10 DIY Bookmark Ideas That Spark Creativity

A bookmark can be much more than a tool to hold your place—it can reflect your personality, mood, or even your favorite quote. With just a few supplies and a little imagination, anyone can craft a bookmark that’s as inspiring as the stories it guards.

Think bold colors, clever shapes, textured finishes, or even pressed flowers sealed in plastic. These small but expressive pieces make thoughtful gifts, too—ideal for readers, teachers, or journal lovers.

From minimalist designs to quirky characters, bookmark DIY projects offer a fun, rewarding way to combine art with functionality. Paper scraps, washi tape, ribbons, and doodles all have a place in this world of handmade charm.

Dive into a variety of ideas that are simple to make yet impossible to ignore. Your next favorite bookmark might just come from your own hands. Let creativity mark the spot.

bookmark ideas diy

 

Reading books is a wonderful journey. You travel to new places. You meet interesting people. All in your mind. Books help us learn and relax. Holding a real book feels special.

Turning the pages is part of the fun. But wait. Where did you stop reading? Oh no! You lost your page. This happens often. A bookmark helps you remember your spot.

You can buy bookmarks. Stores have many kinds. But making your own bookmark is special. It is fun. It is creative. You use your own hands. Your bookmark will be unique. Nobody else will have one exactly like yours. Homemade bookmarks also make great gifts. They show you care.

This post shares ten easy bookmark ideas DIY style. You can make these at home. You do not need special skills. You do not need costly materials. Many ideas use things you already have.

Paper, glue, scissors, maybe some yarn or fabric scraps. Simple things. Let’s explore these fun bookmark crafts. Get ready to make something useful and pretty. Your books will thank you.

1. Simple Paper Strip Bookmarks

This is the easiest bookmark to make. Perfect for beginners. Perfect for kids. You just need paper and some colors. A classic choice. Always useful.

Materials:

• Thick paper or cardstock (different colors look nice)

• Scissors

• Ruler

• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

• Stickers (optional)

• Hole punch (optional)

• Ribbon or yarn (optional)

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Use your ruler. Measure a rectangle shape on your thick paper. A good size is 2 inches wide and 6 inches long (about 5 cm by 15 cm). You can make it bigger or smaller. Cut out the rectangle shape carefully with scissors.

2. Decorate Your Strip: Now comes the fun part. Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils. Draw pictures. Write your name. Write a favorite book quote. Make patterns like stripes or dots. Be creative. You can also add stickers. Cover one side or both sides. Let your art dry if you used paint or wet markers.

3. Add a Hole (Optional): You might want a tassel. Use a hole punch. Make one hole near the top center of your bookmark. Be careful not to punch too close to the edge.

4. Add Ribbon (Optional): Cut a piece of ribbon or yarn. About 6 inches (15 cm) long is good. Fold the ribbon in half. Push the folded end through the hole from front to back. This creates a loop. Pull the loose ends of the ribbon through the loop. Pull tight gently. This makes a nice tassel. Your simple paper bookmark is ready. Easy, right?

2. Cute Corner Bookmarks (Origami Style)

These bookmarks are different. They hug the corner of your page. Super cute. They look like little monsters or animals peeking out. Making them involves paper folding, called origami. It is easier than it sounds.

Materials:

• Square paper (origami paper works well, or cut regular paper into a square, maybe 6×6 inches or 15×15 cm)

• Scissors (maybe, depends on decoration)

• Glue (optional, for decorations)

• Markers, colored paper scraps, googly eyes (for decoration)

Steps:

1. Fold in Half: Take your square paper. Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle. Make sure the corners match up. Press the fold firmly.

2. Fold Corners Up: Place the triangle with the long edge at the bottom. The pointy top should face up. Take the right corner point. Fold it up to meet the top point. Press the fold. Do the same with the left corner point. Fold it up to the top point. Press the fold. Now you have a smaller square shape.

3. Fold One Layer Down: Unfold the two corners you just folded up. You will see the creases. Now, take only the top layer of paper at the top point. Fold this single layer down towards the bottom edge. Fold it exactly along the center line of the square you saw earlier. Press this fold well.

