Creating with Heart: The Journey Behind the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellows’ Bookmarks

Hello!

Working on this project has been an absolute joy, as it holds a special place in my heart. Creating a paper product specifically for my fellow Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellows was not just a task—it was a deeply rewarding experience that I’ll cherish.

Papermaking has been a lifesaver for me in so many ways. It engages me on multiple levels—technically, it’s a challenge, but one that I embrace with enthusiasm. Each new technique I learn pushes me further, deepening my understanding and appreciation of the craft. Creatively, the possibilities are endless. This art form provides an intellectual escape from the daily caregiving tasks that often consume my time, and it has also given my husband, the veteran I care for 24/7, and me, a chance to collaborate. His experience with oil painting has been invaluable, especially when it comes to color theory. He’s my biggest cheerleader, and having him by my side in this creative journey makes it all the more special.

I knew it would be a significant undertaking when I accepted the project to create bookmarks for the Fellows’ swag bags. But I also knew it would be immensely rewarding—and it didn’t disappoint.

For the bookmarks, I chose a blend of Cotton Linters 2nd cut, bleached abaca, and unbleached abaca for the pulp. I used about 1 1/2 pounds (dry) to create these unique pieces. The paper fibers soaked for 24 hours before I added sparkles and sizing, then broke them down with a mud mixer. This process makes the fibers chunkier, and easier to break down further with a blender. Creating colors from the blended fibers is one of my favorite steps.

To pull the paper, I used a vat filled with water and the pulp, known as the slurry. I had three to four slurry containers going at once, each with a different color. Layering these colors with the wet pulp is like painting with liquid fibers—there’s no way to predict exactly how any piece will look when it’s dry. Each bookmark is unique, and that’s my favorite aspect of papermaking.

The bookmarks are made from 5x7 paper, folded in half, and glued with a special adhesive I make specifically for papermaking. To add a personal touch, I sprinkled lavender from my garden onto the glued paper before closing them and pressing them under books to ensure they are sealed properly. If you give one a gentle squeeze, you can smell the lavender—just a small sensory experience to remind you of the care that went into making each one.

As I worked on this project, I thought about all of you, my fellow caregivers, with each step. Our journeys are connected in so many ways, and I hope these bookmarks bring a little bit of beauty and calm into your lives.

If you have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out to me at cottageatmarehaven@gmail.com. I’d love to share more with you.