DIY Book Buddy Tutorial
What is a Book Buddy Bookmark?
A book buddy is a folded paper character that hugs the corner of the book page.
Benefits:
- Easy to craft with kids
- Works as a playful reading tracker
- Kids will love choosing personalities for their buddy
How to Make - Instructions:
1. Pick your card and make a triangle.
Choose a coloured piece of card based on your child's favourite character, animal, or creature. Turn the card landscape, then fold the bottom corner up to the top edge to create a triangle. Trim off the excess strip to leave a perfect triangle.
2. More folding.
Unfold the triangle to a square. Fold it in half, then fold it in half again to create crease lines.
3. Create a chevron shape.
Open the card and cut out one of the squares formed by the creases. You should now have a chevron-shaped piece.
4. Fold in the sides.
Fold the corner of one square towards the centre to form a triangle. Repeat with the other square.
5. Fold the triangles in and glue together.
Take one of the triangles and fold it inward again. Apply some glue to the top of this folded triangle before folding the second triangle over the glued one.
This forms a diamond shape with a little pocket that is perfect for slipping over the corner of a book page.
6. Get creative!
Now here comes the fun part. Use any leftover card and fun embellishments (googly eyes, stickers, pom poms) to decorate your new little book buddy. Draw on cute faces and any extra details.
And that's it! A super simple, mess-free craft you can complete in under 10 minutes. Whether it's a magical unicorn, an adorable bunny, a cheeky monster, or even a Smoo, your child's new reading buddy is ready to save their page in style and encourage storytime.
More Book Buddy Ideas
A tiger to go perfectly with The Tiger Who Came to Tea!
A blue Smoo from The Smeds and the Smoos!
Ways to Use Book Buddies in Daily Life
- Reading routines: snuggle up and read together
- Homework helpers: buddy “sits” with child during tasks
- Library visits: book buddy comes along as a reading friend
- School bag companion for comfort in class
Ready for More?
Once your child has crafted their very own book buddy, why not explore even more fun and easy craft ideas together? From seasonal projects to imaginative play, there’s a world of DIY joy waiting to be discovered. You can learn how to make pom pom flowers together or make your own Blue mask for hours of imaginative play time.