4. Tuck Corners In: Take the right corner point again. Fold it back up towards the top point. Now, tuck this flap inside the pocket created by the layer you folded down in step 3. Push it all the way in. Press it flat. Do the same with the left corner point. Fold it up and tuck it into the pocket. Press it flat.

5. Decorate: You made a corner pocket bookmark! Now decorate it. Use markers. Draw a face. Cut shapes from colored paper like teeth, tongues, or ears. Glue them on. Add googly eyes for a fun look. Make it a monster. Make it a heart. Make it your favorite animal. Slide it onto the corner of your book page. It holds your spot perfectly.

3. Washi Tape Bookmarks

 

Washi tape is amazing. It is colorful paper tape. It comes in countless patterns and colors. You can use it to make stylish bookmarks very quickly. Very little mess. Very cool results.

Materials:

• Thick paper or cardstock

• Washi tape (different patterns and colors)

• Scissors

• Ruler (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut Your Base: Cut a bookmark shape from your cardstock. Use the simple strip shape from idea 1 (like 2×6 inches or 5×15 cm). You can also cut other shapes, like a tag shape. Make the base sturdy.

2. Apply Washi Tape: Choose your favorite washi tapes. Start covering the cardstock strip with tape. You can lay strips side-by-side. You can overlap them slightly. You can run them straight across. You can place them diagonally. Mix patterns. Mix colors. Cover the entire front of the cardstock strip. Let the tape ends hang over the edges for now.

3. Cover the Back (Optional): You can cover the back too. Or leave it plain. Covering the back makes it look more finished. Use the same method with washi tape.

4. Trim the Edges: Turn the bookmark over. Use your scissors. Carefully cut off the extra washi tape hanging over the edges. Cut right along the edge of the cardstock base. This makes the edges neat and clean.

5. Add Finishing Touches (Optional): You can punch a hole at the top. Add a ribbon or tassel if you like. Or just use it as is. Your washi tape bookmark is ready. So fast. So pretty.

4. Button Bookmarks

 

Do you have spare buttons? Nice looking ones? You can turn them into simple, elegant bookmarks. These use paper clips. They clip right onto your page. Very handy.

Materials:

• Large paper clips (colored ones look nice too)

• Interesting buttons (medium to large size works best)

• Strong glue (hot glue gun with glue sticks, or strong craft glue like E6000)

• Small felt circles (optional, same size as button base)

Steps:

1. Choose Your Clip and Button: Pick a large paper clip. Pick a button you love. Make sure the button is not too heavy for the paper clip. Flat-backed buttons work best.

2. Glue the Button: Put a good amount of strong glue on the back of the button. Or, put a dot of hot glue on the top end of the paper clip (the end with the single loop). Quickly press the button onto the glue on the paper clip. Hold it firmly for a minute until the glue starts to set. Make sure the button is straight.

3. Add Felt (Optional): Gluing a button can sometimes look messy on the back where it meets the clip. You can cover this. Cut a small circle of felt. Glue it over the back of the button, covering the glued area and the paper clip part. This gives a neat finish.

4. Let it Dry: Let the glue dry completely. Hot glue dries fast. Craft glue might take longer, maybe even overnight. Do not use the bookmark until the glue is totally hard. Clip it onto your page. The button sits nicely at the top of your book.

5. Fabric Scrap Bookmarks

Have small pieces of fabric left from sewing projects? Do not throw them away. Turn them into beautiful bookmarks. Fabric bookmarks feel soft. They look cozy. A great way to use up scraps.

Materials:

• Fabric scraps (cotton works well)

• Fusible interfacing (medium weight, this is special paper that makes fabric stiff when you iron it)

• Iron and ironing board

• Scissors

• Pinking shears (scissors with zig-zag blades, optional for fancy edges)

• Ribbon or thin twine (optional)

• Needle and thread or fabric glue (optional, for ribbon)

Steps:

1. Prepare Fabric and Interfacing: Cut a piece of fabric scrap into a rectangle. A good size is about 2.5 inches wide and 7 inches long (6 cm by 18 cm). Cut a piece of fusible interfacing just slightly smaller than your fabric piece.

