Ideas for Bookmarks
How to Make Bookmarks as Gifts
Making bookmarks is probably the easiest homemade craft for gift-giving. It requires only some paper, scissors (or craft knife) and some ingenuity for a design.
Pre-designed bookmarks can be printed from the internet, but if you are giving bookmarks as gifts why not make them extra special by personalizing them in some way? Add a name, poem, favorite quote or photograph and the bookmarks will be appreciated and cherished.
I'm sharing some of my favorite bookmark ideas here for any occasion and especially for giving them as Christmas gifts. I'm also linking to other crafter's sites who have a thing for bookmarks. Use any or all of these ideas and manage that Christmas list!
Materials
What do you need? Not much at all.
You probably already have all the supplies
Here's all you need to make bookmarks.
Papers
Think out of the box on this. I use any sort of paper. Scrapbook paper is my paper of choice because it is available in so many colors. But I also use food packaging (you'll see that later), old calendars, wrapping paper, post cards, and old maps. Use anything you want!
Scissors (or craft knife) and ruler
I've always preferred craft knives over scissors. If you are using a craft knife to cut your papers, you will need a cutting mat and a metal straight edge (ruler).
Stickers
I've purchased some stickers, but believe it or not, many stickers I use have come free in the mail for one reason or another.
Printer
I use my printer to add names and famous quotes, but if you don't have a printer you can always just hand write everything.
Lamination
Not totally necessary, but recommended. Lamination is cheap these days and will give your bookmark a finished look. In a pinch I've also used shipping tape for sealing bookmarks.
Making the bookmarks
It's simple - dive right in!
Easy peasy
Once you've gathered your supplies, Here's all you do:
1.Cut your papers to size*
2. Add stickers, wording and any embellishments
3. Laminate the bookmark
*Tip #1: When cutting and layering papers, decrease the paper size by 1/2" each direction, length and width. This will give a nice 1/4" border around each layer - like a frame. You can see an example of this to the right. Leanne's bookmark starts with green paper, then the multi-colored paper has a 1/4" border all the way around, then the middle piece of paper has a 1/4" border all the way around as well.
*Tip #2: Add the recipients name to the bookmark for a special touch.
Making the bookmark is the easy part. Coming up with ideas in the beginning is a little more challenging. That's why I'm sharing some of my ideas here with you.
Ideas for Bookmarks
Here are some ideas I've come up with. Feel free to copy them. Enjoy!
Oooooh - A chocolate themed bookmark
My daughter claimed this one before I even finished it so I added her name to it. You can see below exactly where the chocolate artwork came from - a chocolate bar wrapper! I think this proves that nothing is off limits when it comes to paper. One note: I didn't have any dark brown paper for the bookmark, so I painted some tan colored paper with dark brown paint. It took 2 coats and worked great. I also asked my daughter to come up with a short chocolate comment for the back of the bookmark. She said, "Happiness is a warm truffle," so that's the wording I used on the back.
There is no Frigate like a book to take us lands away nor any coursers like a page of prancing Poetry.
- Emily Dickinson
Bookmarks for Men
This bookmark is for my hubby. Yes, you can even make bookmarks for men as long as you make it "manly". Fishing is my husband's favorite hobby so I used fishing as the theme of the bookmark. Again, I added his name to make it special. Also, I found a really neat quote about saltwater so I added that quote to the back of the bookmark (see below). There's no reason to leave the back of the bookmark blank - spice it up!
Cookbook Bookmarks
I decided to go with the wording "Aunt Joy" instead of "Recipes" (see below) because using the name was much more personal than using "Recipes". I did save the "Recipes" words and made another bookmark with it. Aunt Joy always bakes the most wonderful goodies and this was a personal way to show appreciation to her. Hopefully she can use it to mark her favorite recipes in cookbooks. Those cute baking themed stickers came from the Dollar Store.
Making a bookmark for a friend
This bookmark is for my friend Arlene. She taught me seventh-grade science many years ago!
Arlene is a nature lover so I kept that in mind while I made her bookmark. I've chosen some "nature" colors and I'm using some pieces of scrapbooking paper with a nature theme. I'm also personalizing the bookmark with her name. I think she'll love it and use it often. I can't wait to mail it to her.
