Make Bookmarks - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

All Activities

Make Bookmarks!

Design and make personalized bookmarks using paper, scissors, markers, and ribbon; practice measuring, cutting, and decorating to create unique, functional keepsakes.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make bookmarks

What you need

Paper (cardstock or construction paper), scissors, markers, ruler, ribbon, hole punch, clear tape, adult supervision required

Step 1

Clear a flat workspace and put all your materials within reach.

Step 2

Use the ruler to measure and mark a rectangle about 6 inches by 2 inches on the paper.

Step 3

Cut out the rectangle carefully along the marks with scissors.

Step 4

Fold the top corner slightly and snip a small curve to round the corners.

Step 5

Draw and color a fun design on one side of your bookmark using markers.

Step 6

Turn the bookmark over and decorate the other side with a different design or your name.

Step 7

Place the hole punch near the top center and punch one hole through the bookmark.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Smooth clear tape over both sides of the bookmark to protect your artwork.

Step 10

Take a photo or write a short note about your bookmark and share your finished creation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a hole punch, ribbon, or clear tape?

If you don't have a hole punch, push a sharpened pencil through the top center; use yarn, string, or a shoelace instead of ribbon, and cover both sides with clear contact paper or packing tape if you don't have clear tape.

My paper keeps tearing when I punch the hole or when I tie the ribbon—what should I do?

Reinforce the top center by placing a small piece of clear tape over it before you punch the hole and knot the ribbon so the knot sits over the taped area to prevent tearing.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages?

For preschoolers, have an adult pre-measure and cut 6×2 inch rectangles and let them color and snip the corners, while older kids can measure with a ruler, draw precise designs with markers, and add layered decorations before taping.

How can we make the bookmarks more special or extend the activity?

Add stickers, write a favorite quote or a short note on the back, attach beads to the ribbon tassel before knotting, and then take a photo of the finished bookmark to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make bookmarks

0:00/0:00

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

Easy DIY Woven Bookmark Anyone Can Make!

4 Videos

Facts about paper crafts

📚 Bookmarks have been used for centuries — people have used scraps of leather, ribbon, or paper to save their place in books.

✂️ Scissors-like tools go back thousands of years, and the modern pivoted scissor design was used by the Romans.

🎨 Papercrafting can turn a single sheet into a colorful bookmark using folding, cutting, and decorating — sometimes with no glue!

📏 Making bookmarks is a great way to practice measuring — many bookmarks are about 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) long.

🎀 Adding a ribbon or tassel makes a bookmark easier to spot and gives it a fun, finished look loved by readers.

How do you make bookmarks with paper, scissors, markers, and ribbon?

To make personalized bookmarks, start by measuring and cutting cardstock into bookmark-sized rectangles (about 2 by 6 inches). Let kids round corners with scissors or a punch, then decorate with markers, stickers, stamps, or collage elements. Add holes at the top and thread ribbon or yarn, knotting securely. Optional laminating or clear tape makes them durable. Encourage measuring and planning for custom sizes and themes before decorating.

What materials do I need to make personalized bookmarks?

You'll need sturdy paper or cardstock, scissors (child-safe for younger children), markers or colored pencils, ruler, pencil, hole punch, and ribbon or yarn. Optional extras: stickers, stamps, washi tape, glue sticks, collage scraps, laminator or self-adhesive laminate sheets, corner rounder. For classroom projects bring extras like envelopes for keepsakes and a small tray to hold decorations. Always supervise use of sharp tools and small embellishments.

What ages is this bookmark-making activity suitable for?

This activity suits ages 3–10 with supervision and adjustments. Toddlers (3–4) can pick stickers, color pre-cut shapes, and practice measuring with help. Preschoolers and early elementary (5–7) can cut simple rectangles with child scissors and add decorations. Older kids (8+) can measure, design, and use craft knives or laminators with adult supervision. Always supervise scissors, adhesives, and small parts for younger children.

What are the benefits of making bookmarks with kids?

Making bookmarks builds fine motor skills, measuring and cutting practice, and creative thinking. It encourages planning, pattern-making, and color choices while boosting confidence through a finished, useful object. Bookmark projects also promote early literacy by connecting craft time with reading, and they teach gift-giving skills when children make keepsakes for friends and family. Repeating the activity improves hand-eye coordination and patience.

Ready to create?