DIY Bookmarks For Every Type of Reader

There’s something quietly satisfying about a bookmark: it’s the tiny tool that holds your place in a story, a study session, or a brand-new hobby. And the best part? You don’t need fancy supplies to make one that fits exactly how you read.

Below are a variety of DIY bookmark ideas for different reading styles—minimalist to maximalist, paperback lover to audiobook listener (yes, there are options for you too). Each one is simple, beginner-friendly, and easy to customize.

Before you start: a few quick tips

• Aim for a standard size: Most bookmarks work well around 2" × 6" (5 × 15 cm), but feel free to adjust for your books.

• Choose a durable base: Cardstock, watercolor paper, thin cardboard (like cereal box), or laminated paper all last longer than regular printer paper.

• Finish matters: A little extra time (laminating, corner rounding, adding a tassel) can take a bookmark from “cute” to “keepsake.”

1) The Minimalist Reader: Clean Cardstock + One Great Quote

If you love uncluttered pages and calm aesthetics, a simple bookmark with a single quote is perfect.

What you’ll need

• Cardstock or thick paper

• Scissors or paper trimmer

• Pen/marker or printed text

How to make it

1. Cut your paper to size.

2. Add a short quote, a title, or even just your name.

3. Optional: punch a hole at the top and add a small tassel.

Make it yours: Use a monochrome color scheme, a thin border, or a tiny icon in one corner.

2) The Cozy Reader: Fabric or Ribbon Bookmarks

If your reading vibe is tea, blankets, and soft lighting, fabric bookmarks feel warm and “library-core.”

What you’ll need

• Ribbon, fabric scraps, or felt

• Glue (fabric glue is best) or needle and thread

• Optional: lace, buttons, charms

How to make it

1. Cut ribbon or fabric to length (a little longer than your book height).

2. If using fabric, hem or seal edges to prevent fraying.

3. Add a small charm or decorative piece at one end.

Why it works: It’s gentle on pages and easy to slip into any book.

3) The Practical Reader: Magnetic Corner Bookmarks

Magnetic bookmarks are great if you’re always on the move or you tend to drop regular bookmarks.

What you’ll need

• Printed paper or cardstock

• Thin magnets (adhesive sheets or small strips)

• Glue and scissors

How to make it

1. Cut a rectangle, then fold it in half.

2. Decorate the outside.

3. Add magnets on the inside so they “clip” over the page.

Tip: Keep the magnets small so the bookmark isn’t bulky.

4) The Annotator: Tabbed Bookmarks for Notes + Quotes

If you highlight, journal, or track favorite passages, a tabbed bookmark helps you keep your place and your thoughts.

What you’ll need

• Cardstock

• Sticky tabs or washi tape

• Pen

How to make it

1. Create a sturdy bookmark base.

2. Add labeled tabs like: “Quotes,” “Characters,” “Research,” “To Revisit.”

3. Leave space to jot quick notes.

Bonus idea: Add a small checklist at the bottom (“Read 10 pages,” “Write summary,” etc.).

5) The Gift-Giver: Watercolor or Pressed Flower Bookmarks

These make beautiful handmade gifts and look stunning tucked inside a new book.

Option A: Watercolor

1. Use watercolor paper.

2. Paint a simple wash, florals, or abstract shapes.

3. Let dry completely, then add a quote with a fine-liner.

Option B: Pressed flowers (best laminated)

1. Press flowers between heavy books for 1–2 weeks.

2. Arrange them on cardstock.

3. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper for protection.

Tip: If you want these to last, lamination is your best friend.

6) The Kids’ Bookworm (or the Young-at-Heart): Character Bookmarks

Fun faces, animals, and little “peek over the page” designs make reading feel playful.

What you’ll need

• Construction paper or cardstock

• Glue

• Markers/googly eyes (optional)

How to make it

1. Cut a base shape.

2. Add ears, hands, or a hat that peeks over the top of the page.

3. Let kids decorate with stickers, doodles, or glitter.

7) The Digital Reader: Bookmarks for Planning (Yes, Even for E‑Readers)

If you mostly read on a Kindle/tablet or you switch between print and digital, a physical bookmark can still be useful—as a reading companion.

Try making a “reading tracker bookmark” that you keep in your journal or planner:

• Current read

• Start date

• Favorite quote

• Rating

• Next book

It’s a simple way to keep the ritual even when the pages are on a screen.

💕 You can find printable bookmarks on Creativefabrica + dozens of resources to create some bookmarks of your own!

Join CreativeFabrica and get access to millions of graphics, crafts, PDFs, classes, and more! All at an affordable monthly price! If you're a crafter or scrapbooker, this site is for you.

Click my affiliate link to join!

Now through June 26th, you can use my affiliate link by clicking the image below and snag this adorable embroidery pattern for free!

Simple ways to make any bookmark look polished

• Round the corners (corner punch or scissors)

• Laminate or use clear contact paper

• Add a tassel (embroidery floss works great)

• Use matching fonts and colors (a cohesive palette makes it look store-bought)

If you like the idea of making a whole set, starting with a ready-to-print design can save time—especially when you want a consistent look across different styles.

🌟 Final Thoughts

The best bookmark isn’t the fanciest one—it’s the one that fits how you read. Whether you’re a no-fuss minimalist, a color-and-crafts lover, or a highlighter with three tabs per chapter, there’s a DIY option that can make your reading time feel even more personal.

Happy crafting, and happy reading.

Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures