What better way to regularly remind yourself of our triennium theme than with a bookmark? Exercise your creativity at the same time!

The inner portion of this bookmark (without any beads) fits nicely within the pages of a book, allowing the two beaded ends to hang out the top and bottom of the book. The bookmark you are making will easily fit within most paperback books and many Bibles. You can tailor this type of bookmark to fit a particular book.

If using this bookmark with a devotional book or Bible, you might treat the bookmark much like a rosary or prayer beads. Say a prayer petition as you touch each bead, perhaps offering thanks for ways in which you were able to act boldly this day or seeking discernment as you find your bold. For more on this topic, see A String and a Prayer: How to Make and Use Prayer Beads by Eleanor Wiley and Maggie Oman Shannon (Red Wheel 2002).

Read through all the directions before beginning this easy project. You’ll be able to find all the items for this project at your local craft store or online.

If making just one or two bookmarks, you might want to splurge and purchase better quality beads at a bead store. If you are making these bookmarks in a large group, like at a synodical convention or retreat, you can make a fine bookmark using relatively inexpensive beads found at craft, hobby or fabric stores.

This bookmark looks best when you vary the size and color of the beads. Generally, place the largest beads near each end of the bookmark. Let your bookmark reflect your style and imagination. Trade beads with a friend to get the right look.

Supply list
To make one bookmark, you will need

• Alphabet beads to spell Act Boldly

• 10–20 beads of varying sizes and colors

• Waxed linen thread, in a color that complements beads

• Scissors

Directions
1. Cut a piece of waxed linen approximately 20" long. To help in feeding the linen through the beads, cut the linen thread on an angle. If it becomes frayed while threading the beads, trim it again as needed.

2. Tie a knot about 4 ½ inches from one end. This is the "inner knot."

3. Place the linen in front of you so that the un-knotted end of the 4 ½ length is to your left. Starting at the un-knotted end of the 4 ½ length, thread on about six colored beads and the T, C, and A beads, alternating colors and letters as you wish. Take care to thread the letter beads in the correct order; the T bead should be the closest letter to inner knot. Leave at least 1 ½ inches free of beads at the end. 4. Tie a knot next to the last bead, making sure the knot is as close as possible to the bead. Then tie a second knot on top of the first knot.

5. Snip off the waxed linen close to the knots.

6. Turning to the other end of the waxed linen, tie a knot about 6 1/2 inches from the end. (If making the bookmark for a specific book, make sure that the space between the two inner knots is longer than the length of the book’s pages.)

7. Thread on about six colored beads and the B, O, L, D, L, Y beads, alternating colors and letters as you wish. Take care to thread the letter beads in the correct order. The B bead should be the closest letter to this inner knot. Leave at least 1 ½ inches free of beads at the end.

8. Tie a knot next to the last bead, making sure the knot is as close as possible to the bead. Then tie a second knot on top of the first knot.

9. Snip off the waxed linen close to the knots.