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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)
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!
Glittery Shaka BookmarkNEW!
How about a handmade bookmark to make reading time even more enjoyable? You can make it in just five minutes, so even those who aren’t confident with crafts can try it with ease.
Cut a clear file folder to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide.
Cut out a photo you like, apply double-sided tape or tape glue to the front, and fix it to the inside of the clear folder.
On the other side, write a message.
Apply double-sided tape or tape glue along the edges, put some sequins inside, and seal it shut.
Punch a hole and thread a ribbon through to finish.
Try putting in photos of your grandchildren or great-grandchildren and gifting it to an older adult.
You’re sure to be rewarded with a wonderful smile.
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!
Felt cat bookmarkNEW!
A bookmark adorned with an adorable cat mascot sounds like it would make reading even more enjoyable.
The cat motif uses felt, and the different colors are expressed by layering, creating a soft look.
Because the steps are simple—cutting out the cat shape and attaching the parts—it also feels like there’s a wide range for customization.
Decide what color cat to make and which color ribbon to pair it with, and proceed while considering the overall color balance.
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.
Foam polystyrene bookmark
Here’s a bookmark made with slightly unusual materials.
This one is made using polystyrene foam.
Prepare a steel sheet or a food tray that you can also find at 100-yen shops.
Place a sheet of parchment paper under the polystyrene foam, and arrange construction paper cut into your favorite shapes.
In the video, the motif is a cat and a full moon, but feel free to choose anything you like.
Layer another piece of polystyrene foam on top, cover with parchment paper, and apply heat with an iron.
When the polystyrene shrinks and the design emerges, place a heavy object like a book on it while it’s still hot.
Once it cools, tie a ribbon, and you’re done.
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!