How many times have you been deep into a thriller, about to find out who the killer is, and you have to put the book down? You look around frantically for something—anything—to mark your spot. A random receipt? A dog-eared page? (I know, I know, we’ve all done it, but it hurts my soul a little).
We’ve all been there. But using a torn piece of paper is so last season. It’s time to upgrade your reading game with some bookmarks that actually show off your personality. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. I’m talking about projects you can finish while waiting for your coffee to brew.
I’ve rounded up 15 of my absolute favorite easy DIY bookmark ideas that are perfect for a quick crafting session. Whether you’re crafty, kinda clumsy with a glue gun (hi, that’s me!), or just looking for something fun to do with the kids, there’s something here for everyone. Grab your stash of supplies and let’s get started! 🙂
1. The Classic Painted Watercolor Wonder
This is my go-to when I want to feel like a real artist but don’t have the energy for a full-on masterpiece. It’s simple, looks fancy, and is incredibly forgiving.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Heavy cardstock or watercolor paper (so it doesn’t warp)
- Watercolor paint set (the kids’ kind works perfectly!)
- A paintbrush and some water
- Hole punch and some twine or ribbon (optional)
Here’s the fun part: Just wet your brush, grab a color you love, and start painting. Don’t overthink it! I love just dabbing different colors next to each other and letting them bleed together. It creates this dreamy, abstract look that’s impossible to mess up. Seriously, if it looks messy, just call it “abstract art.” 😉
Once it’s dry, you can punch a hole at the top and thread some pretty twine through it. IMO, that little string detail makes it look so much more professional.
2. The Wasabi… I Mean, Washi Tape Bookmark
If you’re like me and have a drawer full of washi tape that you buy “for a special project,” this is your moment. This is probably the fastest project on the list, and it’s a great way to use up those scraps.
Grab a blank piece of cardstock—any color will do. Cut it into a rectangle about 2 inches wide and 6-7 inches long. Now, go to town with your washi tape! Layer it, stripe it, criss-cross it. The beauty of washi tape is that it’s semi-transparent and easy to reposition, so you can really play around with the design.
- Pro-Tip: Run a strip down each long edge to give the bookmark a clean, finished border. It hides any rough edges and looks super sleek.
- Another Idea: Fold a piece of tape over the top edge to create a little tab. It makes it so much easier to flip to your page.
3. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Okay, this one makes me feel like a Victorian poet. It’s romantic, it’s pretty, and it’s a wonderful way to preserve a memory from a walk in the park.
How to Make Them:
- Go on a little adventure and collect some small flowers or ferns. Press them in a heavy book for a few days (or cheat and use flowers you’ve already dried).
- Cut two identical rectangles of contact paper (sticky-back plastic) or clear laminate sheets.
- Peel the backing off one sheet and carefully arrange your pressed flowers on the sticky side.
- Slowly peel the backing off the second sheet and place it sticky-side down on top of the first, sandwiching the flowers in between.
- Smooth out any air bubbles with your fingernail. Trim the edges for a clean finish.
FYI: You can also use self-laminating pouches for this. Just sandwich the flowers inside and run it through a laminator if you have one. They make for a super durable bookmark that can actually handle being shoved in a bag.
4. The Quirky Paperclip Bookmark
This is less of a bookmark and more of a page marker, but I absolutely love them. They hook right onto the page you’re on and they’re adorable.
All you need is a handful of large paperclips and some odds and ends you have lying around. Glue a cute button to the top of the paperclip. Or tie a bunch of colorful embroidery floss around it to make a little tassel. My favorite thing to do is hot glue a small silk flower or a cute little pompom to the end. It adds a pop of personality that peeks out of the top of your book.
5. The Corner Monster Bookmark (Origami)
Ever seen those cute bookmarks that grip the corner of your page? They look like little monsters or animals peeking out. They are surprisingly easy to make and are a huge hit with kids (and kids at heart).
You just need a square piece of paper. A 6×6 inch piece of origami paper or scrapbook paper works perfectly.
- Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle.
- Fold the two bottom points up to meet the top point, then unfold.
- Fold just the top layer of the top point down to meet the bottom edge.
- Tuck the two side points into the pocket you just created.
Boom! You have the base. Now, use markers, googly eyes, and paper scraps to turn it into a kitty, a panda, or a grumpy monster. They’re so darn cute you’ll want to make a dozen.
6. Felt Tassel Bookmarks
These feel so luxurious, and they’re a fantastic no-sew project. They’re sturdy, soft, and the tassel makes it easy to spot your book on the nightstand.
You’ll need:
- Felt sheets in your favorite colors
- Scissors
- Embroidery floss or thin yarn
Cut a long strip of felt—about 1.5 inches wide and 8 inches long. Cut another smaller piece for the tassel top. For the tassel, cut a bunch of 4-inch lengths of yarn or embroidery floss. Tie them together in the middle with a separate piece, fold the bundle in half, and wrap the top with more floss to create the tassel head. Then, just glue or stitch the tassel to the top of your felt strip. It’s that simple!