A girl themed bookmark
Girls like bright colors. I was going to make this bookmark for my daughter, but I didn't plan ahead well enough and the paper was too short for her name. So we picked a good friend whose name had only 6 characters. It fit perfect and now we have a special gift for the friend. The green paper I chose for the overall size was white on the back so I cut out another piece of the multi-colored paper and glued it on the back. It's much more interesting that plain white don't you think? I bet Leanne will love the bright colors and girly-ness of the bookmark.
I made this bookmark just for me!
I admit it, this one is all mine. I am an avid birdwatcher and I made this bookmark for myself. These stickers were free in a packet from Audubon and I kept them for a project such as this. I also printed my name in a typeface I like and I added that to the bookmark. Like everyone, I like it when my name is on bookmarks and other items. I added one more bird sticker to the back for interest.
Quick note about laminating
I hope you can see the full lamination sheet in the picture to the right. I took the picture before I cut the bookmarks apart. The laminating sheets at the office supply store are about 9"x12" and I fit 3 bookmarks in one lamination sleeve. The clerk actually let me position the bookmarks in the sleeve, which I appreciated because I shifted them around to get in as many as possible. I also didn't want them to touch each other so they'd be easy to cut apart. The cost? Only $1 per sheet.
There was a thicker option of lamination which was a little more expensive, but this $1 per sheet option was the perfect thickness for my bookmarks.
Laminating Machine for Home Use - I've always wanted one
I have always wanted my own laminating machine.
This looks like a good option.There are currently 82 reviews with a solid 4.5 star rating.
15.5 in x 6.75 in x 3.75 in 2 roller system
My favorite websites for famous quotes
Adding a quote to a bookmark is an excellent way to make it memorable. Be sneaky and ask someone their favorite quote, then add it to their bookmark.
- BrainyQuote
This is my favorite website to search for pithy quotes for bookmarks. Use the Google custom search bar or search by topic or author. - Famous Quotes and Authors
Lots of ways to search with this one. - Great Quotes
This one even has a section for famous movie quotes.
Three new ideas - I bet I won't lose these!
Why pay a dollar for a bookmark? Why not use the dollar for a bookmark?
- Steven Spielberg
Or better yet, make your own.
More incredible bookmark ideas - Other crafters share their ideas & projects
I've searched and found lots and lots of people making bookmarks. Here are the very coolest of the bunch.
- Skip to my Lou
This is a very neat idea! Cut shapes out of paper and sandwich beautiful fabrics in-between. Looks awesome. - Another from Skip to my Lou
A quick bookmark made from Paint Chips (like you would get from a hardware store). - Photo Bookmarks
Here's a cool idea for you photographers. - Kid at Art
Take a look at the picture on the right, they are showing a bookmark made from a comic strip - now that's an original idea! - Makes and Takes
I only wish I would have thought of this. A bookmark for Mom. Lots of typefaces and lots of languages for the name "Mom". Also photos are added. Any mom would love to receive this. - Handmade Gifts - Bookmarks
More fabric bookmark ideas. - Frugal Village
Never thought of this - bookmarks from playing cards and seed packets. - from Tiny Prints Blog
Bookmarks made from cereal boxes. Talk about recycling! - Corner bookmark - made from an envelope corner - must see
The phrase on this bookmark "you fell asleep here" reminds me of myself. Not a fancy bookmark, but one that will make you smile every time. - This is a great idea for seasonal bookmarks
Use simple shape punch-outs for your design. This sample is of snowflakes on a medium blue cardstock. I can imagine all sorts of ideas with this.
Do you plan on making any bookmarks as gifts this year?
im a magic wizard who makes bookmarks for seniors, see look *makes a bookmark*
I love your bookmarks! They're super cute and creative. These definitely would make great gifts for friends and family when you're on a budget because they're not expensive, but they're still beautiful and personal.
I love making my own bookmarks, I cut a piece of card and cover with tissue paper, then cut another piece of card the same size and stick on the back. To decorate, I use mulberry paper, on one of my bookmarks I used banana fibre paper and mulberry paper flowers and leaves ( handmade leaves! ) the effect was gorgeous!!! On the back of the bookmark I write a name, phrase or just simply bookmark in calligraphy writing. The effect is simple, but very elegant!!!
i plan to make for myself !! thanks your guidelines and ideas. I used to collect bookmarks for many years and want to make for myself . Of course, when I learn, i could give to my closest friends.
