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.