Origami for Book Lovers: Fold a Heart Bookmark
Add a personal, handmade touch to your reading experience. This simple **origami heart bookmark** is both beautiful and functional.
There’s a special connection between a reader and their book, and what better way to honor that than with a bookmark you’ve made yourself? This **origami heart bookmark** is a classic project that’s perfect for beginners. It neatly slips over the corner of your page, keeping your spot safe without damaging the book. It’s also a thoughtful and charming gift for any book lover in your life.
Unlike flat bookmarks that can fall out, this corner bookmark design is both secure and adorable. It’s a quick fold, meaning you can make several in one sitting – perfect for all the books you’re currently reading! This guide will walk you through the 5 simple stages to create your own heart-shaped page holder.
What You’ll Need for Your Origami Heart Bookmark
Materials List
- A square piece of paper: Red, pink, or patterned paper works beautifully. 6×6 inches (15×15 cm) is a great size.
- A flat surface: To ensure your creases are sharp and precise.
Folding Your Heart Bookmark in 5 Key Stages
Stage 1: Create the Base Folds
Start with your paper colored side down (white side up). Fold the paper in half diagonally, crease firmly, and unfold. Now, fold the top corner down to meet the center point. After that, fold the bottom corner up to meet the top edge, creating a straight line at the top. Your paper should now resemble a trapezoid or an envelope flap.
Stage 2: Fold to the Center Line
You should now have a vertical center crease from your initial diagonal fold. Take the bottom-right edge of the paper and fold it inwards so it aligns perfectly with that center vertical line. Press the crease down firmly. Repeat this process for the bottom-left edge, folding it to the center as well. Your paper should now resemble a kite shape.
Stage 3: Fold Down the Top Flaps
Focus on the two top flaps that form the point of the kite. Take the right flap and fold its point down and outwards, so the new folded edge aligns with the top horizontal edge of the model. This begins to create the curved top of the heart. Repeat this identical fold on the left flap. You will now see the heart shape clearly emerging.
Stage 4: Soften the Edges
To give your heart a more rounded and finished look, there are two small final folds to make. Take the sharp, outermost point on the top-left and fold a tiny triangle of it inwards. Then take the sharp point on the top-right and do the same. These small adjustments soften the shape from a geometric heart into a more classic, rounded one.
Stage 5: Your Bookmark is Ready!
Turn the model over. You will see a small pocket formed by the top flaps. This pocket is what slips over the corner of your book’s page. Your beautiful **origami heart bookmark** is now complete and ready to use!
Tips for a Lovely Bookmark
Choosing Your Paper
Since this bookmark will be handled frequently, using slightly thicker paper like scrapbooking paper or double-sided origami paper is a great idea. Patterned paper (like “Chiyogami” or “Yuzen”) can make your bookmark look especially beautiful and unique.
Making it a Gift
This model is so quick and charming, it makes a perfect small gift. You can pair it with a new book or even tuck it inside a larger handmade gift, like a Simple Origami Box. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows you care.
Creative Project Ideas
Don’t just stop at one! This **origami heart bookmark** is perfect for:
- Valentine’s Day: Make a handful and write small notes on them to give to friends and family.
- Reading Goals: Use different colored bookmarks to mark your progress in different books you’re reading simultaneously.
- Book Club Gifts: Create a matching set for all the members of your book club.
For even more designs, many crafters draw inspiration from The Spruce Crafts, which showcases many different corner bookmark variations you can try next.
That’s all there is to it! You now have a beautiful **origami heart bookmark** to keep your place in your favorite book. It’s a wonderful, functional craft that brightens up any reading session. Happy reading and happy folding!