Creative and Fun DIY Wooden Bookmarks: A How-To Guide

Are you a book lover looking for a creative way to enhance your reading experience? Do you enjoy crafting and want to add a personal touch to your book collection? Well, look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to make beautiful wooden bookmarks that will not only keep your place in your favorite novels but also add a touch of charm to your reading routine.

Wooden bookmarks are not only practical but also make for thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Incorporating natural elements into your reading ritual can bring a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors. So, let’s dive into this fun and easy DIY project!

Materials You Will Need:

• Thin wooden pieces (available at any craft store or online retailer)

• Optional: Acrylic paints in different colors, Paintbrushes

• Pencil/ Colored Pencils

• Drawing Stencils

• Scissors or craft knife

• Decorative stickers or photos (if desired)

• Double-sided tape

• Mod Podge or clear varnish

• Twine/ribbon/nano cord for ring embellishment

• Optional: charms, artificial flowers/plants, letter scraps for decoration

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Prior to starting the creation of your wooden bookmarks, ensure that you have all the required materials arranged on a tidy and well-organized work area. Select a range of acrylic paint, colored pencils, photos, papers, or stickers in different colors to enable creativity and customization in your designs.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wooden Pieces

With a ruler and pencil, measure and mark the wooden pieces to your preferred bookmark size unless you have purchased them ready-made. You can opt for traditional rectangular bookmarks or explore various shapes such as hearts, stars, or animals. After marking, meticulously cut out the shapes using scissors or a crafting knife.

Step 3: Paint Your Designs

Now comes the fun part – painting your wooden bookmarks! Let your creativity shine as you paint unique patterns, quotes, or illustrations on each piece. Experiment with different color combinations and techniques to create truly unique and eye-catching designs.

• Using Colored Pencils, Paint, Markers, or Sharpies

  • Before using colored pencils, paint, markers, or sharpies, it is important to conduct a test to check for bleeding or running of the paint. This will help you determine if you need to switch to a different medium or if you can proceed with the desired materials.

  • You have the option to either create your design by hand or utilize drawing stencils, which can be bought at craft and retail stores.

  • Color or paint your designs as desired.

  • Ensure that the paint and markings are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

• To create Printed Photo Designs, you will need sticker photo paper.

  • First, select your preferred sticker photo paper and test its printing quality with your printer. If the printer quality is satisfactory, proceed by determining the required picture size for the bookmarks. I utilized the collage feature on my phone to create the necessary size for my photos, but another excellent option is using apps/websites like Canva, where you can easily adjust to the correct size using the size feature.

  • Print your photos and then begin applying them to blank wooden bookmarks. It may be challenging to separate the backing and sticky part on the photo paper, so patience is key. I discovered that gently pulling a small corner back and forth on my photos made it easier to separate the backing and sticky part.

  • Apply your photos to the wooden blanks, ensuring they are correctly positioned on the first or second attempt to avoid damaging the photo or its adhesive backing.

Step 4: Add Decorative Elements

If you want to make your bookmarks more personalized, think about incorporating stickers, gems, or other decorative items that showcase your personality or hobbies. Have fun with your creations and turn each bookmark into a unique piece.

When attaching decorative elements that require glue or tape, it is recommended to use a crafting adhesive such as Mod Podge or sturdy double-sided tape.

Step 5: Seal and Protect Your Creations

After your painted designs have fully dried, apply a layer of Mod Podge or clear varnish to seal the wooden bookmarks. This step will safeguard the paint from chipping and extend the lifespan of your bookmarks for numerous reading sessions.

• Avoid this step when working with photo bookmarks as it may harm the photos.

Step 6: Add Embellishments

To complete your wooden bookmarks, attach twine, ribbon, yarn, or nano cord to the top of each piece for a charming and functional embellishment. You can also create tassels or pom-poms to add a whimsical touch to your creations.

If you opt for ribbon, yarn, or nano cord, follow these steps to ensure a secure attachment:

• Cut your ribbon/yarn/nano cord to the desired length.

• Thread it through the hole in the keychain/square so that there is an even amount of cord on each side.

• Tie the cord twice at the bottom, similar to tying shoelaces without creating bunny ears.

• Leave a small space (about the tip of your finger) between the double knot at the bottom and the open top of the cord.

• Tie the cord twice again at the bottom, aligning with the space left between the knots.

• Afterward, tie the cord once more at the last tying point to ensure a secure knot.

• Pull on the cord to check its stability. If it feels loose, repeat the steps, adding an extra tie at each knotting point. If it remains loose, consider using alternative methods such as stapling, gluing, or taping the cord down.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Handcrafted Bookmarks

Congratulations! You have successfully crafted a set of beautiful wooden bookmarks that are ready to accompany you on your reading adventures. Use them in your favorite novels, journals, or planners to add a touch of handmade charm to your daily routine.

Whether you keep these bookmarks for yourself or gift them to fellow book lovers, they are sure to be cherished keepsakes that add joy and creativity to your reading experience. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and start crafting your own unique wooden bookmarks today!

Happy crafting and happy reading!

Incorporating natural elements into your reading ritual can bring a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors. So, let’s dive into this fun and easy DIY project!

Here are the bookmarks I've created.