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Make a Cute Bookmark

Make a Cute Bookmark
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Make a cute bookmark using paper, stickers, ribbon, and simple tools; decorate and personalize while practicing measuring, cutting, and creative design skills.

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Step-by-step guide to make a cute bookmark

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardstock or thick paper, colouring materials, glue stick, hole punch, pencil, ribbon, ruler, scissors, stickers

Step 1

Gather all your materials and put them on a clear workspace.

Step 2

Lay one sheet of cardstock vertically and use the ruler and pencil to mark a rectangle 6 inches by 2 inches (15 cm by 5 cm).

Step 3

Cut out the rectangle carefully along the pencil lines with scissors.

Step 4

Use the scissors to round the four corners of the rectangle for a smooth bookmark shape.

Step 5

Stick fun stickers onto the front of the bookmark to start your design.

Step 6

Use colouring materials to draw patterns or pictures on the bookmark.

Step 7

Write your name or a short message at the bottom of the bookmark.

Step 8

Cut a second rectangle the same size from another piece of cardstock for extra strength.

Step 9

Cover the back of your decorated rectangle with glue using the glue stick.

Step 10

Place the second rectangle onto the glued back and press firmly so both pieces stick together.

Step 11

Use the hole punch to make a hole centered about 1 cm from the top edge.

Step 12

Thread a ribbon through the hole and tie a knot or bow to finish.

Step 13

Share a photo of your finished bookmark on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

I don't have cardstock—what can I use instead?

Use a clean cereal box or thin cardboard cut to the 6 inches by 2 inches rectangle, or glue two sheets of construction paper together before cutting for extra strength.

My two pieces won't stick together with the glue stick—what should I do?

Apply glue stick to both the back of your decorated rectangle and the front of the second rectangle, press firmly, then place under a heavy book for 10–15 minutes to ensure the glued pieces bond.

How can I adapt this for younger or older children?

For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the 6x2 inch rectangles, round the corners, and punch the hole so they can focus on stickers and colouring with washable markers, while older kids can measure with the ruler and pencil, use scissors to cut, add intricate drawings, and tie their own ribbon tassel.

How can we personalize or improve the bookmark beyond the basic steps?

Laminate the finished bookmark, add washi tape borders, thread beads onto the ribbon before tying, or write a longer message and share a photo of your finished bookmark on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a cute bookmark

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How to Make Beautiful Bookmark With Paper | DIY Craft for School | DIY Easy Cute Origami bookmarks

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Facts about paper crafts for kids

✂️ Measuring and cutting practice builds fine motor skills and early math sense — tiny engineering for kids!

⏱️ You can create a simple, cute bookmark in about 10 minutes using paper, stickers, and ribbon.

📚 Bookmarks have been used for centuries to save your place without folding pages.

🎗️ Ribbons come in many textures like satin and grosgrain and make great tassels or bows for bookmarks.

🎨 Stickers are an instant design tool that let you personalize a bookmark in seconds.

How do you make a cute bookmark?

Cut a strip of paper or cardstock about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide (adjust to your book). Draw and plan your design, then measure and trim edges with scissors or decorative-edge scissors. Add stickers, drawings, or washi tape for decoration. Punch a hole at the top, thread a ribbon or yarn, and tie a knot. Optional: reinforce with clear tape or laminate for durability and let glue dry before use.

What materials do I need to make a cute bookmark?

You’ll need paper or lightweight cardstock, a ruler and pencil for measuring, scissors (child-safe for young kids), glue stick or double-sided tape, stickers or stamps, markers or colored pencils, washi tape, a hole punch, and ribbon or yarn. Optional extras: clear contact paper or a laminator for durability, decorative edge scissors, and embellishments like googly eyes or sequins (use with supervision for small parts).

What ages is this bookmark activity suitable for?

This craft suits toddlers through teens with age-appropriate adjustments. Ages 3–5 can decorate pre-cut strips and practice sticking and coloring with supervision. Ages 5–8 can measure and cut with guidance on scissors. Ages 9–12 usually manage measuring, cutting, and decorating independently. Teens can try advanced designs, laminating, or mixed materials. Always supervise young children when using scissors, glue, or small embellishments.

What are the benefits of making a cute bookmark?

Making bookmarks builds fine motor skills (measuring, cutting, gluing), encourages creativity and personal expression, and reinforces patience and following steps. It also creates a useful, pride-inducing item that supports reading habits. Crafting together boosts parent-child bonding and language as kids describe choices. For extra learning, discuss measurements, patterns, or a book to pair with the bookmark to extend the activity into literacy practice.
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