2. Iron Interfacing: Place the fabric scrap wrong side up on your ironing board. Place the fusible interfacing on top of the fabric, rough (glue) side down. Follow the instructions for your interfacing. Usually, you press it with a hot iron for several seconds. The interfacing will stick to the fabric, making it stiffer. Let it cool.

3. Cut to Shape: Now cut your stiffened fabric into the final bookmark shape. You can cut a simple rectangle (maybe 2×6 inches or 5×15 cm). Using pinking shears gives a nice decorative edge that helps prevent fraying.

4. Add Ribbon Loop (Optional): Cut a short piece of ribbon (about 4 inches or 10 cm). Fold it into a loop. You can attach this loop to the top of the bookmark. Either sew it securely with a needle and thread. Or use a strong fabric glue.

5. Finish: Your fabric bookmark is done. Simple. Pretty. A lovely texture. It feels nice in your hand and in your book.

6. Pressed Flower Bookmarks

 

Capture the beauty of nature. Press flowers and leaves. Put them in a bookmark. These bookmarks are delicate and beautiful. A wonderful way to remember a special walk or garden.

Materials:

• Pressed flowers and leaves (press them in a heavy book between paper for a week or two)

• Thick paper or cardstock

• Clear self-adhesive laminating sheets or clear contact paper

• Glue stick

• Scissors

• Hole punch and ribbon (optional)

Steps:

 

1. Cut Your Base: Cut a bookmark shape from cardstock. A standard 2×6 inch (5×15 cm) size works well.

2. Arrange Flowers: Plan your design. Gently arrange your pressed flowers and leaves on the cardstock base. Try different layouts until you like it.

3. Glue Flowers Down: Once you like the arrangement, carefully lift each flower/leaf. Put a tiny bit of glue stick on the back. Gently press it onto the cardstock. Use very little glue. Just enough to hold them in place. Let the glue dry for a few minutes.

4. Laminate or Cover: Cut two pieces of clear laminating sheet or contact paper slightly larger than your bookmark. Peel the backing off one sheet. Carefully lay your bookmark (flower side up) onto the sticky side. Smooth it out gently from the center outwards to remove air bubbles. Now peel the backing off the second sheet. Carefully place it over the back of the bookmark, sticky side down. Press firmly. Smooth out bubbles again. Using a laminator machine also works great if you have one.

5. Trim Edges: Use scissors to trim the excess laminating sheet or contact paper around the bookmark. Leave a small clear border (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm) around the cardstock. This seals the edges completely and protects the flowers.

6. Add Ribbon (Optional): Punch a hole at the top. Add a ribbon tassel if you wish. Your beautiful pressed flower bookmark is ready to use. Nature preserved.

7. Pom-Pom Bookmarks

 

Add some fuzzy fun to your reading. Make cute pom-poms. Attach them to bookmarks. They are cheerful. They are soft. Easy to find your page with a fluffy pom-pom sticking out.

Materials:

• Yarn (any color you like)

• A fork OR a pom-pom maker tool

• Sharp scissors

• Large paper clip OR a strip of cardstock

Steps:

1. Make the Pom-Pom:

   • Using a Fork: Wrap yarn around the tines (prongs) of a fork many times. More wraps make a fuller pom-pom. Wrap maybe 50-80 times. Cut another short piece of yarn (about 6 inches / 15 cm). Slide this piece through the middle space of the fork tines, under the wrapped yarn. Tie this piece tightly around the middle of the yarn bundle. Pull the knot very tight. Slide the yarn bundle off the fork.

   • Using a Pom-Pom Maker: Follow the instructions that came with your tool. They usually involve wrapping yarn around arches and cutting.

2. Cut the Loops: You have a bundle tied in the middle. Use sharp scissors. Cut through all the loops of yarn on both sides of the tied bundle. Be careful not to cut the center tie string.

3. Trim and Fluff: Your pom-pom will look messy. Trim the yarn ends with scissors to make it round and even. Fluff it up with your fingers. Keep trimming until you get a nice, dense ball shape. Do not cut the long ends of the center tie string yet.

