I don’t know about you, but I have a terrible habit of dog-earing pages in my books. My husband cringes every time he sees me do it. So, in an effort to save my marriage and my book collection, I decided to finally make some bookmarks. And since my reading list is currently overflowing with fantasy novels, I figured why not make them Harry Potter themed?
These DIY Harry Potter bookmarks are perfect for the muggle in your life (or yourself) who needs a little magic to keep their place. They’re fun, they’re easy, and best of all, they’ll stop you from destroying your book spines. Here are six of my favorite designs that I actually made and tested myself.
The Importance of a Good Bookmark
Ever spent five minutes searching for a random scrap of paper to hold your spot? I have. I’ve used receipts, grocery lists, and once, a very sad-looking french fry. It’s not a good look. A dedicated bookmark isn’t just functional; it’s a statement about who you are as a reader.
Why settle for boring when you can have magical?
Making your own bookmarks means you get exactly what you want. You can match them to your current read, your mood, or your Hogwarts house. Plus, they make fantastic last-minute gifts for the book lovers in your life. FYI, these are way cheaper than buying them at a bookstore, and they come with a personal touch you just can’t buy.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each design, let’s talk supplies. You probably have most of this stuff lying around your house already.
- Cardstock or thick paper: Regular printer paper is too flimsy. You want something that can withstand being shoved into a book and pulled back out a few dozen times.
- Scissors: A sharp pair is your best friend here.
- Glue stick or Mod Podge: For sticking things down securely.
- Laminator or clear packing tape: If you want your bookmarks to last through a few reads.
- Hole punch and ribbon or tassel: For that classic bookmark look.
- Printer: For printing out any images or quotes.
And of course, your imagination. Don’t underestimate the power of a good idea.
1. The Classic House Crest Bookmarks
This is probably the most straightforward project, and it’s perfect for beginners. You get to rep your house pride every time you open your book. Personally, I’m a Hufflepuff, so my bookmark is full of badger energy and yellow.
Finding and Printing Your Crests
You can easily find high-quality images of the Hogwarts house crests online. Just do a quick search for “Harry Potter house crests printable.” Once you’ve got them, resize them in a document so they’re about 2 inches wide and 6-7 inches tall. Pro tip: Put all four crests on one page before you print to save paper and ink.
Adding House Colors and Details
Print your crests onto cardstock. Now, here’s where you can get creative. Cut out a strip of colored cardstock that matches your house. For Gryffindor, use red and gold. For Slytherin, green and silver. Glue your crest onto this colored backing, leaving a border.
I like to add a strip of washi tape or a drawn line along the bottom in the house colors. It just adds a little extra pop. Ever wondered why these small details matter? It’s because they show you actually put thought into it, instead of just slapping a picture on some paper. 😉
2. Spellbook Page Bookmarks
These look incredibly intricate, but I promise they are deceptively simple. They give off that ancient, mysterious vibe, like you’re about to cast Lumos on your page.
The Tea Staining Technique
First, you need some paper that looks old. You can buy parchment-style paper, or you can make your own. I prefer the DIY route because it’s more fun.
- Grab a few sheets of regular printer paper.
- Brew a strong cup of black tea. The stronger, the better.
- Lay the paper on a baking sheet and pour the tea over it. Use a brush to spread it around if you need to.
- Crumple the paper up slightly to create creases and wrinkles. This adds to the aged effect.
- Let it dry completely. You can bake it in the oven at a low temp (200°F) for a few minutes to speed things up, or just let it sit overnight.
Writing the Spells
Once your paper is dry and looks suitably ancient, iron it flat. Now, cut it into bookmark-sized rectangles. Using a calligraphy pen or just a fine-tip black marker, write out some of your favorite spells.
- Expecto Patronum!
- Wingardium Leviosa (with the proper swish and flick, of course).
- Lumos and Nox.
I like to use a mixture of English and the “spell” versions. It adds a nice visual contrast. Bold the names of the spells on your bookmark to make them stand out. For a final touch, burn the edges of the paper slightly with a lighter. Be careful with this step! Do it over a sink, and have water nearby. It gives it that authentic, well-used spellbook look.
3. Golden Snitch Wing Bookmarks
These are probably my favorite design. They’re delicate, they look fantastic, and they’re a great conversation starter. I made a bunch of these for my book club, and everyone thought I’d bought them.
Shaping the Wings
You’ll need some stiff felt or craft foam in a cream or light brown color. Draw a wing shape onto a piece of paper first to make a template. It should be long and slightly curved, like a narrow teardrop.
- Trace your template onto the felt or foam. You’ll need two wings per bookmark.
- Cut them out carefully.
