DIY Vintage Brooch Bookmarks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 11/05/2025

Have you ever wished you could transform your treasured vintage brooches into something both practical and stylish? Many of us possess beautiful antique or vintage brooches, tucked away in jewelry boxes, rarely seen. These charming pieces, often imbued with sentimental value or simply possessing exquisite craftsmanship, deserve more than a dusty existence. This is where the ingenious idea of repurposing them into unique and personalized bookmarks comes in. Imagine the delight of marking your place in your favorite novel with a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece of history.

Forget boring, mass-produced bookmarks – embrace the elegance and individuality of a DIY vintage brooch bookmark! This guide will walk you through a simple, yet effective process, perfect for crafters of all skill levels. Ready to turn your cherished brooches into beautiful, functional book companions? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Rhinestone brooches
  • Clip-on earrings
  • Buttons
  • Heart charms
  • Tassels
  • 9-inch ribbon (grosgrain recommended)
  • Ribbon ends
  • Crimp ends
  • Fabric glue
  • Metal filigrees
  • Jump rings
  • Chain nose pliers
  • Round nose pliers
  • Wire snips
Safety Guidelines
  • Always handle vintage brooches gently to avoid damage to the delicate enamel, stones, or metal. Avoid excessive force when attaching the brooch.
  • Before gluing, thoroughly clean both the brooch and the bookmark to ensure a strong bond. Use a glue specifically designed for jewelry and book materials (e.g., archival-quality glue).
  • If the brooch is particularly heavy or fragile, consider reinforcing the bookmark with additional support, such as a piece of sturdy cardstock or fabric, before attaching the brooch to prevent breakage or damage to the book pages.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Brooches and Buttons

    • Remove pin backs from brooches and shanks from buttons using wire snips. Wear eye protection.
    Remove pin backs from brooches and shanks from buttons using wire snips. Wear eye protection.
    Prepare Brooches and Buttons

  2. Secure Ribbon Ends

    • Attach ribbon ends to the ribbon using fabric glue for extra security. Ensure the crimp ends are the same width as your ribbon.
    • Secure the crimp ends onto the ribbon using flat nose pliers. Press firmly to compress the crimp end and secure it to the ribbon.
    Secure the crimp ends onto the ribbon using flat nose pliers. Press firmly to compress the crimp end and secure it to the ribbon.Secure the crimp ends onto the ribbon using flat nose pliers. Press firmly to compress the crimp end and secure it to the ribbon.
    Secure Ribbon Ends

  3. Attach Filigrees and Prepare for Jump Rings

    • Attach metal filigrees to the back of the brooch using glue to create loops for attaching jump rings. Allow glue to dry completely (15 minutes).
    Attach metal filigrees to the back of the brooch using glue to create loops for attaching jump rings. Allow glue to dry completely (15 minutes).
    Attach Filigrees and Prepare for Jump Rings

  4. Attach Charm to Brooch

    • Open jump rings using two pairs of pliers (one holding, one twisting). Attach one end of the jump ring to the lower filigree and the other end to a charm (heart, etc.). Close the jump ring.
    Open jump rings using two pairs of pliers (one holding, one twisting). Attach one end of the jump ring to the lower filigree and the other end to a charm (heart, etc.). Close the jump ring.
    Attach Charm to Brooch

  5. Attach Brooch to Ribbon

    • Repeat step 5 to attach the top of the brooch assembly to the ribbon.
    Repeat step 5 to attach the top of the brooch assembly to the ribbon.
    Attach Brooch to Ribbon

  6. Attach Tassel to Ribbon

    • Attach a tassel to the other end of the ribbon using the same jump ring technique as steps 5 and 6.
    Attach a tassel to the other end of the ribbon using the same jump ring technique as steps 5 and 6.
    Attach Tassel to Ribbon

Read more: DIY Wonky House Brooches: The Fastest & Easiest Method

Tips

  • Use grosgrain ribbon for best results with crimp ends.
  • Use smaller gunmetal jump rings for a more refined look, but larger rings make the process easier to see.
  • Always open jump rings by twisting, not pulling apart. This prevents damage and keeps the ring circular.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Glue Application

Reason: Uneven glue distribution leads to the brooch tilting or falling off the bookmark.
Solution: Ensure even glue coverage on the back of the brooch before attaching it to the bookmark.

2. Choosing a Brooch Too Heavy for the Bookmark

Reason: A heavy brooch can cause the bookmark to bend or tear, especially with thinner materials.
Solution: Select a lightweight brooch or use a sturdier bookmark material like cardstock or sturdy fabric.

FAQs

What kind of glue is best for attaching the brooch to the bookmark?
A strong adhesive like E6000 or a heavy-duty craft glue is recommended for securely attaching the brooch to the bookmark material. Ensure the glue is specifically designed for use on metal and your chosen bookmark material (e.g., felt, leather, cardstock).
Can I use any type of brooch for this project?
Generally, yes! However, very heavy or unusually shaped brooches might be less suitable. Consider the weight and size in relation to the bookmark material – you want a secure and balanced finished product. Avoid brooches with fragile or easily damaged parts.