Hand-decorated bookplates and fun bookmarks add a personalized touch to a young reader’s books. Book lovers can turn large mailing labels into bookplates that claim ownership over their collection. Two easy-to-make bookmarks will have kids wondering why they ever bothered just using a torn piece of paper.
Children can make these items for their own use or give them as simple gifts that are easy to mail. If giving a book as a gift, add a book plate and tuck a beaded bookmark between the pages.
Make a Personalized Bookplate
Look for sheets of 4” x 3” mailing labels. On each label, write, “This book belongs to (fill in your name).” Then, decorate around the words with colorful pen or marker designs. Children may add a few fun stickers to the bookplate, but they should avoid adding anything that could create a lump and therefore prevent the book cover from closing flat. Rubber stamp designs and shapes from decorative paper punches are also good choices.
Each bookplate can have an individualized design. If an identification tag is being made for a specific book, the child could consider drawing images connected to the topic of the book. Another option is to use the child’s name as the piece of art, using a fun script or pattern to decorate the letters.
Make a Beaded Bookmark
- Cut a twelve-inch long piece of smooth acrylic yarn or cotton yarn or crochet thread.
- Thread the yarn onto a tapestry needle.
- String on one pony bead and slide it near the end of the yarn. Knot the yarn around the bead. Add an extra knot or two to hold the bead in place.
- String on two more beads in fun shapes such as lady bugs, flowers, or skulls. Add a knot to hold the beads in place. If using pony beads, string on five or six.
- At the other end of the yarn, tie a knot, and add more beads in opposite order from the bottom of the bookmark. Finish with a pony bead that is knotted in place.
Make a Picture Bookmark with Tassel
- Look through magazines for an image or part of an image that measures 2” x 6” and cut out the picture.
- Cut a 2 ½” x 6 ½” piece of cardstock. If possible, look for a color that’s also in the picture.
- Apply a thin layer of glue from a glue stick to the back of the picture.
- Center the picture onto the piece of cardstock.
- Use a hole punch to punch a hole that’s half an inch from the top of the bookmark.
- Create a tassel by cutting four pieces of six-inch long yarn. Thread through the hole and knot near the paper.
Children can make bookplates to identify their books and bookmarks using either beads or magazine pictures to add to their reading experience. These are simple projects that children can make and keep or give as gifts.
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