Make something to sell - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make something to sell

Design and make a set of handmade paper bookmarks to sell, practicing measuring, cutting, decorating, packaging, and setting fair prices with simple math.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a set of handmade paper bookmarks to sell

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No Sewing Machine!🧵I Make 10 Pieces A Day And Sell Them All 🍓Felt Doll DIY

What you need

Handmade paper or cardstock, ruler, pencil, scissors, coloring materials (markers crayons colored pencils), decorative items (stickers washi tape ribbon), hole punch, glue stick, small clear bags or envelopes, sticky labels and pen, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all your materials and clear a flat workspace so you have room to make your bookmarks.

Step 2

Draw a rectangle 6 inches by 2 inches on the paper using the ruler and pencil for a standard bookmark size.

Step 3

Cut out the rectangle carefully along your pencil lines to make the bookmark shape.

Step 4

Use the scissors to round the four corners of the bookmark so they are smooth and safe to handle.

Step 5

Lightly sketch a design or pattern with your pencil on the front of the bookmark to plan your decoration.

Step 6

Color in your design using markers crayons or colored pencils to make it bright and neat.

Step 7

Add stickers washi tape or other decorative items with the glue stick to make your bookmark special.

Step 8

Use the hole punch to make one hole centered near the top edge of the bookmark if you want to add a tassel.

Step 9

Thread a short piece of ribbon through the hole and tie a knot to make a cute tassel.

Step 10

Slide the finished bookmark into a small clear bag or envelope to keep it clean and ready to sell.

Step 11

Add up the cost of the materials you used for one bookmark and divide if needed to find the material cost per bookmark.

Step 12

Decide on a fair selling price by adding a small profit amount to the material cost and write the price on a sticky label.

Step 13

Stick the price label onto the packaged bookmark so buyers can see the cost.

Step 14

Take a photo of your finished bookmarks and share your creation on DIY.org to show the world what you made.

Help!?

What can we use instead if we don't have a hole punch or small clear bags?

If you don't have a hole punch or a small clear bag, use a sandwich bag or envelope for packaging and carefully make the hole with a sharpened pencil or large sewing needle when you reach the 'make one hole' step.

My bookmark tore when I punched the hole—how can I fix that?

If the paper rips when you punch the hole near the top edge, reinforce that area with a small piece of washi tape or clear tape before punching so the ribbon can be threaded without tearing the bookmark.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the 6 inch by 2 inch rectangles and let them color and stick decorations (steps: cut out the rectangle, color in design, add stickers), while older kids can measure, round corners, punch the hole themselves, tie tassels, and calculate material cost and selling price.

What are some ways to make the bookmarks fancier or sell better?

To enhance and protect your finished bookmark before packaging (step: slide the finished bookmark into a small clear bag), laminate it or cover it with clear packing tape, add a braided ribbon tassel, and bundle several together with a price label to sell as a set.

Watch videos on how to make a set of handmade paper bookmarks to sell

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

10 Creative and Easy Kids Craft | Fun Crafts for Kids | Handmeyd Treasures

4 Videos

Facts about paper crafts and entrepreneurship for kids

📚 Bookmarks have been used for centuries — readers in medieval times used ribbons or paper strips to mark pages.

🧾 Modern paper is mostly made from wood pulp; cellulose fibers are pressed and dried into thin sheets.

📏 Measure twice, cut once — a classic tip that helps save paper and avoid mistakes while crafting.

🎁 Nice packaging (like a clear sleeve and a handwritten tag) can make a simple bookmark feel like a special gift.

💰 Small handmade bookmarks often sell for just a few dollars each; simple, fair pricing helps buyers choose quickly.

How do we design and make a set of handmade paper bookmarks to sell?

Start by sketching simple bookmark shapes and sizes, then measure and cut card or heavy paper using a ruler and pencil. Decorate with paints, markers, stickers, or collage elements; laminate with clear tape or pouches for durability. Punch a hole and add a tassel if desired. Package in cellophane or small envelopes with a neat label and price. Involve kids in each step so they practice measuring, cutting, decorating, and prepping items for sale.

