[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.
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[For Seniors] Handmade Bookmarks: Introducing Simple and Cute Ideas (1–10)
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!
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.
[For Seniors] Handmade Bookmarks: Simple and Cute Ideas (11–20)
A bookmark that makes it easy to see where you’re reading
Why not try making a new kind of bookmark using a hair elastic? You can buy hair elastics at 100-yen shops, so pick your favorite color.
Cut two slits in a small piece of fabric and thread the elastic through.
When making the slits, fold the fabric in half first like in the video—it’s easier that way.
The fabric can be any shape, so a cat, heart, or star would be cute.
Once you glue the two ends of the elastic together, it’s done.
Try making one to fit the size of the book you have.
Pressed flower bookmark
Did you know there are self-adhesive laminating films you can even buy at 100-yen shops? When you hear “laminating,” you might picture needing a special machine, but if you can do it by hand, it’s super easy.
This time, we’ll show you how to make pressed-flower bookmarks using your favorite flowers and leaves.
There’s a quick method for making pressed flowers with an iron, so give it a try! Open the film and place the side you want to display face down.
The key is to arrange the flowers leaving about a 5–10 mm border around the edges of the laminate.
Press out the air thoroughly as you seal it, and you’ll get a beautiful bookmark.
Swaying origami bookmark
Let’s try making a gently swaying bookmark.
It’s easy to make with origami, so it’s also recommended as a craft activity in senior care facilities.
Fold both ends of a long, narrow strip of origami paper toward the center to make it one quarter of its original length.
Place a string in between and glue it in place, then attach the swaying parts.
It’s a good idea to make the parts using the leftover origami from cutting the strip.
Add small slits to the main body of the bookmark to make it easier to clip onto pages.
Please enjoy using this for a fun crafting time!
Shaker bookmark
Shaker bookmarks that are fun to tuck into a book make reading time even more enjoyable.
They’re great for yourself, and would surely delight a grandchild as a gift.
Decorate a piece of cardstock in your preferred size with stickers.
Place the cardstock into an OPP (cellophane) bag that’s larger than the cardstock, then cut it down leaving a margin.
Fold the excess flap over and neatly hide it with washi tape; add sequins inside, and you’ve got a shakety-shake bookmark that’s a joy to use.
If you prepare a selection so people can freely choose which stickers and which sequins to combine, they’ll have even more fun!