Homemade Bookmarks: Easy Gifts Kids Can Make

With Father's Day just around the corner, the hooligans in my home daycare have been busy making bookmarks to give to their Dads.
Today, I'm sharing two types of bookmarks we've made here recently. The techniques are very different for each one, but both processes are super-easy to do, and require very few supplies.

Duck Tape Bookmarks

These duck tape bookmarks were really easy to make. Duck Tape comes in a wide range of colours and patterns so you're likely to find a design that matches Dad's taste exactly!

Supplies needed:

• roll of duck tape
• rectangular piece of cardboard (a cereal box works well for this)
• cording or yarn
• pony beads
• hole punch

1. Cut a rectangle from a piece of cardboard. A bookmark that you have already have around the house makes a handy template.
2. Unroll a piece of Duck Tape that's a little longer than your cardboard.
3. Lay the cardboard on the strip of tape, and with your fingers, rub it smooth, removing any air bubbles.
4. Flip your bookmark over and repeat the process for the opposite side.
5. Trim away any tape that extends past the edges of the cardboard.
6. Punch a hole in the top of the bookmark.
7. Thread some pony beads onto a piece of yarn and secure to the top of the bookmark.

Voila! Aren't they snazzy?

You'll also love: DIY Fuse Bead Bookaboo Bookmarks

And now onto our second set of bookmarks!

Tie-Dyed Sharpie Bookmarks

These particular bookmarks were made using a very cool art technique involving Sharpie markers and rubbing alcohol. It's an easy process and kids of all ages will find it fascinating!

Supplies needed:

• opaque, plastic container (a vinegar jug or milk jug works well)
• scissors
• Sharpies
• 99% Isopropyl (rubbing alchohol)
• medicine dropper
• hole punch
• cording, yarn or ribbon
• decorative button
• spray varnish (not shown)

1. Cut a rectangular shape out of your plastic container.
2. Have your child colour the plastic rectangle with the Sharpies. Encourage your child to cover the entire surface of the plastic.
3. Now the fun part! With the medicine dropper, sprinkle or tap small drops of rubbing alcohol on to the coloured plastic, and watch the chemical reaction that takes place! Isn't it beautiful?

4. Leave your bookmark to dry, making certain it remains level. You don't want the liquid running off and taking the ink away with it.
5. When your bookmark is completely dry, give it a light coat of spray varnish. This seals the ink and prevents it from rubbing off. Go very lightly with the varnish so you don't re-activate the marker ink and start it running again.
6. Punch a hole in the top of your bookmark, thread some some cording through, and add a decorative button for the finishing touch!