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[For Seniors] Handmade bookmarks: Simple and cute ideas to try
Handmade bookmarks are items that are easy to grow attached to and can make reading even more enjoyable.
Even people who don’t usually read might take this opportunity to make reading a hobby.
When you think of bookmarks, many probably picture rectangular paper ones, but here we introduce many ideas for bookmarks in various shapes and made from materials other than paper.
It could be fun to combine several ideas into a single bookmark.
The possibilities for customization are endless, so use the ideas we’ve shared as inspiration and create a bookmark that suits your taste.
[For Seniors] Handmade Bookmarks: Introducing Simple and Cute Ideas (1–10)
A bookmark you can customize with stickers
Let’s try making stylish bookmarks using flake stickers! You can find flake stickers at stationery stores, online shops, and even 100-yen shops, so it’s fun to look for designs you like.
If you’re incorporating this into activities at a senior facility, prepare multiple designs and let each person choose their favorite.
Arrange the stickers on a plain card.
Using tweezers makes delicate work easier, so give it a try.
Once you’ve placed the stickers to match your preferred image, trim the shape and tie a ribbon.
These chic bookmarks make perfect gifts!
Triangle Bookmark
If you’re looking for an easy, quick-to-make bookmark, this is it! It’s a triangular bookmark made from origami.
Place the patterned side of the origami on the outside and fold it twice into a square.
Leave one layer unsealed at the opening of the square, and fold the rest inward together.
You can leave it as is, or fold the remaining single layer in from the opposite side to make a simple triangle—highly recommended.
The size of the bookmark changes depending on the size of the origami paper, so you can enjoy customizing it.
Attach it to a notebook and it can double as a pocket, too.
It’s very easy, so try folding it with your favorite patterned origami paper!
Bookmark remade from a paper bag
Do you ever find yourself holding onto paper shopping bags you brought home because you think you might use them someday, and they just keep piling up? Try making bookmarks by upcycling those paper bags! Cut the bag into long, narrow strips, then make small slits along one half of each strip.
Fold back each slit one by one to create a delicate pattern.
Slip a piece of origami paper of your choice between the layers, and it’s done.
Since paper bags are often made from relatively sturdy paper, you can make solid, durable bookmarks.
Simple bookmarks made from plain bags are lovely, but if you use bags with illustrations or patterns, you can create a one-of-a-kind bookmark!
Japanese-style chirimen bookmark
Bookmarks made from chirimen fabric with a lovely traditional Japanese feel seem like something seniors would enjoy using.
Choose your favorite patterned chirimen fabric, apply double-sided tape to one half, and stick it together.
Thread a chirimen bead with a needle and attach it to the bookmark.
Adding a small flower or other embellishments can make it even prettier.
A nice bonus is that this project can be made from small fabric scraps.
If you want a sturdier bookmark, insert cardstock or fusible interfacing in the middle.
Please take care when using needles and enjoy the crafting process.
Three-dimensional butterfly bookmark
This charming and very clever idea recreates the look of a butterfly fluttering in and landing on a book.
On white paper like copy paper, draw the base of the bookmark and, at each end, the left and right halves of a butterfly illustration.
Color it with your preferred colors and add patterns.
You can also prepare copies of a staff-drawn template in advance and ask seniors to do only the coloring.
Cut along the lines with scissors, fold in the center, and open the wings to finish.
Bookmark made with marbling
Do you know marbling? Marbling is a painting technique in which patterns created with water and paint are transferred onto paper or other surfaces.
The patterns change depending on the colors you use and how you mix them, so you can create highly unique pieces.
Put the paints you want to use into containers and dilute them with a small amount of water.
Pour about 1–2 cm of water into a tray, add an equal amount of liquid laundry starch (or laundry glue), and mix well.
Drop small amounts of three different paints in spots across the surface.
Gently swirl with your finger to create a pattern, then place the paper on top and lift it off carefully.
Once it’s completely dry, cut it to bookmark size, sandwich it in a laminating film, trim the edges, and you’re done.
ribbon bookmark
A ribbon bookmark made from a single sheet of origami paper is a cute item that will have people asking, “How did you make that?” Fold it so the patterned side ends up on the outside as you go.
Up to a certain point, the steps are the same as making a crane, so if you’ve folded a crane before, you may find it easier.
Because it includes some fine-motor steps, it’s great for finger rehabilitation and exercise for older adults.
The ribbon shape may look difficult, but once you understand the folds, it’s easy to make—so give it a try!