Make Bookmarks!
Design and make personalized bookmarks using paper, scissors, markers, and ribbon; practice measuring, cutting, and decorating to create unique, functional keepsakes.
Step-by-step guide to make bookmarks
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
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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.
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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.
