In an age where screens dominate, there’s still something special about flipping through a real book. But there’s one thing e-books have solved that paper books haven’t: losing your place. Without a bookmark, finding where you left off is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter the simple joy of a DIY bookmark—no more folding page corners or losing your spot. Let’s keep the magic of paper books alive, one page (and bookmark) at a time.

Crafting Love Between the Pages: The Heart-Shaped Bookmark

Create a heart-shaped bookmark without needing glue or tape by following these simple steps:

1. Start with an evenly cut square of colored paper.
2. Fold the paper in half to form a rectangle.
3. Fold the rectangle in half again to create a smaller square. 
4. This pre-folding helps with later steps, so unfold the paper back to the original square.

5. Bring the bottom edge of the square up to the center, creasing along the fold line you’ve just created, then unfold.
6. Flip the paper over to the other side.
7. Fold the bottom left and right corners up to meet the central vertical crease, forming two triangles at the bottom.
8. Flip the paper over again. 

9. Take the bottom point of the shape you have now and fold it upwards, touching the midpoint of the top edge, then unfold.
10. Turn the paper over once more.
11. Gently open the two bottom “pockets” created by the previous folds and flatten them down to shape the lower part of the heart.
12. To give the heart a more rounded appearance, fold the outer corners of these pockets inward.
    

13. Bend the lower corners to round out the figure.
14. Flip the paper to reveal your completed heart shape.
15. Optionally, fold the pointed tip at the back of your heart inward so it won’t protrude from your book when used as a bookmark.
16. Your heart-shaped bookmark is now ready to use, crafted with just paper and your folding skills.
    

While you can use any type of paper to create this bookmark, achieving the best results often comes from using origami paper, especially the double-colored variety. The use of contrasting colors brings a burst of energy to your project, making the heart stand out as a beautiful and functional piece of art. 

In addition to making reading more enjoyable, it also brings a splash of color and elegance to the pages of your favorite book.

More Easy Origami Bookmarks

Create a simple triangle corner bookmark with these easy steps, perfect for beginners in origami:

Select Your Paper: Choose a square piece of origami paper, ideally around 6×6 inches. If you don’t have origami paper, any lightweight paper cut into a square will work.

1. Create a Base Triangle:
   1. Place the paper in front of you, colored side down, so it forms a diamond shape.
   2. Fold the paper in half by bringing the bottom point to the top point, creating a triangle.

2. Form the Pocket:
   1. Take the right corner of the triangle and fold it up to meet the top corner.
   2. Repeat this step with the left corner, folding it up to meet the top corner as well. Now, you should have a square shape with two flaps.

3. Shape the Bookmark:
   1. Open the two flaps you just made, creating a square shape again.
   2. Crease the uppermost layer of the bottom point as you fold it up to the top. A little triangle will emerge, protruding from the square’s upper corner.
   3. Tuck each of the side flaps you previously folded up into this new pocket you’ve created by lifting the small triangle. This will secure the folds and create the base shape of your bookmark.

4. Finishing Touches:
   1. Adjust the folds to ensure your bookmark is symmetrical and sits flat.
   2. If desired, you can personalize your bookmark by adding doodles, stickers, or other decorations to make it uniquely yours.

This triangle corner bookmark is not only quick and easy to make but also practical and reusable. It slides onto the corner of your book page, marking your place without damaging the pages. Perfect for origami beginners or anyone looking for a fast, fun craft, this bookmark adds a personal touch to your reading experience.

Unfolding Creativity: The Timeless Art of Origami

The interesting and storied history of origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, begins in the 17th century, while it may have its roots even further back in the birth of paper in China.

Using just folding and sculpting techniques, rather than cutting or glueing, artists in this art form may turn a plain sheet of paper into a fully realized sculpture. The term “origami” itself comes from the Japanese words “oru” (to fold) and “kami” (paper).

Traditionally, origami has been associated with Japanese culture, where it started as a ceremonial and religious practice. As time went on, it transformed into a widely enjoyed pastime and educational tool, drawing in fans from all over the globe, regardless of their background or location. 

The crane, one of the most iconic origami designs, symbolizes peace and longevity in Japanese culture and is often associated with the story of Sadako Sasaki, a girl who folded a thousand cranes hoping for recovery from illness caused by the atomic bomb.

Origami is not just an art; it’s a blend of mathematics, science, and creativity. The mental and emotional health advantages of practicing patience, precision, and spatial awareness are well-documented.

The principles of origami have been applied in modern technology as well, influencing designs in architecture, robotics, and even space exploration, where scientists have utilized folding techniques to compactly store and then deploy large structures in space.

The art of origami is a marvel of simplicity and limitless creativity in the handling of paper. From simple designs like boats and hats to complex figures that require numerous folds, origami continues to be a dynamic art form that encourages innovation and creativity. It serves as a peaceful yet engaging activity that brings joy and satisfaction to people of all ages, making it a timeless treasure in the world of art and craft.