Custom bookmarks are great, you can have them for certain books too!
Cute and Easy! Loved the bookmark you made for your daughter (my daughter shares the same name!) I've featured your lens on my "50 Craft Ideas for Adults" page, although this is a great craft idea for kids too! Great job!
Great idea for a rainy day - I already have the laminator and even my teens should find this fun!
Yes, surfin for cute ideas!!!
yes
yes
Another excellent lens. I've been researching making bookmarks so your lens gave me some good ideas. Thanks and bear hugs, Frankster
great ideas and great lens
Your bookmarks are beautiful and inspiring. I've got to get one of those laminating machines and make my own because I'll use the first piece of paper I see as a bookmark, which is not a good thing when it's a bill that needs to be paid or a check that should be in the bank instead of a book.
Great lens you built here, by the way.
I love your ideas for making bookmarks as gifts, especially the baking theme -- very cute! Thank you for sharing your ideas and instructions! Homemade bookmarks would be great Christmas stocking stuffers! I never know what to give my dad for Christmas or his birthday, but you just gave me an idea, thank you! Nice lens design.
So simple and yet so demanding and beautiful gift. Great lens!
I have made some bookmarks in the past. However I never seem to make them very good. I am sure some of your ideas will prove to be useful. As soon as I get out of school in a couple of weeks I am going to make some bookmarks for my school books. So when I return next fall I don't lose my places. Thank you for sharing! :)
Wow, these are beautiful looking bookmarks in this well-presented lens...wonderful work!
- AUTHOR
@anonymous: Sure! I've made lots of bookmarks on the computer. You need to be at least a little familiar with your word processing program or design program. What I do is draw a box with a border the size I want the bookmark. Then I type the wording inside of it, centering it and using a nice typeface. Then I print it out and trim the paper right up to the border. Laminate and you are done. Or if you don't know how to make a border, simple center the type on the page (making sure to keep it narrow), print it out and trim the paper. Then laminate. Good luck with our project.
- AUTHOR
@NoYouAreNot: I have used it, but it doesn't look as good as laminating. But if you smooth it down so there aren't any wrinkles it's OK. Probably the best thing to do is try it on a test piece of paper and see how it looks. Clear shipping tape brands are different in thickness etc. too.
I enjoy very much crafting little somethings for presents - are you sure shipping tape will give a presentable look in case of "emergency"?
I want to make bookmarks on the computer but cannot find out how.
Is there a way?
This lens has been featured on the "Best of the Blessed in Crafts" lens :)
I do make bookmarks - and this lens is just fabulously full of ideas for creative bookmark crafts. Lensrolled and thumbs up!
These are great bookmarks, and something unique and original like this as a gift is sure to be loved. Great lens, it just shows what you can do with a bit of artistic talent. Blessed by an angel.
kinda low brow but i read a lot and i just used an old playing card, whatever works i guess,
I have some dried rose petals that I want to use This would be perfect
for that. I also wanted to mention that LitQuotes
at http://www.litquotes.com/ is another
great source of quotes.
Yes I'm planning on making a few after reading this. I have several ideas already. The ones for cookbooks are are great idea, I've never really thought about that before. They would make a lovely inexpensive gift. It's also a great way to spend time with children without spending lots of money. Wonderful lens.
These are wonderful ideas! Honestly, I had completely forgotten how much fun making bookmarks can be. I have made them for gifts in the past - and for some reason forgot about them. Not now! I've "favorited" this lens, and am also going to send the link to one of my "honorary daughters" (who are really like daughters to me and my hubby), who is EXTREMELY crafty. She'll enjoy reading your lenses I'm sure!
Thanks for the great ideas!
Hugs,
Kath
Very creative. Next time I want to make a bookmark, I'll drop back in to be inspired. :)
This is such a good idea.
We use a custom bookmark with ribbon to market our wedding venue (one that the bride can put in her planner) but I have not thought of making them for gifts. And I am one of those people that purchases bookmarks when I travel so it would be nice to receive a thoughtful self-made one as a gift for my collection
You have some great ideas here! I hadn't thought of giving bookmarks as gifts, but I think I'll make some to give to members of my church this year. Thanks so much for this lens.