7. The “Junk Mail” Makeover Bookmark
Why buy new materials when you have a pile of junk mail begging to be upcycled? Look for sturdy cardstock in catalogs, thick envelopes, or even the covers of old magazines.
- Cut out an interesting image or pattern.
- Glue it onto a piece of thin cardboard (like from a cereal box) to give it some backbone.
- Cover the whole thing with clear packing tape for a DIY laminate finish.
- Trim the edges and you have a brand new, eco-friendly bookmark that cost you absolutely nothing. Talk about a win-win!
8. Photo Strip Bookmarks
We all have those photo booth strips or 4×6 prints lying around that we never know what to do with. This is a perfect way to display them and add a personal touch to your books.
Grab a photo you love and cut it down to a bookmark shape. To make it last, you’ll definitely want to laminate it. You can use self-adhesive laminating sheets or even just wide packing tape on both sides. This protects the photo from getting bent or ripped. It makes a fantastic personalized gift, too.
9. The Simple Ribbon & Charm Bookmark
This is elegance at its finest. It’s a string bookmark, meaning it lays flat between the pages and the charm hangs out the bottom, marking your spot.
- Cut a length of beautiful ribbon, about 12-15 inches long.
- Find a small charm or a pretty bead from an old necklace.
- Fold the ribbon in half and slip the loop through the charm’s bail, then pull the ends through the loop to secure it.
- You can knot the ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying or add small beads to the ends for a bit of weight.
10. Glitter Bomb Bookmarks
Sometimes, you just need a little sparkle in your life. And what says “sparkle” more than glitter? I know, I know, glitter is the herpes of the craft world… it gets everywhere. But for these, it’s contained, I promise! 🙂
Grab some clear contact paper. Cut two rectangles. Peel the back off one and sprinkle your finest glitter generously over the sticky side. Gently press the second piece of contact paper on top, sticky-side down. Seal those edges tight! The glitter is now safely sandwiched in between with no chance of escape. Trim it to size, and you have a stunning, shimmering bookmark.
11. Embroidery Hoop Art Bookmarks
Have you tried your hand at embroidery? Even if you’re a beginner, you can whip up a bunch of these in an afternoon.
- Stitch a simple design—a tiny heart, a star, a flower—on a small piece of linen or cotton fabric.
- Once you’re done, carefully cut around your design, leaving a small border.
- Apply fabric glue or mod podge to a piece of cardstock cut to your desired bookmark size.
- Press your embroidered fabric onto the cardstock, folding the edges over neatly to the back. It makes for a beautifully textured and unique bookmark.
12. The Painted Wood Slice Bookmark
If you’re feeling a little rustic, this one’s for you. You can find small, thin wood slices at any craft store. They usually come with a hole already drilled in them.
This is where the fun begins. You can paint them with acrylic paint. Paint a simple galaxy, a cute animal face, or just a solid color with a fun pattern. Since the surface is small, it’s a low-pressure way to practice your painting skills. String a leather cord or some jute through the hole, and you have a bookmark that feels like it came from a national park gift shop.
13. Painted Chip Clip Bookmark
This is a brilliant hack for those of us who read while we eat (no judgment here!). Grab a wooden chip clip or clothespin from the dollar store.
- Paint the outside of the clip with acrylic paint.
- Once it’s dry, you can decoupage a small strip of decorative paper onto it.
- Use it to clip to the front cover of your book when you’re not reading, or clip it directly to the page you’re on. It holds your place securely, and you can clip your snack bag shut with it when you’re done. Multitasking at its finest!
14. The “Good Old-Fashioned” Leather Bookmark
This one is for the minimalists. It’s simple, timeless, and ages beautifully. You can buy a small scrap of soft leather or suede from a craft store.
- Cut it into a simple rectangle or a shape with a pointed end.
- You don’t even have to finish the edges if you like the raw, rustic look.
- Punch a hole at the top and add a simple knot of leather cord or a single bead. The more you use it, the softer and more supple the leather becomes. It just feels good in your hand.
15. Quote Card Bookmarks
Have a favorite line from a poem or a book? Write it down and turn it into a bookmark! It’s like carrying a little piece of inspiration with you everywhere you read.
- Cut some cardstock into your bookmark shape.
- Use a nice pen or a calligraphy marker to write out your favorite quote. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
- Decorate the background with a light watercolor wash or some simple doodles.
- This is a super personal project. You could even make a set of them for a friend, using quotes from their favorite authors.
So there you have it! Fifteen ridiculously easy ways to make sure you never have to use a napkin as a bookmark ever again. Most of these projects use stuff you probably already have at home, and they’re all perfect for a quick, satisfying creative break.
Which one are you going to try first? Personally, I’m off to make a dozen of those corner monster bookmarks. They’re just too cute to resist. Happy crafting, friends! 🙂