What materials do I need to make handmade paper bookmarks for selling?

You’ll need sturdy paper or cardstock, ruler, pencil, scissors (or craft knife for adults), cutting mat, markers, paints, stickers, decorative paper, glue, hole punch, ribbon or tassels, clear tape or laminating pouches, small cellophane bags or envelopes for packaging, labels, price tags, and a calculator for simple pricing. Optional extras: stamps, washi tape, corner rounder, and a hole-reinforcement punch for longer-lasting tags.

What ages is designing and making sellable bookmarks suitable for?

This activity suits children aged about 6 to teenage years. Ages 6–8 can measure, cut with safety scissors, and decorate with guidance. Ages 9–12 handle measuring and more detailed decoration, learning basic pricing with help. Teens can manage most steps independently, refine designs, and calculate costs and profit. Always supervise sharp tools, hot glue, or laminating equipment and adapt complexity to each child’s skill level.

What are the benefits and safety tips for kids making bookmarks to sell?

Making bookmarks teaches creativity, fine motor skills, measuring, and basic money math through pricing and costs. It builds confidence and introduces entrepreneurship. Safety tips: supervise scissors, craft knives, and hot glue; use child-safe materials and non-toxic glues; keep small embellishments away from young children. Encourage hygiene for packaged items and label any materials that could trigger allergies. Offer clear guidance on pricing so kids learn fair value and honest sales.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Make something to sell

Design and make a set of handmade paper bookmarks to sell, practicing measuring, cutting, decorating, packaging, and setting fair prices with simple math.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a set of handmade paper bookmarks to sell

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

No Sewing Machine!🧵I Make 10 Pieces A Day And Sell Them All 🍓Felt Doll DIY

What you need

Step 1

Gather all your materials and clear a flat workspace so you have room to make your bookmarks.

Step 2

Draw a rectangle 6 inches by 2 inches on the paper using the ruler and pencil for a standard bookmark size.

Step 3

Cut out the rectangle carefully along your pencil lines to make the bookmark shape.

Step 4

Use the scissors to round the four corners of the bookmark so they are smooth and safe to handle.

Step 5

Lightly sketch a design or pattern with your pencil on the front of the bookmark to plan your decoration.

Step 6

Color in your design using markers crayons or colored pencils to make it bright and neat.

Step 7

Add stickers washi tape or other decorative items with the glue stick to make your bookmark special.

Step 8

Use the hole punch to make one hole centered near the top edge of the bookmark if you want to add a tassel.

Step 9

Thread a short piece of ribbon through the hole and tie a knot to make a cute tassel.

Step 10

Slide the finished bookmark into a small clear bag or envelope to keep it clean and ready to sell.

Step 11

Add up the cost of the materials you used for one bookmark and divide if needed to find the material cost per bookmark.

Step 12

Decide on a fair selling price by adding a small profit amount to the material cost and write the price on a sticky label.

Step 13

Stick the price label onto the packaged bookmark so buyers can see the cost.

Step 14

Take a photo of your finished bookmarks and share your creation on DIY.org to show the world what you made.

Help!?

What can we use instead if we don't have a hole punch or small clear bags?

My bookmark tore when I punched the hole—how can I fix that?

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

What are some ways to make the bookmarks fancier or sell better?

Watch videos on how to make a set of handmade paper bookmarks to sell

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

10 Creative and Easy Kids Craft | Fun Crafts for Kids | Handmeyd Treasures

4 Videos

Facts about paper crafts and entrepreneurship for kids

📚 Bookmarks have been used for centuries — readers in medieval times used ribbons or paper strips to mark pages.

🧾 Modern paper is mostly made from wood pulp; cellulose fibers are pressed and dried into thin sheets.

📏 Measure twice, cut once — a classic tip that helps save paper and avoid mistakes while crafting.

🎁 Nice packaging (like a clear sleeve and a handwritten tag) can make a simple bookmark feel like a special gift.

💰 Small handmade bookmarks often sell for just a few dollars each; simple, fair pricing helps buyers choose quickly.