4. Attach to Bookmark Base:

   • Paper Clip: Use the long tie strings from the pom-pom. Tie them securely around the top loop of a large paper clip. Make a double knot. Trim the excess string close to the knot.

   • Cardstock Strip: Cut a cardstock strip (e.g., 1.5×5 inches or 4×12 cm). You can glue the pom-pom to the top of the strip using hot glue or strong craft glue. Or, punch a hole at the top of the strip. Thread the pom-pom tie strings through the hole and tie securely. Trim excess string.

5. Ready to Use: Your pom-pom bookmark is complete. Fluffy. Fun. Easy to spot in your book.

8. Photo Strip Bookmarks

 

Make your bookmark personal. Use your favorite photos. Photo booth strips work perfectly. Or print small photos yourself. A great way to keep memories close while you read. Also makes a very thoughtful gift.

Materials:

• Photo booth strips OR small printed photos (about 1.5-2 inches wide)

• Cardstock

• Glue stick

• Scissors or paper trimmer

• Clear packing tape OR self-adhesive laminating sheets (optional, for protection)

• Hole punch and ribbon/tassel (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare Photos: Arrange your small photos in a vertical strip if printing them yourself. Aim for a strip about 2 inches wide and 5-6 inches long (5 cm by 13-15 cm). Print them on photo paper or regular paper. Cut the strip out. Photo booth strips are usually ready to use.

2. Cut Cardstock Base: Cut a piece of cardstock slightly wider and longer than your photo strip. For example, if your photo strip is 2×6 inches, cut the cardstock 2.25 x 6.25 inches (about 5.5 x 16 cm). This creates a nice border.

3. Glue Photos: Apply glue stick evenly to the back of your photo strip. Center the photo strip carefully onto the cardstock base. Press down firmly. Smooth it out to remove any bumps or air bubbles. Let the glue dry.

4. Protect (Optional but Recommended): To make your photo bookmark last longer, protect it. You can carefully cover the entire bookmark (front and back) with wide clear packing tape. Overlap tape slightly if needed. Trim edges neatly. Alternatively, use self-adhesive laminating sheets (like in the pressed flower bookmark idea). Laminating gives a very durable finish.

5. Add Finishing Touches (Optional): Trim the edges if needed after laminating or taping. Punch a hole at the top center. Add a matching ribbon or a small tassel. Your personalized photo bookmark is ready to mark your page and bring a smile.

9. Beaded Bookmarks

Create something elegant. Use beads and ribbon or cord. Beaded bookmarks look fancy. They feel nice. They make beautiful gifts. You can match bead colors to book covers. Or just use your favorite colors.

Materials:

• Thin ribbon (like satin ribbon, 1/4 inch or 6mm wide) OR strong jewelry cord/thread

• Assorted beads (glass, wood, plastic – with holes big enough for your ribbon/cord)

• Scissors

• Optional: Crimp beads and pliers (for securing ends on cord)

• Optional: A larger charm or pendant bead for one end

Steps:

1. Cut Ribbon/Cord: Cut a piece of ribbon or cord. About 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) long is usually good. This gives enough length to hang inside and outside the book.

2. Secure One End: You need to stop beads from falling off one end.

   • Ribbon: Tie a thick knot at one end. Or, fold the ribbon end over a small bead and sew it shut. Or, attach a larger charm or pendant bead by tying the ribbon securely to it.

   • Cord: Tie a knot. Or, thread on a crimp bead, then a regular bead, loop the cord back through the crimp bead, and squeeze the crimp bead flat with pliers. You can also attach a charm using a knot or crimp bead.

3. String Beads: Start threading your chosen beads onto the ribbon or cord from the unsecured end. Create a pattern. Use different sizes and colors. Leave some space between beads, or group them together. String beads along maybe 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of the cord/ribbon near the secured end. This beaded part will hang outside the book.

4. Secure the Other End: Once you have enough beads, secure the other end. This end goes inside the book. It needs to be flat or small.

   • Ribbon: Tie another knot close to the last bead. Or, just cut the ribbon cleanly. Heat sealing the ribbon end carefully with a lighter flame (ask an adult for help) can prevent fraying.

