Are you looking for a joyful and creative way to unwind today? So, why not these 25 watercolor bookmark DIY ideas? You can paint, relax, and do some cute crafts all at the same time.
I won’t take your time anymore. Let’s jump into my list right now!
25 Watercolor Bookmarks DIY Ideas
I love to do DIY projects (very much!), especially bookmarks, because I also love reading books. A beautiful bookmark will make your reading time more relaxing.
So, try one of my 25 DIY ideas right below and make one by yourself!
Percy Jackson
Yep – these kinds of bookmarks are very stunning and impressive, right?
They are bold silhouettes of the characters against bright watercolor backgrounds inspired by Greek mythology.
The technique I use here is wet-on-wet. It helps me create dreamy skies or ocean vibes. Sometimes, I use a bit of wax to keep some areas light to make my characters glow around.
I’ve made some tutorials with a step-by-step guide. So, beginners and kids can join in the painting time.
If you want to change to another theme (like Christmas or New Year), you just need to change to the new shapes and colors.
These beautiful Jackson bookmarks will be amazing gifts to your loved ones for sure!
Aurora
I recently created some aurora-sky watercolor bookmarks. I must say they look amazing! I begin with blends of blues, purples, and greens gently to create the beautiful illusion of a night sky.
You can see that I paint dark tree silhouettes at the bottom to provide contrast. The aurora really popped because of it!
The best thing is that it doesn’t require any expensive equipment. I only use things I had on hand.
This Aurora project is super easy and beginner-friendly, even for children. I love to keep these beautiful bookmarks in my favorite books.
Autumn
I love creating these Autumn bookmarks because the hues are so comforting and cozy. I use soft orange, red, and yellow washes for falling leaves and pumpkins.
It perfectly conveys the feeling of fall.
These designs are easy and entertaining, so even children may join in!
They can create unique, vibrant bookmarks without too much effort. It’s a soothing approach to take in the season.
Your bookworm friends will love such adorable gifts like these for sure.
Blue
You will have so much fun when painting snowy mountain bookmarks.
I created a soft blue sky with a light watercolor wash. And then I just left the paper white for the snowy peaks. Yes – simple and beautiful!
Beginners will love this project—even children can do it! I only use simple supplies, like thick paper, a brush, and watercolor paints.
What makes each bookmark special is that each one looks a bit different. I love the peaceful atmosphere they provide; I always keep one for myself.
Cactus
Cactus is adorable, vibrant, and full of personality. That’s why I like painting them for my bookmarks.
You can see here that I put them in small clay pots to create the feeling of a heated desert. Simple idea, but I have very cute bookmarks!
You can do this project at any level of experience. I usually let some kids paint these cactus bookmarks with me. And they really enjoy selecting the colors and shapes.
You can use small stamps or ornate scissors to add flair. Each cactus feels like a miniature garden in my book!
Cherry
These cherry bookmarks look … yummy, right? They are super easy to make. The vivid red of cherries contrasts well with the soft green of leaves.
You need to use a tiny brush and use watercolor when painting these cherries.
To make them look juicy, my trick is to add a bit of wax resist to make them shine.
These bookmarks make thoughtful gifts, particularly for friends who like fruit-themed books. I always make a couple of extras for myself, too!
Dragon
A majestic dragon flying on a beautiful pastel sky – the scene is breathtaking. The scene seems to be taken directly from a fantasy book!
You just need basic techniques to paint this. So, even beginners can try.
I added some wax resist and a white crayon to make it more unique. Can you notice those nice lighting effects on the dragon’s wings and the clouds? The outcome is a shimmering bookmark.
These are great for marking pages in your favorite fantasy books. I also made some to give to my dragon-loving friends!
Ghibli
Do you want something more whimsical? Then, let this Ghibli inspire you.
I enjoy painting gentle, dreamy scenes, such as figures under starry skies or daisies under the moon. Every brushstroke brings a subtle elegance.
This craft is easy enough for children as well. I used simple watercolor blending techniques and some playful touches with shaped scissors and stamps.
