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
write meg! 
I am the opposite – I use anything I can find laying around as a bookmark. Should be more prepared…
LikeLike
OMG those are LOVELY! I’m so bad, I just fold the page in half. *eek* I’m sure I am your worst nightmare.
LikeLike
Very pretty! But I’m with you – only flat bookmarks will do!
LikeLike
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! 🙂
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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!).
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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!!
LikeLike
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 😛
LikeLike
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*
LikeLike
I still have the bookmark you gave me! It’s so pretty! It’s the only one i haven’t lost!
LikeLike
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!)
LikeLike