[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)
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!
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.
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.
[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.
Ribbon bookmarker
When we think of bookmarks, paper ones are the most common, but this time let’s make an elegant and cute bookmark using a ribbon! Prepare a ribbon about 37 cm long, jump rings, ribbon clamps, and a charm.
You can buy them at specialty parts stores, craft stores, 100-yen shops, or online.
Fold the ends of the ribbon over twice and attach the ribbon clamp hardware.
Doubling the ends helps prevent fraying.
When using pliers, place a piece of cloth between the tool and the hardware to avoid scratching it.
Once you attach the charm to the ribbon clamp with a jump ring, your bookmark is complete.
The dangling charm adds a stylish touch!
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!