Turn your Soda Can Cardboard into a Bookmark!

Here's the thing about soda can cardboard: it's the perfect texture for a bookmark!

I realize that my husband and I always end up having to recycle the cardboard and I usually keep some around to lay down before I paint in the kitchen or something. But this morning, I challenged myself to find a way to really use it for something I needed (but didn't want to have to buy at the store).

And that's when it hit me: I needed new bookmarks!

I went ahead and started cutting the Coca Cola box and started on the shape of the bookmark I wanted--as I went, I trimmed and ended up with straight lines and got a nice, rectangular bookmark. 

PRO TIP:

Use the lines from the branding on the box itself as guidelines for where to cut (e.g. I used the nutritional facts box as a guideline for when I started to cut, so I could have straight lines). Obviously here it's not quite how I wanted it just yet, but should give you an idea of what I mean as far as using the box to your advantage:

I was torn over whether I wanted to use my washi tape lying around the house, or even some scrapbook paper. Well, I went ahead and did both! I used Mod Podge to apply the paper to one side of the cardboard, and then used sticky washi tape to the other side! I just eyeballed everything since for this project I am about getting it done quickly (rather than being OCD). I am in low supply of bookmarks!

So as you can see, the edges are showing a bit and it's not perfect. But here's the thing:

This project took under 2 minutes from start to finish.

I have been swamped with work lately, and for me this was something I didn't have a whole of time to obsess over. We've all been there, right? You'll have to forgive me for this time. 

But I hope you have been inspired by my frugality! 

What other panty/household items do you save to turn into something else?

(i.e. do you save grocery bags, pasta sauce jars, et?)