- Here’s the trick: slightly curve the wings by running them over the edge of a scissors blade. This gives them a natural, feathery look.
Assembling the Snitch Body
For the body of the Snitch, you need a small, round object. A wooden bead works perfectly. Paint it gold, or use a gold metallic marker.
- Take a thin piece of wire or a paperclip and shape it into a small loop at the top (for hanging a ribbon) and a straight piece at the bottom.
- Glue the bottom of the wire into the hole of the bead.
- Now, glue the tops of your two wings to the back of the bead, so they fan out. Glue the bottoms of the wings together at the base.
- Finally, thread a thin gold ribbon through the loop at the top.
Hold it up to the light, and it genuinely looks like a tiny Golden Snitch is resting on your page. IMO, the effort is totally worth the final result.
4. Potion Bottle Labels
Remember all those potion labels in Slughorn’s classroom? Felix Felicis, Amortentia, Veritaserum? They make for amazing bookmarks that look like they belong in a real potions textbook.
Designing Your Labels
You can design these yourself on a computer, or you can print out pre-made ones. I like to mix and match.
Create a simple label shape—a rectangle with a curved top or bottom works well. Fill it with:
- The potion name in a fancy font.
- A brief, funny description. (e.g., “Amortentia – Smells like fresh laundry and pizza”).
- A “danger” warning or a fun fact.
Print them out on sticker paper if you have it. If not, regular paper and a glue stick work just fine.
Attaching to a Base
Cut out your labels and stick them onto a piece of dark cardstock or even thin cardboard. A black or dark brown base makes the label pop.
You can also laminate these with clear packing tape to give them a glossy, waterproof finish. Punch a hole in the top and tie a small piece of twine or ribbon through it. It adds to that rustic, apothecary feel. This is one of those projects where the imperfections make it look more authentic, so don’t stress if your cutting isn’t perfect.
5. Wanted: Sirius Black Posters
This idea is for those of us who like a little humor with our reading. Remember the “Wanted” posters for Sirius Black? They’re iconic, and they translate perfectly into a bookmark format.
Creating the Wanted Poster Look
Find an image of the “Wanted” poster online. You want the one with the creepy photo of Sirius and the bold text. Print it out, but make it a bit smaller than your final bookmark size.
Now, here’s the fun part. On a separate piece of paper, write out a few “charges” against Sirius.
- “Stole 12 Muggles’ Sunday newspapers.”
- “Borrowed James’s broom without asking.”
- “Made a rude gesture at Aunt Petunia.”
Glue your main poster image onto a strip of cardstock. Then, using a thin marker, write your silly charges around it in small text, almost like they’re part of the official description.
Adding the Ministry Seal
For the final official touch, add a Ministry of Magic seal. You can draw a simple circle with an “M” in the center, or print out a fancier one. Stick this at the bottom of the bookmark.
This design always gets a laugh. It’s a great way to show off your fandom while also being a little irreverent. I made one for a friend who’s a massive Sirius fan, and she absolutely lost it. 🙂
6. DIY Tassel Bookmarks with Charms
This last project is more about the hardware than the paper. Sometimes the simplest bookmarks are the most elegant. A plain strip of nice fabric or leather can look amazing with the right charm attached.
Choosing Your Materials
Head to a craft store and look for:
- Thin leather cord or suede strips: These make durable, classy bookmarks.
- Fabric remnants: A strip of velvet or a thick cotton print works well.
- Chains: A short length of small-link chain can also make a beautiful bookmark.
You want the base to be simple so the charm is the star.
Selecting the Perfect Charms
This is where you let your Harry Potter obsession shine.
- A tiny golden snitch charm.
- A miniature cauldron.
- The Hogwarts crest.
- A glass bead that looks like a remembrall.
- A small key (for the Chamber of Secrets).
Simply attach your charm to one end of your cord or chain using a jump ring. If you’re using fabric, you can sew the charm on or attach it with a strong glue.
FYI, these make incredible gifts. They look sophisticated, they’re personal, and they take about five minutes to make. I keep a stash of these on hand for last-minute birthday presents.
Conclusion: Which Magical Bookmark Will You Make First?
So there you have it—six different ways to keep your place in style. Whether you’re repping your house with the classic crests, feeling sneaky with a Sirius Black poster, or going for elegant with a simple charm, there’s a project here for every skill level.
I personally think the Golden Snitch wings are the most impressive, but the potion bottle labels are probably the most fun to make. Why not try a couple and see which one you like best? Your books will thank you, and honestly, you’ll never lose your place again.
Now, go forth and create something magical! And if you end up making any of these, I’d love to hear about it. What’s your Hogwarts house? What charm did you put on your tassel? Let me know in the comments!