- AUTHOR
@anonymous: That's a very special idea and thanks for sharing it here because others may see it and do the same. We use bookmarks more and more around our home. Matter of fact I've just added some new ones to this page today. Some made from candy bar wrappers! Thanks for stopping by and your note.
My husband and I love books and are extremely avid readers. I just told him that I'd love to start a bookmark collection -- from him. So I asked him to give me a bookmark, handmade or store-bought, for either my birthday or Christmas each year. So to that end, I thought I'd start doing the same for him. Great ideas!
I have so many books. Guess I will be making some bookmarks soon!
As someone who loves to read! Guess what we are making for Xmas! these are beautiful, and I am honoured to be able to sprinkle some SquidAngel Dust over this unique lens.
I HATE looking for good bookmarks... because there never seem to be any apart from the standard ones out there. Nothing different, nothings eyecatching. I've thought about making my own before - this has given me some more ideas for it.
I loved your bookmarks - what a beautiful lens. I will add it to my Printable Free Bookmarks lens.
This is a great idea for a gift, especially for those who read a lot. Nice lens to showcase your bookmarks too.
- AUTHOR
@anonymous: Thank you Charmain, for stopping by and your kind comments. Yes, I do have some suggestions. You may already know about these, but here are some ideas (if your artwork is your own and original)....open an Etsy account and sell your awesome bookmarks. Go to etsy dot com and look around at what other folks are selling. I don't use Etsy, but my friend does and makes sales with knitted items. Also, open a free account at Zazzle. Zazzle doesn't offer bookmarks, BUT I see lots of artists use Zazzle's Postcards and make 2 bookmarks on one sheet (customers can cut them apart). Before you start creating for Zazzle, please check the forums - it will give you a step ahead of others who don't :-). Good luck to you!!!!
Making bookmarks is my hobby!!!! When I'm designing on my laptop, time flies. I really enjoy this. Just wish I could make a career / living out of it.... Any suggestions...?
Oh, your bookmarks are beautiful!!! Love it.
Most of my family members are avid readers, so this is a great idea for a Christmas gift, along with a Barnes & Noble gift card (which they always request). I hate to give just a gift card, and want to add something personal with it.
Cute ideas. thank you.
Great ideas, and nice step by step photos. Bookmarks are a great way to use up all those random paper craft supplies you don't know what else to do with. Blessed.
lovely gift idea!! rolling this to squidoo.com/best-bookplates
I make bookmarks and bookplates all the time - this is a wonderful book lovers' resource; featured at Bookmarks and Bookplates.
Just returning to let you know that I am featuring this lens on my Facebook "Most Excellent Lens" page :)
These are lovely bookmarks. You are a talented crafter.
I love these creative Bookmarks. Great instructions and tips and thank you for sharing your ideas.
Maybe -- I've tried them before. I should go with the collage-style, as opposed to trying to draw them. I love bookmarks.
Such an awesome lens! I just had to return on my first day as a Squid Angel and leave my Blessings!
These are fantastic, Paige. Love your creativity! Beautifully presented too. 5* from me! :-)
Wow! These are great! Blessed by an angel! p.s. you will love the bread! It is delicious!
Excellent tutorial! Well done! Blessed by an Angel!
You know I love anything homemade and easy! This is awesome and so simple. Now, why didn't I think of that! Love it. I am lensrolling to Presentable Trash Can Gifts, Make Quick & Easy Glass Ornaments with Bath Salts & How to Make a Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece in the House of Sylvestermouse.
MOST EXCELLENT!
Inspiring ideas for making bookmarks, lovely lens.
This is a great looking lens and your bookmarks are beautiful. I loved this... "you can even make bookmarks for men as long as you make it "manly"." I think it is so funny when my daughter makes my husband something very girly. He is so nice and then he looks at me with the help me look and I just smile back and love every min. of it.
These are delightful and I definitely plan to make these with my children for christmas gifts. The laminating and personalization are the icing on the cake. Really nice presentation. I am lensrolling to Winter Fun Crafts For Kids. Bravo. I love this lens.
This is a beautiful lens. Great ideas for bookmarks!
Terrific ideas here. Very nice work!
This sounds like a fun idea!
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