How to Make Photo Bookmarks

Personalized bookmarks make lovely gifts, whether they are for the avid reader in your family or for children to keep their place in a school book. A photo bookmark can make reading more fun, and best of all, this simple craft doesn’t take long to make and will be cherished for years to come. Grab that box of photos and get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 x 6-inch photo
• Acid-free colored paper
• Acid-free glue stick
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Hole puncher
• Ribbon or yarn
• Acid-free marker
• Ruler

1. Find photos that you want to use for your photo bookmark. Look for photos that were taken vertically and can be cut. Photos taken a little further away from the subject with extra background work best.

2. Cut the selected photo with a scissors or paper cutter. Cut the photo so it is 2 inches wide and 6 inches long, with the photo in a vertical orientation. Use a straight-edge cutter, or try a pair of decorative scissors for a funky edge on the photo.

3. Choose some colored, acid-free paper to use as a background for your bookmark. Select a color or pattern that compliments the photo. Use a straight-edged paper cutter or scissors to cut out a piece 3 inches wide and 8 inches long. Use a hole puncher to put a hole in the top of the colored paper when it is in a vertical position.

4. Glue the photo on the colored paper. Position the photo 1/4 inch below the hole punch on the top of the colored paper and in the center horizontally. There should be some colored paper showing at the bottom.

5. Write a name, quote or poem on the bottom of the book mark, on the colored paper. Use acid-free scrapbooking markers. Write in fun, fancy lettering.

6. Attach a piece of yard or ribbon to the bookmark. Cut a 6-inch piece of yard or ribbon that will match the colors of the bookmark. Thread it through the hole and tie it to the book mark.

Tips & Warnings

• Acid-free paper, glue and markers can be found in retail stores that sell scrapbooking supplies. The acid-free products are designed to not discolor your photos or fade on paper over time.
• To make the bookmark last longer, take it to a copy store and have it laminated. Remove the ribbon before the lamination. After it is laminated, re-punch the hole and tie the ribbon back on the bookmark.