How to Make a Bookmark

Co-authored by Renee Day

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 Fact Checked

As a literary creature, do you often find yourself at a loss for the perfect page-saver in your favorite novels? Have no fear, you can make your own bookmark in dozens of styles so you never lose track of your reading again. Learn how to make a paper bookmark, magnetic, beaded, and several more in the directions below.

Printable Bookmarks

Sample Bookmarks

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

How to Make a Traditional Paper Bookmark

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Select a heavy cardstock-like paper to act as the support for your bookmark, and then choose an additional image or pattern to glue over the top.^{[1]
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Research source} Feel free to make a collage of other papers or to select multiple images if you want.
The size of the bookmark is up to you. Cut the cardstock into a small, less obtrusive bookmark only an inch long, or choose to make a more traditional sized bookmark measuring 2-3 inches wide.^{[2]
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Research source} Don’t make the bookmark longer than six inches, as some books are this size and you don’t want the bookmark to stick out the bottom as well as the top.

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3
Add your details. Using the decorative paper or images you may have selected, cut and glue them onto the cardstock.^{[3]
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Research source} Try gluing a piece of textured paper or a cut-out from a magazine over the entirety of the cardstock for an easy way to add style to your craft.
- Adding glitter or stickers is a great way to give your bookmark personality without much work.
- Draw over your bookmark with markers or pens to add words, phrases, or quotes that you particularly like. You can also draw your own images onto the cardstock, or add details to the bits of paper and pictures you have glued on.
- Make a collage of images you cut out from magazines by overlapping them on your cardstock. You can do this with your own personal pictures as well.
4
Cover your bookmark. In order to protect the paper from becoming frayed or damaged, add a protective covering to your bookmark.^{[4]
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Research source} If you have the ability to, laminate your bookmark with plastic.
- You can also create this effect by using wide packing tape in an even strip on both sides of your bookmark.
- Consider using a craft epoxy-like liquid gel to paint onto both sides of your bookmark. Paint one side at a time, allowing drying periods between coats.
5
Add your finishing touches. Use a hole-punch to create a hole at the top of your bookmark. Cut a piece of ribbon to be 6-8 inches long, and fold it in half.^{[5]
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Research source} Then place the loop-end of the ribbon through the hole punch and slide the tail ends through the loop, pulling tightly.
- Add multiple ribbons for more color and texture on your bookmark.
- Use beads on the ends of your ribbon for a bit of glam. Slide a few beads over the ends of both the ribbon tails, and then tie a knot to secure it.
- Use a match or a lighter to burn the cut-ends of the ribbons to prevent fraying. The flame will cause the plastic to melt, creating a blunted-end to your ribbons.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

How to Make a Beaded Ribbon Bookmark

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Choose a ribbon that is thin and pliable, with no wire. Your beads can be of any size and style, as long as the holes are big enough to fit the ribbon. Consider also adding a charm bead to hang from the end of your ribbons.
Use scissors to cut your ribbon to 42 inches long. Use a match or a lighter to cauterize the ends of the ribbons to keep them from fraying.
3
Thread your beads. Add the cluster of beads you want to have hanging from the bottom of your bookmark. If you chose a charm, add it to the center of the ribbon and then fold the ribbon in half, threading your other beads over both tails.
- If you don’t use a charm, place a single bead in the center of the ribbon (threading it over only one tail), and then fold the ribbon in half and insert both tails through the remaining beads to make it secure.
- Tie a knot at the base of these beads when you have added all the ones you would like.
- Leave about a 10 inch space, and then tie another knot with both of the ribbon tails. Add any beads you would like to the top of the bookmark, and then tie one more knot to keep them from falling off.
The fold in the center of the ribbon should have created a loop-like space between the two pieces of ribbon. Slide this over your book so that on ribbon is placed on the page you want to mark, and the other is placed on the front cover. This will keep your bookmark secure.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

How to Make a Page-Corner Bookmark

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On a piece of scratch paper, draw a square measuring 5 x 5 inches with a pencil. Take a ruler and divide the square into four sections, creating four small squares within the one large square. Then, erase the top right square so that you have three small squares forming an ‘L’ shape.
You should have split this square into two triangles. Do the same with the bottom right square, so that only the bottom left square is left in its original shape.
Use your pencil to quickly shade the top-most and bottom-most triangles that you’ve drawn. You should be left with a shape that is comprised of a square on the bottom right, with two triangles attached to the top and right sides.
Cut along the perimeter of the shape you have created, cutting off the shaded-in triangles. You should be left with a shape similar to a left-pointing arrow.
Take the shape you have just cut, and place it onto a piece of cardstock or craft paper of your choice. Cut out the shape from your nice paper once you have traced it.
Fold each triangle along the side still connected to the square. The two triangles should overlap and form a square-shape again.
Add glue to the top-triangle, and glue it to the top of the bottom triangle to create a pocket. If you like, cut off the base of the square along the bottom of the triangle pocket to form a symmetrical figure. Otherwise, your bookmark form is complete!
Add additional pieces of decorative paper to the front and back of your triangle pocket. Consider drawing a picture or writing your favorite quote or song lyrics onto the front. When you’re happy with the product, you’re finished! Slide it over the corner of the page you need to mark in your favorite book.^{[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

