How To Make Watercolor Bookmarks
Learn how to make watercolor bookmarks with this easy step-by-step tutorial! This is a great nature project to create with the kids.
Too busy to make this right away? Save this idea for later! Pin this project to your favortie board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready.
These lovely bookmarks are made using watercolor paint and a permanent black marker. Two things that are easy to find at your local craft or dollar store.
These watercolor bookmarks would make great gifts! You could them to mom with a Chapters gift card or to a friend with a copy of your favorite book.
How to make a watercolor bookmarks:
This post contains affiliate links.
Supplies:
- 9″x12″ 140lb watercolor paper*
- Watercolor paints
- Paint palette
- Paint brush
- Pencil and eraser
- Black permanent marker
- Ruler
*Heavy cardstock paper may be used as an alternative to watercolor paper. It’s important to use thick, heavy paper for this project as the water tends to warp and tear traditional printer paper.
Directions:
1. Use the pencil and ruler to mark out eight sections on the watercolor paper. Each bookmark will be about 2″ x 6″.
2. Create a gradient of colors on each section of paper using the paint. Using more water will blur the colors and allow them blend with each other.
3. When the paint is dry, use the ruler to carefully tear the bookmarks apart. Place the ruler on the paper, hold it firmly and pull the paper towards you to tear each strip of paper.
Scissors or a paper cutter could be used as well but we love the textured look that tearing gives these bookmarks.
Use a lot of watercolor paint to achieve a vibrant color for this project. If the piece of paper curls or warps, try pressing it under some heavy books to flatten it once dry.
Practise sketching different leaves and flowers onto scrap paper before applying your favorite one to a bookmark.
4. Use the permanent marker to sketch leafy, floral designs onto each bookmark.
Be sure to check out this watercolor maple leaf painting and watercolor flower art project for more painting ideas and templates!
I love how easy it is to personalize this project! Different paint colors can be used of course or sketchy leaf designs. It would be fun to see what a group of kids can come up with!
MORE OF MY CRAFTING ESSENTIALS:
- We love using these Apple Barrel Acrylic Paints to add bright color to all of our projects.
- These paint brushes are ideal for most craft surfaces and a great price!
- This art supplies kit is our favorite because it has everything we needed to get started.
- This rolling storage cart helps to keep our craft supplies organized.
This art project is perfect for the classroom or at home! It would make a great boredom buster for the summer months too. Check out some of our other nature crafts for more ideas!
If you love these watercolor bookmarks please give them a five star review and help me share them on Facebook or Pinterest so that others may enjoy it too!
Watercolor Bookmarks
Materials
- 9 “x12” 140lb watercolor paper*
- Watercolor paints
- Paint palette
- Paint brush
- Pencil and eraser
- Black permanent marker
- Ruler
Instructions
- 1. Use the pencil and ruler to mark out eight sections on the watercolor paper. Each bookmark will be about 2" x 6".
- 2. Create a gradient of colors on each section of paper using the paint. Using more water will blur the colors and allow them blend with each other.
- 3. When the paint is dry, use the ruler to carefully tear the bookmarks apart. Place the ruler on the paper, hold it firmly and pull the paper towards you to tear each strip of paper.
- 4. Use the permanent marker to sketch leafy, floral designs onto each bookmark.
Notes
How did you *create* gradient colours with a brush or sponge, finger?
I used a paint brush with the watercolors – adding more water helps to blend the colors.