Colour In Christmas Bookmarks

After I made my Halloween Bookmarks, I knew I had to make some Christmas versions too! I always love drawing Christmas characters and the long, thin format of the bookmarks was an interesting shape for me to work with. I’m really happy with how they turned out (the gingerbread man is my favourite) and I hope you like them too!

The download contains eight different character bookmarks, each sized at approx 2×6 inches / 5x15cm. I designed the bookmarks to be easy enough for kids to colour but also fun for grown ups as well (I certainly enjoyed colouring them!) so it’s a fun and festive Christmas craft that the whole family can enjoy together and one that should help keep the kids occupied over the Christmas holidays!

How to make the bookmarks

1. Print the PDF file (A4 and letter sized both included in the download) onto a good weight of cardstock to create more durable bookmarks. I used 300gsm white cardstock for mine. You can also back the bookmarks with coloured card or stick two back to back if you don’t have any thick cardstock to print on (colour them first before sticking together, especially if you’re using felt tip pens or markers).

2. Get colouring! Use your favourite art materials to colour as much or as little of the design as you like, I used my favourite coloured pencils for these examples but you could also use some glitter or metallic pens to create sparkly, fun details – perfect for Christmas!

3. Cut out the coloured bookmarks along the outer line using scissors or a craft knife. I cut mine up against the outline but you could also leave a small border of plain paper around each bookmark, draw your own border around the bookmark, or even cut inside the line for a more streamlined look. They are simple shapes so all but the youngest children should be able to cut them without much help.

And that’s it – finished character bookmarks! They make fun handmade gifts for friends and family, or use them yourself for all your festive reading!

Top tips:

• laminate the finished bookmarks for extra longevity (and to protect your colouring!)
• use a hole punch to create a hole at the top then and add a tassel for extra zhuzh!
• print onto coloured card to make quick and easy bookmarks that don’t need to be coloured (although adding some white or metallic gel pen details on coloured card is a fun touch!)
• use the back of your bookmark to draw your own Christmas character, or as a place to keep a reading log of your favourite books

However you use these bookmarks, I hope that you and your kids have fun making and using them! Happy Christmas crafting!