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Homemade Bookplates

Bookplates are an excellent way to make sure you clearly mark the books you own. They are also a great way to make sure any books you loan out come back to you. A simple bookplate can list just your name, or you can pump up the artistry level by adding an image, contact information, fancy lettering and even make special care requests of the borrower. It is up to you how detailed you want to get with your bookplate, so follow these simple steps to get started.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Printer
  • Microsoft Word software
  • Printable acid-free labels (format 6572)
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Instructions

  1. Simple Bookplate

    • 1
      Microsoft Word is loaded on almost all computers.

      On your computer, open up your Microsoft Word program to a new blank document.

    • 2
      Labels make great bookplates.

      Select "Tools," "Labels," "Options." You will be given a list of many labels to choose from. Select "6490 Diskette" (this is the 2 inch by 2.63 inch label format). This label size is designed for a 3-inch computer disk and should fit in a variety of books from small paperbacks to large coffee table books. The format will also work with the newly developed "Acid-Free" label format 6572, which is recommended for use in books. Click "Okay" twice and this will take you to your document with a grid for the labels.

    • 3
      Click and select.

      Click in the first box in the top left of your screen to place your cursor in the proper location.

    • 4
      Center your design.

      Center your text in the label. Click "Format," "Paragraph." In the Alignment box select "Centered," then click "Okay." (If you are familiar with the icon shortcuts in the toolbar at the top of your screen, you may quickly center your text by clicking on the "Align Center" icon.)

    • 5

      Type in your name as you would like it to appear. If you would like to add more information, push the "Enter" key on your keyboard to go to the next line to enter your address, phone number, email address, website or any additional information you would like to share.

    Adding Artwork

    • 6
      Adding artwork can personalize your bookplate.

      You may choose to add artwork to your bookplate. To do this, after Step 5 in Section 1 above, place your cursor below the last line of text you have entered and click on the "Enter" key on your keyboard to take you to a new line.

    • 7

      Click "Insert," "Picture," "Clip Art" to search for a picture to add to your bookplate.

    • 8

      A Clip Gallery will appear on your screen. Look through the options to see what art would be most appropriate for your style. When you find a picture you like, click on it to highlight it and then click "Insert." The clip art will appear in your label box.

    • 9

      Adjust the size of the clip art by clicking on the picture. A box will appear around the artwork. Place your cursor at one of the corners and hold down the left mouse button. This will allow you to adjust the size smaller or larger depending on your taste.

    • 10
      Duplicate your design in each label grid.

      When you have gotten your first label to look the way you want it to look, copy that label and paste it into each of the remaining labels on the sheet. In this format, there are 9 labels to a sheet.

    • 11

      To copy, place your cursor in the grid. Click on "Edit," "Select All," "Edit," "Copy."

    • 12

      Place your cursor in the next blank label and click "Edit," "Paste" until each of the grids on the label has the content you have created.

    • 13
      Make sure to save your document before printing.

      Save your document so you may reuse it at any time in the future. Click "File," "Save As" and give the document a unique name.

    Print Your Bookplates

    • 14
      Print your labels.

      Place your label sheet in your printer according to your particular printer's instructions (that is, face down or face up depending on the printer).

    • 15

      Print your labels by selecting "File," "Print," "Okay."

    • 16
      Place your label on the inside front cover.

      Peel and stick the labels on the inside front cover of each of the books you would like to keep track of and place the book back on your shelf.

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