Time For Some One Line Bookmarks - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Time For Some One Line Bookmarks!

Make paper bookmarks decorated with continuous one-line drawings using pencil and marker, then cut, laminate, and add string to finish your unique designs.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make paper bookmarks with one-line drawings

What you need

Cardstock or thick paper, pencil, eraser, black fine-tip marker, coloring materials (markers crayons colored pencils), scissors, ruler, laminating sheets or clear adhesive film, hole punch, string or ribbon, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all the materials and set them on a flat work surface.

Step 2

Use the ruler to draw rectangles about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide on the cardstock for your bookmarks.

Step 3

Cut along the drawn lines to make bookmark strips.

Step 4

Make a small pencil dot near the top or center of each strip to mark your starting point.

Step 5

Practice drawing a continuous one-line doodle on a scrap piece of paper until you feel ready.

Step 6

Draw a continuous one-line design on a bookmark strip with your pencil without lifting the pencil.

Step 7

Trace over your pencil line with the black fine-tip marker.

Step 8

Erase any visible pencil marks so only the marker lines remain.

Step 9

Add color or patterns inside or around your one-line drawing with your coloring materials.

Step 10

Laminate each bookmark using laminating sheets or clear adhesive film to protect the design.

Step 11

Trim any excess laminate leaving a small sealed margin around each bookmark.

Step 12

Punch a hole near the top center of each laminated bookmark.

Step 13

Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the hole and secure it with a knot.

Step 14

Take a photo of your finished bookmark and share your creation on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have cardstock, laminating sheets, or a fine-tip marker?

If you don't have cardstock use a flattened cereal box or manila folder for Step 2, replace laminating sheets in Step 9 with clear contact paper or overlapping clear packing tape, and swap the black fine-tip marker in Step 7 for a black gel pen or Sharpie.

My one-line drawing keeps breaking or my laminate has bubbles — how do I fix those problems?

If your continuous one-line in Step 5 breaks, plan the path with light pencil marks on scrap paper and practice until smooth, and to avoid bubbles when laminating in Step 9 work on a flat surface and smooth the laminating sheet from the center outward with a credit card or ruler.

How can I adapt this bookmark activity for different ages?

For younger kids have an adult pre-cut the strips in Step 3 and let them use chunky markers and stickers in Step 8, while older kids can tackle more intricate one-line designs in Step 6, use fine liners in Step 7, and add beads to the ribbon in Step 12.

How can we extend or personalize the bookmarks beyond the basic steps?

Enhance your bookmarks by drawing on both sides before laminating in Step 9, adding watercolor or metallic accents in Step 8, reinforcing the hole with an eyelet in Step 11, and tying beads or a tassel onto the ribbon in Step 12 before photographing for DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make paper bookmarks with one-line drawings

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EASY BOOKMARK MAKING IDEAS | Cute bookmark ideas🐚🐻✨ | Simple Bookmark tutorial

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Facts about paper crafts for kids

✏️ Pablo Picasso often made single-line drawings that capture a face or animal with one elegant stroke.

🎨 Blind contour drawing is a practice where you draw while looking only at the subject — it boosts observation and produces fun one-line results.

🖊️ Line art shows how a single continuous line can suggest shape, motion, and personality without shading.

📄 You can cut up an A4 (or letter) sheet into about 2–4 bookmark strips, so one page makes several gifts!

🔒 Laminating your bookmark protects it from spills and wear, so your one-line masterpieces can last years.

How do you make one-line bookmarks?

Start by cutting sturdy cardstock into bookmark-sized strips (about 2 x 6 inches). Lightly sketch a continuous one-line design with pencil without lifting the pencil. Trace over the line with a fine-tip marker, let it dry, then erase pencil marks. Trim edges, place in a laminating pouch and run through a laminator (or use self-adhesive laminating sheets). Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon or yarn to finish your unique bookmark.

What materials do I need for one-line bookmarks?

You’ll need cardstock or thick paper, a pencil and eraser, fine-tip markers, scissors or a paper trimmer, a ruler, laminating pouches or a laminator (or self-adhesive laminating sheets), a hole punch, and ribbon or yarn. Optional extras: colored pencils, metallic pens, stickers, and washi tape for added decoration or to mask edges before laminating.

What ages are one-line bookmarks suitable for?

This activity suits ages 4 and up with adult help for cutting and laminating. Ages 4–6 will enjoy simple shapes and need supervision with scissors. Ages 7–12 can plan more complex continuous designs and work more independently. Teens and adults can create intricate patterns. Always supervise use of sharp tools and laminators for younger children.

What are the benefits of making one-line bookmarks?

Making continuous one-line bookmarks boosts fine motor control, hand–eye coordination, and concentration while encouraging creativity and planning. It’s a low-pressure way to practice drawing skills and build confidence when designs look great after laminating. Finished bookmarks make thoughtful gifts and promote reading habits. The process also teaches kids about following a sequence and finishing a project from start to polish.

Ready to create?