Craft Your Own Works of Art
By Chris Dunmire | Posted 12/20/05 | Updated 1/13/24
Q. I want to help my little girls make bookmarks with their own pictures on them to use as presents for Christmas. Do you have any free downloadable templates? Gail
A: Homemade bookmarks or page markers are such a thoughtful gift idea and are really fun to make. Now Gail, I'm not clear if you're looking for simple blank templates to download or online generators with templates you can upload your pictures to design online. So here's some information about both, including a free assortment of white or rainbow-colors blank bookmark templates you can download and print from this page.
Creativity Portal indeed has a selection of free blank bookmark templates (3 per page) you may download and print for your project. The blank bookmarks are 2 x 8", and are available in white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet, If this size is too large, feel free to trim them down to a smaller bookmark size. (Star-shaped bookmarks are here).
Once downloaded, print your template page(s) on heavy paper or card stock. If you are using colored paper (brights and pastels make fun bookmark colors) use the white/no color bookmark template for printing. Once printed, trim the bookmarks to your desired size (for best results, cut with a paper trimmer).
Print the White/No Color Blank Bookmark Template Page (PDF 73.7 KB)
Print the Red, Orange, Yellow Blank Bookmark Template Page (PDF 75.3 KB)
Print the Green, Blue, Violet Blank Bookmark Template Page (PDF 75.3 KB)
…or, make your own templates
As an alternative, you can easily create your own blank bookmark template by measuring out the desired size you want on heavy paper or card stock with a pencil and ruler.
Common rectangular bookmark dimensions are:
When you design your own bookmark template, you have the advantage of customizing its shape and size. For instance, instead of a plain rectangular bookmark, add flair with a custom "die cut" such as a curved edge or wavy sides. Use a French curve, an old lid, or other flexible item to trace unique cuts. Then, use a craft or X-ACTO knife with a sharp blade to cut out the bookmark design. You can also use those fun border scissors (like Fiskars Paper Edgers) to cut unique edges on your bookmark.
Photos and pictures make wonderful homemade bookmark embellishments. A few other ideas include rubber stamping, collage or decoupage, drawing, painting, or "mixed media" of some or all of these.
If you're worried about any of these methods not being "clean" enough to end up between the pages of a book, here are two things you can do:
An example of how I used this method is seen in the (scaled down) bookmark here. The artwork came from a picture I painted and collaged, scanned into my computer, and imported into Photoshop. I then used the program's type editing tools to add poetic text to my bookmark. After I finished my bookmark design, I printed it out on my inkjet printer. When it completely dried, I laminated it.
Create Your Own Collage Bookmarks
Use my Collage Cubie technique to create one-of-a-kind collage art for homemade bookmarks. Printable template included.
Download Free Printable Inspiration READ • WRITE • EXPLORE • EXPRESS Bookmarks
(PDF 123KB, 3 per page)
Free Printable 'Current Living' Bookmarks
A variety of bookmarks and matching cards to inspire living 'in the now.' Selection includes several nature and flower greeting card and bookmark sets.
Download Free Printable Friendship Bookmark
(PDF 119 KB, 2 per page)
Tell that special someone how much they mean to you with this high quality bookmark. The unique design features an image of the enduring carnation flower and a loving message your friend will appreciate. (Click link to download PDF.)
Download Healing Hope Bookmark
(PDF 173KB, 2 per page) Original mixed media artwork with quote by Henry Van Dyke: "Happiness is inward and not outward; and so it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are."
Q: I am looking for software to make bookmarks to give out at book signings for my novel McKays Island: The Beginning. Do you have software that would do that for me? My printer is an HP PHOTOSMART 7260. Also do you have any other software that a writer could use at book signings? Ken Ralls
A: Congratulations on your new novel, Ken! Bookmarks make great promotional give-always and are easy to make these days thanks to all the online design-and-print shops competing for your attention. A simple search for "design business cards", "online bookmark apps" or "design and print bookmarks" will bring a plethora of options to your fingertips with professional printing options, worthwhile for those professional finishing touches you can't beat with DIY print jobs.
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Chris Dunmire (@funmire) is a deeply engaged creative spirit, imaginary being, lover of wit, words, wisdom, and the driving force behind the original award-winning Creativity Portal™ Web site launched in 2000. …