Imagine your novel as an ocean and a whale swimming across its waves. That’s the feeling this handmade bookmark brings.
The hand-drawn whale doesn’t just save your page, it adds a little adventure to your reading.
By sketching and coloring it yourself, you breathe life into a gentle giant that will glide through your chapters.
It’s a whimsical project that combines creativity and functionality, leaving you with a bookmark that feels like a character in your book’s journey.
Materials Needed
- White cardstock or thick paper (8.5″ × 11″)
- Colored pencils, markers, or watercolor paints (blue, gray, white, black)
- Pencil and eraser for sketching
- Fine-tip black pen for outlining
- Scissors (1 pair for cutting details)
- Optional: Clear contact paper or laminating sheet
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw a whale outline on your cardstock. Aim for about 6-7″ in length so it’s big enough to peek out of your book without being too bulky.
Step 2: Add details like fins, tail, eye, and the textured belly ridges. Don’t worry about perfect lines as hand-drawn charm makes it special.
Step 3: Color your whale using colored pencils, watercolor, or markers. Blend shades of blue and gray for a realistic touch, then highlight with white.
Step 4: Outline the finished drawing with a fine black pen to sharpen the details.
Step 5: Carefully cut along the whale shape with scissors, leaving a neat edge.
Step 6: (Optional) Laminate the whale using clear contact paper or a laminating sheet for durability. Then trim the excess.
Step 7: Slip it between your book pages and enjoy your very own whale swimming through your story.
Tips:
Try making a whole pod of whales in different sizes and colors like blue whales, humpbacks, or even fantasy rainbow whales for a themed set of bookmarks.