Make A Unique Bookmark
Design and create a unique bookmark using cardstock, ribbon, and decorations while practicing measuring, cutting, and personalizing to protect and mark favorite pages.
About this activity
Design and create a unique bookmark using cardstock, ribbon, and decorations while practicing measuring, cutting, and personalizing to protect and mark favorite pages.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all Materials Needed and put them on a clear workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Decide how tall and wide you want your bookmark.
- 3
Step 3
Use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle of that size on the cardstock.
- 4
Step 4
Cut out the rectangle carefully with the scissors.
- 5
Step 5
Round the corners of the rectangle by trimming each corner with the scissors.
- 6
Step 6
Use coloring materials to create a background design on one side of the bookmark.
- 7
Step 7
Stick decorations like stickers or sequins onto the bookmark using the glue stick or clear tape.
- 8
Step 8
Use the hole punch to make one hole near the top center of the bookmark.
- 9
Step 9
Cut a piece of ribbon about 15 centimeters long.
- 10
Step 10
Thread the ribbon through the hole in the bookmark.
- 11
Step 11
Tie a knot or bow in the ribbon to secure it.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished bookmark on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a unique bookmark with my child?
To make a unique bookmark, cut a 2 x 6 inch rectangle from cardstock (adjust size if you like). Measure and mark, then cut carefully. Decorate with markers, stickers, washi tape, or glued embellishments. Punch a hole at the top and thread ribbon or yarn, knotting to secure. Optionally laminate with clear tape or a laminating pouch for durability. Personalize with names, quotes, or small drawings to mark and protect favorite pages.
What materials do I need to make a unique bookmark?
You'll need sturdy cardstock, a ruler, pencil, child-safe scissors, glue or double-sided tape, a hole punch, and ribbon or yarn. For decoration, have markers, colored pencils, stickers, washi tape, sequins, foam shapes, and small buttons. Optional: laminating sheets or clear packing tape for durability, and scrap paper for templates. Most supplies are inexpensive and reusable; substitute safe household items if specialized tools aren't available.
What ages is this bookmark activity suitable for?
This craft suits ages 3+ with adult help. Toddlers (3–5) can choose decorations and help stick items while an adult measures and cuts. School-age kids (6–9) can measure, cut with supervision, and design their own layouts. Older children and teens (10–15+) can try complex shapes, layering, and mixed media. Always supervise scissors, small embellishments, and glue for younger children to ensure safety and success.
What are the benefits of making personalized bookmarks with kids?
Making bookmarks boosts fine motor skills, measuring and cutting confidence, and creative self-expression. It encourages reading by giving children a personalized tool that marks progress and ownership of books. It's also an inexpensive gift idea that teaches planning and following steps. The project supports basic math (measuring), patience, and can be adapted for group activities, fostering cooperation and pride in finished work.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I don't have cardstock or a hole punch—what can I use instead?
Use a cleaned cereal-box or layered construction paper for the rectangle instead of cardstock and make the hole near the top center by carefully pushing a sharpened pencil or folded paperclip through before threading the ribbon.
My corners keep ripping and the ribbon tears the hole when I thread it—how can I fix that?
Make smaller, shallower snips when rounding each corner with the scissors and reinforce the punched hole with a small square of clear tape or a glued sticker before threading the 15-centimeter ribbon.
How can I adapt this bookmark activity for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult pre-measure and cut the cardstock rectangle and let them use stickers and crayons, while older kids can use the ruler and pencil to draw exact sizes, add sequins with glue, and tie decorative knots in the ribbon.
How can we extend or personalize the finished bookmark beyond the basic steps?
Personalize and preserve the design by adding initials with markers, layering patterned paper using the glue stick, covering with clear tape or laminating, and swapping the ribbon for a tassel or beaded string before sharing on DIY.org.