Design an awesome bookmark
Design and decorate a personalized bookmark using paper, markers, stickers, and laminating tape. Practice measuring, cutting, and creative decision-making skills.
About this activity
Design and decorate a personalized bookmark using paper, markers, stickers, and laminating tape. Practice measuring, cutting, and creative decision-making skills.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all Materials Needed and find a clean flat workspace.
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Step 2
Measure and mark a rectangle 6 inches long and 2 inches wide or 15 cm long and 5 cm wide on the cardstock.
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Step 3
Cut along your pencil lines to make the bookmark shape.
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Step 4
Choose a design theme or color palette for your bookmark.
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Step 5
Decorate the front of the bookmark using coloring materials and stickers.
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Step 6
Write your name or a short favorite quote neatly on the back with a marker.
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Step 7
Cut two strips of laminating tape each slightly longer than your bookmark.
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Step 8
Stick the first strip of tape sticky side down onto your work surface.
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Step 9
Place the bookmark face up onto the first strip of tape so it sticks.
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Step 10
Cover the top of the bookmark with the second strip of tape to seal it.
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Step 11
Smooth the tape gently from the center outward to remove air bubbles.
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Step 12
Trim the tape around the bookmark leaving a tiny clear border to keep it sealed.
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Step 13
Punch a hole near the top center about 1 cm from the edge.
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Step 14
Thread ribbon or yarn through the hole and tie a knot to make a tassel.
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Step 15
Share your finished bookmark on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a personalized bookmark step-by-step?
To design an awesome bookmark, start by measuring and cutting a strip of sturdy paper or cardstock about 2–3 inches wide and 6–8 inches long. Sketch a layout in pencil, then decorate with markers, stickers, and washi tape. Add laminating tape over both sides to protect your design, smoothing out bubbles. Trim edges, round corners if desired, punch a hole at the top and thread ribbon or yarn for a finished look.
What materials do I need to make a personalized bookmark?
You'll need cardstock or heavy paper, a ruler and pencil for measuring and marking, scissors or a craft blade, markers or colored pencils, stickers and washi tape for decoration, laminating tape or self-adhesive laminate, a hole punch and ribbon or yarn. Optional: glue stick, corner rounder, stamping supplies, and small embellishments like sequins or googly eyes (use glue and supervision for tiny items).
What ages is the bookmark-making activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages 3–12 with adjustments. Preschoolers (3–5) can design and stick stickers with close adult help for measuring and cutting. Ages 5–7 can measure, cut simple strips, and decorate with supervision for scissors. Ages 8–12 can handle precise measuring, creative layouts, and laminating tape independently. Always supervise young children with scissors, laminating materials, and small embellishments to prevent choking and accidental cuts.
What are the benefits of making personalized bookmarks (and some variations)?
Making personalized bookmarks builds fine motor and measuring skills while encouraging reading and pride in a finished project. It fosters creative decision-making, color and pattern exploration, and simple planning. Turn bookmarks into gifts to practice social skills. For variation, try corner bookmarks, fabric or felt versions, photo collages, or magnetic bookmarks. Keep activities safe by supervising small parts and scissors, and use laminating tape to protect and extend the bookmark's life.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of cardstock or laminating tape if I can't find them?
If you don't have cardstock or laminating tape, use a cereal-box cardboard cut to 6 inches by 2 inches (or 15×5 cm) and seal it with clear contact paper or wide packing tape instead of the laminating tape.
My bookmark has bubbles or shifts when I put the laminating tape on—how do I fix that?
If air bubbles or shifting occur while sealing with the two strips of laminating tape, lift the top strip, reposition the bookmark face up on the bottom strip, then smooth the tape gently from the center outward with a ruler or credit card and trim leaving a tiny clear border.
How can I adapt this project for a 4-year-old or a preteen?
For a 4-year-old, pre-measure and pre-cut the 6×2 inch rectangle and help with the hole punch and tying the ribbon, while a preteen can follow all steps independently and add extra decorations or beads to the tassel after punching the hole 1 cm from the edge.
How can we make the finished bookmark more special or longer-lasting?
To personalize and strengthen the bookmark, add hole-reinforcer stickers after punching, tie beads or charms to the ribbon tassel, use metallic markers or layered stickers on the front, and then share a photo of the finished bookmark on DIY.org.