8 DIY Aesthetic Bookmarks with Quotes

You know those expensive, fancy bookmarks that look like miniature works of art? The ones that cost as much as a fancy coffee? Yeah, I’ve been guilty of buying them too. But then I look at my stack of books and realize I need, like, twenty of them. My wallet cried.

So, I did what any crafty (and slightly broke) book lover would do: I decided to make my own. And honestly? They turned out way better than anything I could have bought. Plus, getting to pair them with my favorite quotes? Chef’s kiss.

I’ve put together a list of 8 DIY aesthetic bookmarks with quotes that are ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or someone who struggles to glue two things together (I’ve been there, my friend), there’s something here for you. Grab your scissors, and let’s get started!

1. The Classic Painted Watercolor Strip

This is where it all begins for me. Watercolors are just so forgiving. If you mess up, it just looks like “abstract art,” right? 😉

What You’ll Need:

• Thick paper (watercolor paper works best, but cardstock is a good backup)
• Watercolor paint set
• A fine-tipped black pen
• Your favorite quote

How I Do It:

First, I cut my paper into strips. I usually go for something like 2 inches wide and 8 inches long—a pretty standard bookmark size.

Then comes the fun part. I wet my brush, dip it in the paint, and just go wild. Sometimes I do a solid wash of one color. Other times, I blend two or three together to create an ombre effect. The key is to let it dry completely. Trust me, if you try to write on it while it’s damp, the ink will bleed, and you’ll have a sad, blurry mess.

Once it’s dry, I take my fine-tipped pen and neatly write my quote right in the center. My go-to quote lately? “She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans.” It just fits, you know?

Pro-Tip:

If your handwriting is a little shaky (mine is some days!), you can always print the quote on thin paper and use a transfer method. But honestly, the handmade look is part of the charm!

2. Pressed Flower Fantasy

Ever wondered why pressed flowers look so magical? It’s like you’re preserving a tiny piece of a sunny day. This method makes the most aesthetic bookmarks that also smell faintly of nature. It’s very cottage-core.

The Process:

You’ve got two paths here.

1. The Slow Path: Pick some small flowers (pansies and daisies work great), press them in a heavy book for a week or two.
2. The “I Want It Now” Path: Buy a pack of pre-pressed flowers from a craft store. No judgment here! I do it all the time.

Take your bookmark backing—I like using a slightly translucent paper for this, like vellum or parchment paper. Arrange your pressed flowers on one half. Carefully place another piece of the same paper on top.

Here’s the tricky part: you need to seal it. You can use self-adhesive laminating sheets (the ones you use for school projects) or a very light coat of spray adhesive. Write your quote on the front with a metallic pen. It looks divine.

“A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors.” – Henry Ward Beecher. This quote fits the flower theme perfectly.

3. The Tassel & Charm Extravaganza

Okay, this one is for when I’m feeling a little extra. You know those days. I want my bookmark to dangle something pretty.

Let’s Talk Supplies:

• Leather cord or embroidery floss for the tassel
• Beads (wooden, metallic, or colorful plastic)
• A small charm (a tiny key, a star, an open book—so cute!)
• A hole punch

Making It:

First, make your bookmark base. This could be a simple piece of stiff felt, a strip of faux leather, or even a thick piece of cardstock. Punch a hole at the top.

Now, for the tassel! Wrap your cord or floss around a small book (or your fingers) about 20 times. Tie a separate piece of string tightly around the top loop, then cut the bottom loops. Wrap another piece around the top to create the tassel head.

String your beads and charm onto a separate piece of cord, thread it through the hole in your bookmark, and then attach it to the tassel head. Voilà! A bookmark with some serious swag.

The Quote:

For this one, I like something short and punchy that I can write vertically along the edge. “Adventure awaits.” Simple, bold, and it gets the point across.

4. Photo Memory Bookmarks

These aren’t just bookmarks; they’re conversation starters. I made a bunch of these as gifts last Christmas, and people actually teared up. It’s a great way to recycle those photos you have lying around that don’t quite make it into frames.

How to Assemble:

1. Cut a piece of chipboard or thick cardboard to your desired size.
2. Choose a photo. It could be a landscape, a portrait, or even a picture of text. Cut it slightly larger than the chipboard.
3. Use Mod Podge to glue the photo onto the chipboard, folding the edges over the back. Smooth out any bubbles!
4. Seal the top with another thin layer of Mod Podge. This protects the photo.
5. On the back, glue a piece of coordinating scrapbook paper to hide the folded edges.
6. Write your quote on the front of the photo using a white or black oil-based paint pen. Regular pens won’t write on the glossy sealant.

