Teach us how to make a craft
Make a decorated paper bookmark using cardstock, markers, stickers, and ribbon. Practice measuring, cutting, and decorating while learning fine motor skills.
About this activity
Make a decorated paper bookmark using cardstock, markers, stickers, and ribbon. Practice measuring, cutting, and decorating while learning fine motor skills.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose a brightly colored piece of cardstock you like for your bookmark.
- 2
Step 2
Use the ruler and pencil to mark a rectangle 6 inches by 2 inches (15 cm by 5 cm) on the cardstock.
- 3
Step 3
Draw straight lines along your marks with the ruler to outline the bookmark.
- 4
Step 4
Cut out the rectangle carefully along the lines with scissors.
- 5
Step 5
Trim the corners into gentle curves by snipping small arcs with the scissors.
- 6
Step 6
Draw fun designs on the bookmark with your markers using steady strokes.
- 7
Step 7
Add stickers to decorate your bookmark where you like.
- 8
Step 8
Place the hole punch about half an inch from the top center and punch a hole.
- 9
Step 9
Cut a piece of ribbon about 12 inches (30 cm) long with the scissors.
- 10
Step 10
Thread the ribbon through the punched hole and pull both ends through the loop.
- 11
Step 11
Tie a neat knot or bow in the ribbon to finish the top of the bookmark.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished bookmark on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a decorated paper bookmark using cardstock, markers, stickers, and ribbon?
To make a decorated paper bookmark, start by measuring and marking cardstock to about 2 x 6 inches (or your preferred size). Carefully cut along the lines, then round the corners with scissors or a corner punch. Decorate with markers, stickers, and small drawings. Punch a hole near the top and thread a ribbon through, knotting it securely. Optionally laminate or cover with clear tape to protect decorations and make it last longer.
What materials do I need to make a paper bookmark?
You'll need: cardstock (sturdy paper), a ruler and pencil for measuring and marking, child-safe scissors or an adult's scissors, corner punch (optional), hole punch, ribbon or yarn, washable markers, stickers, glue or glue stick, and optional embellishments like sequins or washi tape. Clear contact paper or a laminator helps protect the bookmark. Keep small items supervised for younger children and swap tiny embellishments for stickers if needed.
What ages is this decorated bookmark activity suitable for?
This bookmark craft suits ages 4–10 with adjustments: toddlers (4–5) can draw, stick stickers, and choose ribbons with close adult supervision for cutting and small pieces; ages 6–8 can measure, cut, and decorate more independently; ages 9–10 can design precise layouts, use stencils, or add layered elements. Always supervise scissors, glue, and small decorations. Adapt complexity and tool access to each child's motor skills and attention.
What are the benefits and safe variations of making paper bookmarks?
Making decorated bookmarks builds fine motor skills, measurement practice, and creative expression while encouraging reading. It teaches planning—measuring, cutting, and arranging designs—and rewards kids with a useful project. For variations try themed bookmarks (animals, space), watercolor bases, laminated keepsakes, or add a tassel or magnetic strip. For safety, use age-appropriate scissors, avoid tiny choking hazards with young children, and supervise glue or hot tools.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have cardstock or ribbon?
If you don't have cardstock, use sturdy construction paper or a clean cereal-box panel cut to the 6 inch by 2 inch rectangle, and swap the 12-inch ribbon for yarn, a shoelace, or baker's twine when threading through the punched hole.
My lines or cuts aren't straight—how can we fix that?
If your rectangle edges from steps 2–4 are uneven, press the ruler firmly as a cutting guide and have an adult trim along the ruler with sharp scissors or a craft knife, then re-round the corners in step 5 to match.
How can we adapt the activity for younger or older children?
For preschoolers, pre-measure and pre-cut the 6x2 inch rectangles and pre-punch the hole so they can focus on drawing and stickers (steps 6–8), while older kids can add detailed marker art, stamping, or hand-lettering and tie decorative bows in the 12-inch ribbon (steps 9–11).
How can we make the bookmark more durable or fancy?
After decorating in step 6 and adding stickers in step 7, cover the bookmark with clear packing tape or a self-adhesive laminating sheet, trim the edges, punch the hole again, and thread the 12-inch ribbon with optional beads before tying the bow in step 11.