# How to Make a Beaded Bookmark: A Simple Handmade Gift Idea Source: https://beadingnest.com/blog/how-to-make-a-beaded-bookmark Published: 2026-10-28 Publisher: Beading Nest A beaded bookmark is a small project that makes a thoughtful gift for readers and takes less than an hour. The most common style is a length of cord or ribbon that rests inside the book, with a short beaded dangle that hangs outside the pages so it is easy to find. This guide covers the materials, how long to make it, how to build the dangle, how to finish the ends cleanly, and a few variations such as a wire page marker, so you can make one that looks good and protects your pages. ## Pick a style There are three popular styles. The first is a cord or ribbon bookmark, where a flat strip lies between the pages and a beaded tassel dangles from the top. The second is a wire bookmark, where a thin piece of wire is shaped into a loop that slides over a page, with beads on the end. The third is a stitched bookmark in which beads are woven into a flat strip. For a first project, the cord or ribbon style is the easiest, and it works well with most beads. Wire bookmarks are fun but need pliers and more care. A woven bead strip looks lovely but takes more time and skill, so save it for later when you are comfortable with bead weaving. ## Materials and tools For the cord version, gather a length of ribbon, leather cord or flat braided cord, a handful of beads, a small charm if you like, and a headpin or eye pin to hold the dangle. A jump ring connects the dangle to the cord. You will need flat-nose or round-nose pliers, scissors and wire cutters. Choose lightweight beads so the bookmark does not strain the book's spine, and avoid beads with sharp edges that could scratch pages. Smooth glass, wood and acrylic beads are good choices. Match the colors to the book or the reader's taste, and think about whether the bookmark will be used in thick books or thin paperbacks. [See head pins and eye pins](https://beadingnest.com/best/best-head-pins-eye-pins) ## Decide on the length A typical bookmark is about six to nine inches long in total, including the dangle. The part that rests inside the book should be long enough to stay in place but short enough that it does not stick out of the bottom. The dangle should hang a couple of inches out of the top so that it is easy to grab. Measure the height of the book you plan to use it with, or choose a standard length for a paperback. If you are making several bookmarks as gifts, make them all the same size so they look like a set. A longer ribbon gives a more elegant look, and a shorter one is more practical. ## Build the beaded dangle Slide a few beads onto a head pin in your planned order, starting with a larger bead at the bottom if you want a focal point. Leave about three eighths of an inch of wire above the top bead, then bend the wire into a loop using round-nose pliers. Trim any extra wire with the cutters, wrapping the loop closed if you want a firmer connection. Safety note: when you snip wire, small pieces can fly off, so cover the cut with your fingers or wear safety glasses. Make sure the loop is closed completely, because a loose loop can open and let the beads fall off. If you prefer a cord dangle, you can string beads onto thin cord instead and knot the end. [Compare round nose pliers](https://beadingnest.com/best/best-round-nose-pliers) ## Attach the dangle to the cord Fold the top of your ribbon or cord to make a small loop and secure it with a knot or a small dab of glue. Use a jump ring to connect the dangle to this loop. Open the ring sideways with two pairs of pliers, slip it through both the dangle and the loop, and close it firmly. For a ribbon, fold the end and sew a few small stitches or use fabric glue to hold it in place. A fray-check product can stop ribbon edges from unraveling. If you are using leather cord, a knot at the top with a small bead above it makes a neat finish. Follow the instructions on any glue and let it dry completely before use. If you want the bookmark to lie flat in the book, avoid bulky knots near the part that sits between the pages. Place the dangle's connection just above the top edge so the thick part stays outside the book, and test the bookmark in a real book before you make a batch. [Read the jump ring technique guide](https://beadingnest.com/blog/jump-ring-technique) ## Variations to try For a wire bookmark, shape a thin craft wire into a long loop with a small curl at the end, then slide beads onto the top. The loop can be slipped over a page, and the beads hang outside the book. This style is flat, so it does not add bulk to the book. For a tassel version, tie embroidery floss or thin cord into a tassel at the bottom of the ribbon. For a charm version, replace the beads with a single charm and a few small accent beads. Pair a bookmark with a book as a gift, or make a set for a book club. Another idea is to add a small initial bead or a charm that suits the reader's interests, such as a tiny star, leaf or book charm. Choose a ribbon in a color that contrasts with the beads so the bookmark stands out on a shelf or desk. ## Care and gifting tips Keep beaded bookmarks out of very small hands, because the beads can come off if the piece is pulled. Check the loops and knots before gifting and store the bookmark flat in a small envelope. Avoid leaving it in a book exposed to moisture or direct sun for long periods, as ribbon and cord can fade. For a handmade gift, add a short note or tie the bookmark to the book with a ribbon. A simple presentation makes a small gift feel special, and a bookmark is a gift that gets used again and again. ## Related buying guides - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-head-pins-eye-pins - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-jump-rings - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-round-nose-pliers - https://beadingnest.com/best/best-glass-beads