We just returned from a visit to the sunshine state, and it’s time to hit the library for some summer reading! Getting out of your hometown and visiting other cities and states can be so inspiring. I was able to stop by the Rifle Paper Co. headquarters in Winter Park while we were in Florida, and I noticed that all the street signs have a cute little orange in the corner! There are shops selling fresh, homegrown oranges everywhere down there.

I decided to make some fun bookmarks to remind us of our vacation while we dive into some good books! Make some Florida orange bookmarks of your own, and share them with your friends or book club. They are great as paperclips in your office too if you need a little glimpse of summer while you work!

• 1” Styrofoam ball
• Gold paperclip
• Precision knife
• Sponge brush
• Scissors
• Toothpick
• Small twigs
• Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint (Jack-o-Lantern)
• Green streamers in 2 shades
• Glue (optional)

Step 1
Use a sponge brush to paint your Styrofoam ball orange.

Step 2
Layer two shades of green streamers, and cut out some very small leaves in proportion with your 1” Styrofoam balls. Leave a little extra length on the bottom of the leaves, because the ends will be tucked into the ball. Twist the ends of the two leaves together a bit, and set aside.

Step 3
Cut a twig into pieces about ½” long.

Step 4
Use a precision knife in one end of the ball, to cut a slit the width of your paperclip. Make the slit deep enough to hold about half the length of the clip, and insert the clip until it is wedged in enough to stay in place. You may want to add a dab of glue, and allow to dry.

Step 5
Poke a hole in the opposite end of the ball, using a toothpick. Place the twisted end of your streamer leaves over the hole, and push your twig piece halfway into the ball. The twig should hold the leaves in place, but again, you may want to add a dab of glue before pushing the leaves in with the stem.

Now you can hold your page in a book with a cute little Florida orange!

Happy crafting!