Every bookmark I create seems like a little journey. They make wonderful gifts or keepsakes for my favorite Ghibli books!
Gradient
I love the serene vibe of gradient bookmarks. Usually, I begin with a bright orange at the top and work my way down to pink, purple, and then a soft blue.
It just looks like a beautiful, calm sunset.
This Gradient bookmark is super easy to paint and doesn’t require advanced skills. You just need to get those shades to blend smoothly by using the wet-on-wet watercolor technique.
This would also be entertaining for kids to play with colors!
Guitar
One of my favorite bookmark ideas is painting a guitar surrounded by nature. You can see here I surround an acoustic guitar in warm tones and add flowers and leaves around it.
The scene feels like music meets the forest!
I make the watercolor technique easy enough for everyone to try.
For added interesting details, I occasionally use tiny stamps. Children can create their unique piece by using vivid colors and strong brushstrokes.
These bookmarks are ideal gifts for guitarists or music enthusiasts. They always look awesome and are a lot of fun to paint!
Horse
A horse? Right, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. With a little instruction, even children can try this.
This bookmark features a striking black horse standing in golden pastures. I apply warm background tones and soft greens to make my piece come to life.
And the vibe feels calm and powerful, just like nature is captured in a quiet moment.
To make some highlights, such as the glimmer in the horse’s mane, I sometimes apply wax resist in addition to simple watercolor techniques.
These bookmarks are wonderful gifts, especially for those who love both handmade art and horses.
Leaves
I like painting leafy bookmarks — they’re so relaxing! To create that serene, organic feel, I begin with gentle greens and a few golden tones.
This project is simple to complete and ideal for newbies.
The leaves appear delicate, as though they are floating on the page. To make the leaves pop, I typically use a white crayon for wax resist lines. Children also enjoy using this technique.
These bookmarks bring an earthy yet elegant feel. They are truly thoughtful, small gifts for people who enjoy reading and nature.
Lemons
These lemon bookmarks look so cheerful and fresh!
I begin by painting slices of bright yellow slices of lemon, tiny seeds, and soft green stems. It’s a simple idea, but the colors really pop on paper.
To paint the lemons, I apply simple watercolor techniques like layering and blending. This project is easy, enjoyable, and mess-free, so even kids can join.
I feel like summer is coming when looking at these bookmarks. They’re ideal for giving to those who enjoy handcrafted crafts, fruits, or books.
Lord of the Rings
It’s not as complicated as it may sound! My idea is to paint a round Hobbit door nestled in soft green hills—just like a scene from The Lord of the Rings.
I feel like stepping into another world whenever I see this bookmark.
My process: Start with a simple sketch of the door. Then, I add vines, flowers, and mossy textures. You just need to use easy watercolor washes to do this.
Super easy for anyone to try, including kids.
Fantasy book lovers will love these bookmarks. They’re just like tiny adventures you will love to hold between the pages.
Mandala
Mandala bookmarks are so pretty and also calm to make!
I enjoy painting delicate watercolor backgrounds in shades of pink, blue, or gold. Then, I overlay them with simple mandala designs.
You don’t have to be perfect. You can simply add dots or petals as you go, following the circles. Children can try it too!
It’s enjoyable, calming, and aids in concentration.
These bookmarks are excellent, handcrafted gifts for sure. I love the unique way each one comes out.
Minimal
Less is more in this situation. You can finish one with just a few brushstrokes. A small heart, a single leaf, or a delicate blossom can say a lot.
Thus, making these bookmarks is easy and ideal for all levels. Kids can also join in because they just need to apply some basic shapes with soft colors.
My tip is to leave a lot of white space and apply a wet-on-wet method for soft edges. The result is clean and peaceful.
For those who appreciate quiet, peaceful beauty as they read, minimalist bookmarks become lovely gifts.
Poppy
Bright red poppies always stand out! For a good balance, I like to paint gentle green leaves with those striking red flowers.