How to Make a Paper Clip and Bow Bookmark

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Use any fabric you would like, as long as you have a portion of it at least one inch wide and five inches long. Add a bit of fabric stiffener to the scrap pieces to harden them for the bow-making process.
To create the bow, you will need to cut three pieces: a loop for the bow, a piece for the tails, and a center loop to hold it together. Cut the strip for the bow to be ¾ of an inch wide, and 4.5 inches long. The piece to form the tails should measure ¾ of an inch wide and 3.5 inches long, and the center piece should measure ¼ of an inch wide and 1.5 inches long.
Fold the longest strip of fabric into a loop, and use a dab of hot-glue to combine the ends together. Pinch the loop in the center, and place the tail-piece centered to the back of the loop. Use a bit of thread to wrap vertically around the two piece to create the classic bow shape, and tie a knot.
Place the wide end of the paper clip at the back of the bow where your knot has been tied. Take the small center piece of fabric, and wrap it so the ends meet around the paper clip at the back. Use a dot of hot glue to attach the bow, paper clip, and center strip of fabric together.
Give a few minutes for the hot glue to cool, and then use your bookmark by sliding the paper clip over any page. The bow will stick out from the top, so be careful not to damage it.^{[9]
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Research source
www.howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2011/03/bow-tie-paper-clips-from-fabric-scraps.html}

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

How to Make a Magnetic Bookmark

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For this, you will need a thick cardstock paper in any pattern or texture. You can choose to add additional decorative paper to the top of your bookmark when you have completed the assembly.
Cut a rectangular strip of paper 2 inches wide by 6 inches long. Then, fold the paper directly down the center to that you have two halves measuring 2 x 3 inches.
Take small magnets or sheets of magnetic paper, available at craft stores, and cut them into small pieces about ½ an inch by ½ an inch. Glue each piece to the inside of the folded paper opposite of each other. When the paper is folded completely in half, the magnets should connect together.
Add other pieces of decorative paper to the front and back of your bookmark, or draw your own images or quotes onto it. To create a glitzy look, add some glitter or sequins to the paper. Seal your bookmark with a liquid gel medium to prevent the paper from fraying or glued pieces from coming off.
The folded mark should be placed over a single page in your book, with the magnets connecting over the page. To keep it from falling out, place the bookmark near the spine of the page rather than the edge.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

How to Make a Highlighter and Glue Bookmark

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This may take up to 2 days.
It will be a cool highlighted glue bookmark.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

How to Make a Foam Bookmark

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For example, you can add photos of your dog or cat, a friend or family member, etc. Or, stick on craft foam cut-outs, ribbon, glitter, etc.
Make a border using a marker or stitch around the edge with embroidery yarn.
Although optional, this can be a nice touch.
Use the foam bookmark as often as you like. Make more to give away as gifts.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I use a laminating machine to make a bookmark?

Renee Day
Crafting Expert
Renee Day is a Crafting Expert and Content Creator based in Michigan. She is a master of paper crafts, and also specializes in brush lettering, journaling, embossing, stamping, stenciling, doodling, and crocheting. Her Instagram account, thediyday, has over 300K followers. She published a book called Creative Journaling: A Guide to Over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages. The book contains 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages to creating dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals. She also created Chunky Letter Calligraphy, a 30+ page (PDF) all about lettering. She runs a thriving Amazon Storefront, where she curates craft supply collections for her followers. She previously worked as a photographer, capturing engagement sessions, weddings, boudoir, and landscapes. She received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Renee Day

Crafting Expert

Expert Answer

Yes, you can! This is actually super easy and fun! Grab yourself a laminating sheet, which usually comes in two layers. Separate it and sprinkle some glitter or any other flat decoration that you like inside. Make sure everything is spread out nicely, then join the sheet again. Now, carefully feed it through the laminating machine. Here’s a quick tip when using laminating machines: start on the lowest heat setting first. Laminating machines will vary, so you’ll want to see how it works before cranking up the temperature. If the film doesn’t seal well on the first pass, you can run it through again at a higher setting. Once it’s laminated, grab a paper cutter to trim the edges. You can even be more fancy by punching a hole at the top, threading a ribbon or tassel through, and there you’ve got yourself a custom bookmark!

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Question

How can I make a bookmark that shows where I am up to on that particular page?

Community Answer

Use a long magnetic bookmark horizontally. You can use something adhesive, like a piece of tape, and paste it on the spot below the place you stopped reading. When you stop reading on a different page and paragraph, etc., remove the tape and place it on the suitable stop.

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Question

How do I make a necktie bookmark?

Community Answer

Draw a tie shape in the size of a bookmark. Cut it out. Add designs to it (hand drawn, stickers, cut-outs, ribbon stripes, lace bows, etc.). Punch a hole at the top and thread a tassel length through it. Done!

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Here is a fun braided bookmark you can make.

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You can turn your children's drawings into a bookmark for their bedtime stories.

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You can make bookmarks from old greeting cards or invitation cards.

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Making bookmarks on your own will enhance your creativity and will save money.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

if you have an old calendar, you can cut up its pages to turn into bookmarks. Calendar pages are the right thickness for bookmarks, plus you're reusing paper that would otherwise get thrown away!
For an easy bookmark that you don't even need paper for, take a paperclip and tie a ribbon on it. Attach a charm to the end of the ribbon, and you have a cute little bookmark!
Write a word like "COOL" on your bookmark in pencil, then go over it with glue. Sprinkle glitter over the glue and then shake off the excess glitter.

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