A bookmark is super handy, but these DIY bookmarks are just plain fun. They make the most adorable gift for parents or grandparents, but are just as fun for the kids.

Basically, these DIY bookmarks are crowd pleasers.

Of all the DIY bookmarks in all the land, this is by far the cutest. Using a photo is the perfect personal touch and since it looks like the kids are hanging from a string….they love it too!

DIY Bookmarks: Supplies

• adorable model
• camera
• photo
• scissors
• hole punch
• laminator (this is the one we use and love)
• twine, ribbon or pre-made tassels

DIY Bookmarks: Step by Step Directions

Step 1- Take the Photo

You can definitely batch make these bookmarks. The first step is grabbing the perfect photo. So line up the participants and get to snapping.

It is all about the pose! What makes this bookmark so much fun is the way it looks like they are hanging from or swinging on a string. Get those hands up and together and give it a good old fashioned toe pop. Here is the original photo I took of Eleanor.

Step 2- Print the photo

Print this photo on your home printer or shoot it to your favorite photo printer. Our photo was a standard 4×6. As long as the model takes up most of the length of your photo, you should have the perfect size bookmark.

Because we laminate the bookmark (for strength and durability), the thickness and strength of your photo paper isn’t an issue.

Step 3- Trim your photo

Trim your photo as closely as you can. When you trim around the top, trim a tiny circle above the hands. This will leave a space for you to punch a hole and attach your tassel at the end.

After all, the fun part of these DIY bookmarks is the way it appears the kids are hanging from a string. I know my Eleanor sure got a kick out of it.

Step 4- Laminate Your Photo

This is one of the most important steps in creating these awesome DIY bookmarks. An advantage to batch creating is that you wont waste a laminating sheet.

If laminating seems overwhelming or expensive, I promise you it is not. My five year old does the laminating, because he loves it and our laminator was less the a trip to Noodles & Co. Here is a link to the one we have.

Once you get a laminator, I think you will be surprised by how handy it is and how much you use it (like my meal planner here).

Simply pop the photo (or photos) into the plastic sleeve and feed it right into the laminator. In a minute, you’ll have a sturdy bookmark that will stand the test of time.

Step 5- Trim photo

Trim around the photo, leaving a bit of laminated edging so the bookmark stays sealed and sturdy.

Step 6- Hole Punch

Remember that extra little rounded spot you left above the hands? That is right were you want to punch a hole.

Step 7- Add String

Did you know you can buy pre-made tassels? You can order them here easy peasy (click here).

An alternative to tassels, is ribbon or decorative twine. Either way, you will end up with the cutest bookmark.

DIY bookmarks make great gifts

Photo gifts are popular because they are unique and personalized. These photo DIY bookmarks are no exception.

How cute and thoughtful would this bookmark be tucked inside a book and wrapped up for grandma, grandpa, mom or dad?

Trust me, the kids will love a bookmark of themselves just as much as grandma and grandpa.

DIY Bookmarks make reading exciting

We love reading and know that time spent reading is correlated with bigger vocabularies, higher test scores and so much more. Reading is good for us and it is lots of fun (check out my printable reading log here).

What makes reading especially exciting is knowing you have the coolest DIY bookmarks to hold your spot.

Pssst…one our favorite series is Ivy & Bean. But lets be honest, we love books!! You have to check out our unique book storage here.

When you give these DIY bookmarks a try, tag us on social media. We are @balancinghome on all channels.

Now tell me in the comments what your or your kids are reading and loving.