This is a perfect way to preserve a memory of a person or a place, paired with a quote that reminds you of them.

5. The Simple Corner Bookmark (No Cutting Required!)

Ever folded the corner of a page down? My librarian mother just gasped somewhere. I know, I know, it’s a sin. But what if you had a cute little corner buddy to do the job instead? This is the easiest project on the list, hands down. FYI, kids love making these, so it’s a great weekend activity.

The Origami Method:

Take a square piece of paper.

1. Fold it diagonally to make a triangle.
2. Take the top layer of the bottom corner and fold it up to meet the top point. Crease, then unfold.
3. Fold the left and right corners down to meet the bottom corner. You’ll have a smaller square shape now.
4. Tuck those same corners into the pocket you created in step 2.
   You’ve just made a pocket that slips perfectly over your page corner!

Decorating:

Now, glue on some googly eyes, draw a face, and write a tiny quote right on the “body.” Because the space is small, I use micro quotes.

• “Read.”
• “Hi.”
• “Imagine.”

It’s playful, functional, and takes about two minutes.

6. The Ribbon & Charm Dangler

This is a slightly more elegant version of the tassel one. It’s minimalist and super chic. IMO, this is the one that looks the most “store-bought.”

The Setup:

You need a length of beautiful ribbon. It could be velvet, satin, or even a grosgrain with a pattern. You also need a charm and a jump ring (a small metal ring used in jewelry making).

• Attach the charm to the jump ring.
• Thread one end of the ribbon through the jump ring and fold it over.
• Sew a tiny, neat stitch right through the ribbon and the jump ring to secure it in place. You can also use a tiny dot of super glue or fabric glue if you don’t sew.

That’s literally it. The bookmark is the ribbon. It’s soft, it won’t damage your book, and the charm sits right at the top, peeking out.

Adding the Quote:

Because the ribbon is fabric, writing on it is tricky. Instead, I attach a small metal-rimmed tag to the ribbon just below the charm. You can write your quote on a piece of paper, punch it, and set it in the tag. It looks incredibly professional.

7. The Dark & Moody Ink Drawing

Sometimes, I’m not in the mood for pastels and flowers. Sometimes, I want something that looks like it belongs in a Gothic novel. That’s when I break out the black ink.

Materials for a Moody Vibe:

• Black India Ink or a fine-liner pen
• A piece of cream or gray cardstock (bright white is too stark)
• A dip pen (if you’re feeling fancy) or just a regular fine-tip black pen

Getting Started:

I like to sketch out a simple, dark motif. Think:

• A raven sitting on a branch
• A cluster of stars and a crescent moon
• A single, wilting rose
• Thick, messy calligraphy

I cover about a third of the bookmark with the drawing. The key is high contrast. Let the black ink be bold against the lighter paper.

The Quote:

The quote needs to match the mood. I recently made one that said, “All this happened, more or less.” – the opening line from Slaughterhouse-Five. It’s stark, it’s blunt, and it fits the aesthetic perfectly.

8. The Collage Sheet Spectacular

This is for the magpies among us—the ones who like a little bit of everything. I save old magazines, ticket stubs, sheet music, and maps specifically for this project.

Creating the Layers:

1. Start with a plain cardstock base.
2. Tear (don’t cut!) pieces of your collected papers. Torn edges give a much better texture than straight cuts.
3. Arrange them on the base, overlapping them. Let some things stick out over the edge.
4. Once you like the layout, glue everything down with a glue stick.
5. Trim the overhanging edges so the bookmark is a uniform shape again.

The Finishing Touch:

Because the background is so busy, you need a quote that stands out. I write it on a separate, plain-colored piece of paper, cut it out in a circle or a banner shape, and glue that on top of the collage.

This creates a beautiful focal point. A good quote for this is something broad and inspiring, like “Not all those who wander are lost.” It fits the eclectic mix of papers.

So there you have it! Eight different ways to make sure you never lose your place again. Honestly, the best part about making these is that no two are ever the same. You can tailor them to the book you’re reading or the person you’re giving them to.

I’d love to know which one you’re going to try first. Are you a watercolor person or a dark ink person? Drop a comment and let me know! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a book and my new favorite bookmark. Happy crafting! 🙂