I know lots of Mrs. Clauses who read books to children during their gigs. Since I have been using Canva a lot, I discovered bookmark templates!!! I thought I would share a branding opportunity and give some simple instructions, so that you can hand out your own branded bookmarks.

First, look at Canva to see shared design ideas for Instagram posts, fliers, Facebook posts, book covers, and yes, book marks. Artists share their designs. Many are free! You can customize by uploading your own photos.

• The example above is called Red Heart Bookmark that is ready for customization.

• Rename the bookmark to something like “MrsClaus Bookmark,” so that if I share it, I know what it is.

• Make a Mrs. Claus folder and move your bookmark into this folder. Now you know how to find your work easily!

Second, put on your design cap and keep going with customization.

• Customize your new template that has your new name on it.

• Upload personal photos that you might want to use by going to “Upload” on the left side of the screen. Click that and upload photos related to you reading.

• Look on the left side of the screen and see “Elements.” These are shapes you can add, some of them are space holders for photos that are in various shapes. Take a look. I used the photo place holder that is in the shape of a heart, since my background is hearts.

• I dragged that heart photo space holder onto the bookmark, toward the bottom. You might also do the top because that is what people will see when they use the bookmark.

• Now go back to “Upload” on the left side of the screen. Click the icon and see your uploaded photos. You will select a photo and drag it onto the shape until the photo replaces the empty space in the heart.

• To add text, click “Text” on the left side of the screen. I used one of the fun options and typed in my own message of “Reading is fun!” For my branding, I changed the font to Canva sans and clicked on “Effects” to make the background of my text stand out against the heart background.

• If you want to design a back, click on “+Add a page” at the bottom of your design. This will make a two-sided image.

Fourth, download.

• Once you have a design you like, download it to your computer or phone by clicking “Share” on the right upper corner of your screen. Click on the best option for you, whether a JPG or PDF. Note, you can also email and text links to friends, giving them editing privileges if they’re crafty or just visual cues if they can print for you.

• If you make additional changes to your design, always make a new download and delete earlier versions, so you don’t accidentally send an older image.

Fifth, print.

• If you want to have your bookmarks professionally printed, give yourself plenty of time before the event, so that your items arrive on time. Click on “Share” on the right upper corner of your screen. Hit “Print with Canva.”

• A single design is $9.95, 10 are $12, and 20 are $16.25. As you can see, it’s more cost-efficient to buy in bulk.

• You can also print at home by clicking “Share,” selecting the best download option for printing, going to your download on your computer, and print your download.