When I first visited Bookworm Bookmarks, I thought, “A bookmark? Why spend money on a bookmark?” Then I took a look and it occurred to me how much I would appreciate a really nice bookmark. For someone who loves books, a bookmark with an extra-special touch is the perfect gift!

Considering that Karl’s parents’ 35th wedding anniversary was this month and they both enjoy reading, I decided to enlist Kim’s steady hand and creativity for a couple of bookmarks to “mark” their special day. Kim and I corresponded via email. Since I was requesting bookmarks not featured in her catalog, she needed to know what I wanted the bookmarks to say and the script I wanted her to use. She also let me choose the color paper I wanted her to use. Kim has a variety of scripts and styles from which to choose. She is very flexible.

I wanted two bookmarks with the same design on front, but with different scriptures on the back of each one. I wish I could show you a picture of the bookmarks Kim made for my parents-in-law, but they have their names on them and their wedding date, and I didn’t feel all that comfortable putting that info on the web.

Kim was quite helpful in the design department. I am creative, but not so much with letters and colors and shapes. I had the idea, but needed her expertise to create a bookmark pleasing to the eye. Based on the bookmarks featured on Bookworm Bookmarks, I was completely comfortable with her taking my idea and doing what she thought would look best. She did not disappoint.

Another plus: Kim is an eager worker. The entire transaction took about one week. I contacted her with the order on a Thursday, she began work on a Monday, she sent scans of the bookmarks (prior to mounting them) for my approval on Tuesday (or maybe it was Wednesday), she mailed them on Thursday, and I received them on Saturday.

One area of concern for me in any online purchase is the packaging and shipping. Kim took great care to ensure that there would be no damage during the shipping process. Not only was the delivery speedy, she used priority mail with delivery confirmation. The bookmarks were quite secure. She did all that she could to protect the bookmarks and be certain they were delivered in perfect condition.

Bookworm Bookmarks are prepared on heavy cardstock. You might think that the terrain of cardstock would pose a problem for a calligrapher. The bookmarks did not have any bumps or smears. The lettering style I requested was like the “David” bookmark, but with the watercolor detail of the “Samuel” bookmark. The bookmarks turned out beautifully! After mounting, Kim applies professional quality laminating (much nicer than my home machine). These bookmarks will last. I also had her add eyelets and ribbon–very nice touches.

One might think it’s a bit much to spend more than $1 on a bookmark. However, one must also consider the art of calligraphy and the sentimental (for me) value of a hand-crafted gift.

If you’re looking for a gift or a bookmark for yourself with a personal touch, then click quickly to contact Kim Shenberger. She was a pleasure to work with: answering any questions I had, being flexible and eager to fulfill the order in a timely manner, and producing the highest quality bookmarks I’ve ever seen.