This design is suitable for beginners as well. I use basic methods like blending and layering to paint. It’s joyful and enjoyable, and kids will like it too!
I sometimes add tiny black dots to the centers of the flowers for more detail. These bookmarks can be sweet little gifts or pretty keepsakes for your own books.
Together, let’s enjoy painting time with these bold and beautiful poppies!
Romance
Bookmarks with romantic themes bring a soft and dreamy vibe.
I like to paint peaceful scenes, like a pair standing next to a blossoming tree or holding hands beneath a floral arch.
Light pastel hues are used in this design. We can keep it simple with loose brushstrokes and soft edges. Beginners and children can also follow along.
I occasionally use a white crayon before painting to keep my piece light and bright. It just like gives a magical touch to the painting.
These bookmarks are ideal for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or simply to let someone know you value them.
Space
Let’s travel to space with our bookmarks! I love painting planets and stars on a deep navy background. Watercolors work so well for creating soft galaxy effects.
You can blend purples, blues, and pinks to form dreamy skies. Then add stars with white paint or gel pens.
Even kids can join in—it’s fun and creative!
These cosmic bookmarks make wonderful gifts for anyone who loves space or sci-fi stories. Each piece feels like a little universe of its own!
Strawberry
Do you love these juicy strawberries in my artwork?
I like painting bright red (or pink) berries with little green tops and soft lace details in the background.
Simple watercolor methods like layering and wax resist can be used to create interesting textures. You can let kids paint strawberries with you!
These bookmarks are colorful, new, and ideal as gifts, particularly during the spring or summer. Fruit enthusiasts must love the gifts very much.
Summer
Nothing says summer like palm trees and sunsets, right? I imagine tall palms against beautiful blue, pink, and warm orange skies.
To create a beachy landscape, I use basic washes and mixing. Honestly, this project is very easy; beginners and children can enjoy painting.
So, if you want to bring a touch of the tropics to your reading time, choose this bookmark.
They also make wonderful mementos or handcrafted gifts for summer-loving friends.
Tulips
Do you like tulips? I do. You can find them in gardens or on sunny beaches, and they always bring a fresh burst of colors.
I love to paint tulips in soft pastel colors like pinks, yellows, and purples to make them pop on the paper.
Trust me. It’s super easy to paint these flowers. Children are welcome to participate and design their own tulips.
With just a few brushstrokes, you can create some beautiful tulip bookmarks. Who can deny such sweet and lovely personalized gifts?
Turtle
Those cute and lovely turtles are my favorite! How peaceful it is to draw gentle sea turtles swimming in calm blue water and coral reefs.
I create soft ocean backgrounds by using simple methods like wet-on-wet blending.
Here, wax resist is a lot of fun! Use a white crayon to make bubbles or turtle patterns, then paint directly over them!
People of all ages can work on this project, especially kids who love animals. These bookmarks are great presents for both readers and those who enjoy the ocean’s beauty.
Vintage
Vintage watercolor bookmarks give our work a classic feel. They have a soft, timeless appeal because of their delicate patterns, faded colors, and soft florals.
You can add some lace or decorative trim along with subtle color washes for extra charm.
All you need for this concept are paints, paper, and your imagination.
Children can help with painting the flowers or adding golden accents. I love how these bookmarks add a touch of nostalgia to my pages.
Watermelon
Last on my list is this juicy watermelon bookmark. The red and green shades make a great combination. It brings a fresh, funny, and cheerful look.
This craft is easy, fun, and ideal for the summer. To create texture and seeds, I apply simple watercolor techniques like splattering and layering.
This is a great DIY & painting project for kids as well. Painting fruit has never been more fun! These bright bookmarks add a light to any book and are lovely presents or party handouts.
Let’s add vibrant watermelon designs to our bookmarks!
Conclusion
You’ve finished my list of 25 watercolor bookmark DIY ideas. With just some simple tools and easy steps, you can create many stunning bookmarks that can’t be found anywhere else.
Have fun and enjoy your art journey!