   • Cord: Tie a knot close to the last bead. Or use another crimp bead.

5. Adjust Length: Make sure the plain part of the ribbon/cord (the part that goes inside the book) is long enough, about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). Trim the end if needed. Your elegant beaded bookmark is finished.

10. Watercolor Bookmarks

Unleash your inner artist. Play with watercolor paints. Create beautiful, dreamy bookmarks. Each one will be unique. Watercolor techniques like washes or wet-on-wet look amazing on a small scale. Very relaxing to make too.

Materials:

• Watercolor paper (this paper is thick and handles water well) OR heavy cardstock

• Watercolor paints (pan set or tubes)

• Paint brushes (different sizes)

• Cup of water

• Paper towels

• Scissors

• Hole punch and ribbon (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut Paper: Cut the watercolor paper into bookmark-sized strips. Standard size is 2×6 inches (5×15 cm), but you can vary this. Cutting the paper first is easier than painting a large sheet and cutting later.

2. Paint Your Designs: Time to paint! Dip your brush in water, then into the paint. Apply color to the paper strips. Try simple things:

   • Color Wash: Wet the paper slightly with clean water first. Then brush on one or more colors. Let them blend together softly.

   • Abstract Patterns: Make dots, lines, swirls. Let colors touch and mix on the paper.

   • Simple Shapes: Paint easy shapes like leaves, flowers, clouds, or geometric patterns.

   • Splatter: Load a brush with watery paint. Tap the brush over the bookmark paper to create paint splatters. Protect your work surface!
     Experiment. Have fun. You do not need to be a great artist. Simple colors and blends look beautiful.

3. Let Dry Completely: Watercolor needs time to dry fully. Lay the painted bookmarks flat on a clean surface. Let them dry for several hours or overnight. Paper might curl slightly; you can press them under a heavy book once dry.

4. Add Details (Optional): Once dry, you can add details with a fine-tip permanent marker if you like. Outline shapes. Add tiny dots. Write a word.

5. Finish: Punch a hole at the top if you want a ribbon. Add a ribbon tassel. Your unique watercolor bookmarks are ready. Beautiful little pieces of art for your books.

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Final Part

FAQs

What paper is best for DIY bookmarks?

Thick paper works best. Cardstock is a great choice for most ideas. It is strong. It holds its shape. Watercolor paper is perfect for painting bookmarks because it handles water without getting too wrinkly. Regular printer paper is usually too thin. It might tear easily.

How can I make my homemade bookmarks last longer?

Protecting your bookmarks helps them last. Laminating them is the best way. You can use self-adhesive laminating sheets or a laminating machine.

Covering them with clear packing tape also works well. Using thick paper like cardstock helps too. For fabric bookmarks, using interfacing makes them stronger.

Are DIY bookmarks good gifts?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade bookmarks make wonderful gifts. They are personal. They show you spent time making something special for someone.

You can match the bookmark style to the person’s interests or favorite colors. Readers always appreciate a nice bookmark. It is a thoughtful and useful present.

Can kids make these bookmarks?

Most of these bookmark ideas are great for kids. Simple paper strips, washi tape, button bookmarks (with adult help for strong glue), and pom-pom bookmarks are very kid-friendly.

Corner bookmarks might need a little patience with folding. Pressed flower and watercolor bookmarks are also fun, maybe with some help. Always supervise kids when using scissors or hot glue.

Conclusion

Making your own bookmarks is a rewarding activity. You get to be creative. You make something useful with your own hands. These ten ideas offer different styles.

Simple paper crafts. Cute origami. Colorful tape designs. Nature-inspired looks. Cozy fabric options. Fun pom-poms. Personal photos. Elegant beads. Artistic watercolors. There is something for everyone.

Try one or two ideas. Or try them all. You save money compared to buying bookmarks. More importantly, you add a personal touch to your reading time.

Holding a bookmark you made yourself feels good. It connects you more to your books and the joy of crafting. So grab some simple supplies. Start creating. Happy reading, and happy bookmark making.