Session 1 • stage 1/8

Prepare the work and test the line

Draw a 20 mm test line with no blob at the end; place the pen on its stand. As a guideline, cool the sample for at least 5 minutes, or longer as required by the device and mat instructions.

Without touching the PLA, an adult checks whether warmth can still be felt a few centimeters above the sample; if warmth is present or there is any doubt, keep waiting.

Check: The control segment measures 20 mm; the mat lies flat. After checking that it has cooled, the sample is continuous, low-profile, and has no large blob.

If it does not work: Incorrect scale: print again. Gaps or lumps: adjust the drawing movement according to the device instructions and repeat the test in an unused area.

Session 1 • stage 2/8

Draw the two frame outlines

On the supported mat, draw the outer outline in one pass, moving smoothly around the corners. Finish the line without a large blob. Then draw the inner outline right next to the first, at the same height and touching it side by side. Do not draw a second layer over the first. Both outlines remain flat on the mat.

The pattern defines the outer dimensions as 120 × 30 mm.

Check: After phase 1 there is only the outer outline; after phase 2, two low outlines form a continuous frame with no gap or blobs.

If it does not work: Repair a gap with the minimum amount of PLA on the mat. Allow the repair to cool; do not flatten the hot frame with your fingers.

Session 1 • stage 3/8

Make the first band

On the mat, draw the three crossbars of the first band in sequence, following one selected rhythm: equal or near-far. Each crossbar is a separate single pass; at its end, stop feeding and move to the start of the next. Join the start and end side by side with the inner outline.

The entire line and both joints lie on the mat; the pen approaches from above. Do not draw over the frame or add an extra connector between the crossbars.

Check: The phases show 1, 2, and 3 crossbars. All three join the frame at both ends; the selected rhythm is clear.

If it does not work: Repair a missing joint locally while the entire piece lies on the mat; allow the repair to cool. Do not add another layer over the entire band.

Session 1 • stage 4/8

Repeat the rhythm in the second band

On the mat, make the three crossbars of the second band in the same order and rhythm as in the first. Draw each in a separate single pass from a side joint with the inner frame to the opposite joint; stop feeding at the end. The complete lines and both ends are supported, and the tip approaches from above.

Do not overlap the bands onto the frame or connect them with an extra line.

Check: The second band grows from 1 → 2 → 3. At the end there are two complete bands with the same rhythm and six crossbars joined to the frame.

If it does not work: Repair a local missing joint on the mat with the minimum amount of PLA and let it cool. If the rhythm differs, compare it with the selected pattern variant before continuing.

Session 1 • stage 5/8

Complete the third band

On the mat, make the three crossbars of the third band in sequence, keeping the selected rhythm. Draw each as a separate single pass, connecting both ends laterally to the inner outline. The tip approaches from above, and the line and joints are supported. Stop feeding between the lines; do not add connectors or a top layer.

After the last line, place the pen on its stand. After placing the pen on its stand, leave the PLA flat on the mat for at least 5 minutes as a guideline; leave it longer if required by the device or mat instructions.

Without touching the PLA, an adult checks whether warmth can still be felt a few centimeters above the entire work and the joints. If so, or if there is any doubt, keep waiting. Elapsed time alone does not confirm that it has cooled.

Check: The third band grows from 1 → 2 → 3. The complete piece has nine crossbars, 18 joints with the frame, and one repeated rhythm; it still lies on the mat.

If it does not work: Fill only the missing supported joints and allow the repairs to cool. Do not remove or bend the warm bookmark.

Session 1 • stage 6/8

Insert the bookmark and close the book

After it has cooled completely, move the bookmark by holding the frame, not the crossbars. Before first use, inspect both sides: the bookmark should be flat, with no sharp ends or loose joints. If anything needs correcting, do it on the mat, let it cool again, and inspect it.

Slide the inspected, cooled bookmark between the pages of the open book, without forcing it or catching the paper. Gently close the book with its cover. Observe whether a thickened area spreads the pages apart. Do not press the bookmark with the book to flatten it.

Check: The bookmark slides in freely; the book closes without forced pressure and without noticeably spreading the pages.

If it does not work: If anything catches or spreads the pages, open the book and remove the bookmark. Return to the inspection outside the book; after a repair on the mat, the bookmark must cool again and undergo the complete test.

Session 1 • stage 7/8

Open, remove, and finish the work

Open the book, remove the bookmark without tugging, and check the edges and pages. Compare the three bands: the chosen rhythm should repeat. Turn off the pen according to its instructions; leave it on the stand to cool, then put it away. Collect the cooled scraps and sample. Put away the book, pattern, and mat.

Keep the bookmark after a successful test. Store the bookmark flat in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat sources.

Check: The bookmark comes out without snagging, loose ends, or sharp excess material; the pages remain intact. The device is switched off and has cooled before being put away. The worktop is tidy.

If it does not work: Repair a loose joint outside the book, on the work mat, using the same PLA. Let it cool completely again, inspect it, and repeat the entire test in the book. Do not use a sharp or damaged bookmark.

Session 1 • stage 8/8

Mark the page for your next reading

Open the book to the page you want to return to. Place the end of the cooled bookmark on it; leave the rest extending beyond the edge of the book.

Check: The end of the bookmark lies on the selected page, and the rest extends beyond the book.

If it does not work: If the bookmark is on a different page, move it to the selected page without pressing it down.