebered that all these years later – although I don’t follow her advice!)