Bookmarks are something I really think you can never have too many of. They make wonderful gifts (even better along with a new book!), and they can serve as fun surprises when you pick up a book that you set down a while ago. Also, if you’re like me, you usually have a few books on the go at once, so there’s no way you’ll remember your place without a bookmark.

While you can use almost anything flattish as a bookmark, it is easy to turn a piece of paper or card stock into a completely one-of-a-kind placeholder for your next reading adventure.

What you’ll need:

Paper: I purchased a pack of Recollections 5x15cm pre-cut blank bookmarks at Michaels, but you can use paper you already have! Printer paper, construction paper, watercolour paper, almost anything will do!

Drawing supplies: #2 or HB pencil, eraser, and a pen (ballpoint or a waterproof artists’ pen).

Colouring supplies: water-based markers, watercolour pencils/paint + brush, or coloured pencils

Lamination supplies: if you don’t have a lamination machine, a great alternative is clear contact paper (available at many hardware stores and dollar stores)!

Hole punch

Ribbon

Steps:

If not using pre-cut bookmarks, you will need to cut your paper to the shape and size you’d like. A ‘traditional’ bookmark shape is tall and narrow, approximately 15 cm x 5 cm, but this is your chance to get creative with shapes and sizes! Hearts, flowers, arrows, stars, triangles, squares - the sky is the limit.
Make a rough pencil sketch of your design. Don’t overthink this part. Whatever comes to mind will do! Plants, animals, favourite quotes, geometric shapes, random doodles, symbols, and letters are good places to start.
Finalise your design by drawing it in ink. If you plan to use watercolours or water-based markers to colour your shapes afterward, use a waterproof pen. I use Sakura Pigma Microns, but any waterproof pen will do. If you’re using coloured pencils to colour your shapes, any pen you have at hand is fine!
Add colour to your shapes. Let your imagination run wild! Here, I used watercolour pencils on the dry paper, and then activated the colours with water.
Let dry completely. Press between the pages of a heavy book (I used a dictionary) if your paper is buckled or wrinkly.
Laminate!
If you have a lamination machine, you can simply put your bookmark(s) into the lamination pocket, run through the machine, and then cut out. Make sure you leave a 0.25-0.5 cm margin of lamination around the edge of your bookmark. This will protect it from the elements and ensure your bookmark has a life as long as your books!

If you don’t have a lamination machine, fret not. Cut two identical sized pieces of clear shelving contact paper. Place your bookmark between the sticky sides and press carefully to get any air bubbles out. Again, make sure you cut with a 0.25-0.5 cm margin around the edge of the bookmark.
Punch a hole and decorate with ribbon. Honestly, this step is optional, but I like the look of the ribbon sticking out of the top of the pages.

All done!

I would love to see the bookmarks you make! Tag me on instagram @kivamariecreations, or send me an email at kivamariecreations@gmail.com!

If you are interested in purchasing any of my handmade, original bookmarks, visit my online store here!