Thoughts: Hannah's Blog

I don’t remember which was the first bookmark I ever made and when or who I gifted it to. And when I made my first bookmark, I don’t know whether I had any idea the number of bookmarks I will end up making by hand! (I must’ve definitely made more than 1000 by now)

For those who know me moderately well, they know that I make bookmarks as a hobby. (Because they would have eventually received one). For those that know me for a long time, they would have received more than one 🙂

At times it feels more than a hobby but a calling. It fills me with so much joy and purpose to make and share it with others. The entire process, from start to finish, be it cutting the cards out into the right sizes, drawing, painting, pasting, punching, tagging, I enjoy every part. (I forgot to mention the googling for designs/inspiration and endless browsing through pinterest)

I started off giving it to family, friends, church members and colleagues. Then moved on to my first bulk thank you cards for my son’s first birthday (made around 80) then my sister’s wedding (another 80) then my first order with my one and only customer (made 100 for my cousin)

I’m not known for consistency, so I usually switch between different hobbies, my interests die down quickly but I always seem to fall back into making bookmarks. I will cite one such example. I had given a break to making bookmarks and was involved in some thing else. (I think it was journaling) I got a message from one of my juniors who sent a photo of a bookmark I had given her 5 years ago, saying that she still has it and that the quote I had written for her was comforting to her current situation.

I’ve had my seasons of doubts on why do I even make bookmarks, do people really like to get bookmarks from me? etc., but this message out of the blue helped me get back on track to make more as it will eventually be of encouragement to someone at some point. The time I spend on making them is truly worth it.

I will share one final memory of something that is close to my heart. My grandfather was in his deathbed, in a hospital (We were blessed by his life of 90 years on this earth) He had stopped speaking or even opening his eyes at that point. They said he can probably still hear us, so we as a family made it a point to sit around and talk. My mom was singing songs and reading out the Bible to him. When I went for a visit, during visiting hours, I thought I’d do the same.

When I opened his Bible, I could see he had 3 bookmarks – all made by me. One I’d made for his previous birthday. Another one, the first time ever he asked me to make him a bookmark with some words of his choice. (He never asks much so it came as a surprise when he asked, it was 2020 new year) and one more made still earlier than that.

After seeing that, I needed time to process the gush of emotions coming over me. I had to fight back tears and took a few moments to bring myself to read some of his favorite underlined verses.

So I have made up my mind to continue making bookmarks and continue to share it with others. I know it means something to some people. My cousin always lets me know whenever she gifts my bookmarks to others and whenever she runs out of bookmarks to give, she places her next order of 100. I will soon be sending her the next batch. It’s almost done.

Recently, I’ve been trying to come up with some sort of a logo/tagline to add to the bookmarks, “Handmade by Hannah” does that sound good? Or any other suggestions?