DIY Pourable Bookmarks by Elmer’s Creations: A Simple, Creative Activity for Kids

Make Your Own Pourable Bookmarks with Elmer’s Clear School Glue

If you’ve ever found yourself at the end of a chapter, scrambling to find a bookmark (or worse, folding down a corner of the page—yikes), it might be time for a new solution. How about making your own bookmarks? Not just any bookmarks, but pourable bookmarks using Elmer’s Clear School Glue. It’s a simple, hands-on activity that encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and a bit of STEM learning all wrapped into one crafty project.

So, grab your glue, a few supplies, and get ready to make bookmarks that are as unique as your child’s imagination. Whether you’re looking for a fun at-home learning activity or just something to keep little hands busy, this project is perfect. Let’s dive into how to make pourable bookmarks with Elmer’s Creations!

Supplies You’ll Need for Pourable Bookmarks

Before diving in, let’s gather everything you need. Luckily, this project is simple and requires only a few supplies you probably already have around the house.

• Elmer’s Clear School Glue (5 fl oz bottle)
• Food Coloring
• Stirring Utensil
• Rectangular Container
• Embellishments
• Single Hole Punch (optional)
• Ribbon or String
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pourable Bookmarks

Now that you have your supplies ready, it’s time to make your bookmarks! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have personalized, pourable bookmarks in no time.

1. Prepare the Container: Start by pouring Elmer’s Clear School Glue into your rectangular container. You don’t need the whole bottle—just enough to cover the surface of the container. This ensures the bookmark is thick enough to hold up well but not too thick that it takes forever to dry.
2. Add Food Coloring: Once the glue is in the container, it’s time to make it pop with color. Add a few drops of food coloring. You can mix different colors to create a tie-dye effect, or stick with one color for a bold, vibrant bookmark. Stir the glue and food coloring together until the color is spread evenly throughout the glue.
3. Sprinkle on Some Embellishments: While the glue is still wet, this is your chance to add some fun embellishments. Think glitter, small beads, sequins, or even tiny stickers. Spread them out across the surface of the glue to create a fun design. You can even add more layers of glue on top to “seal” them in as you go.
4. Lock in the Design with a Thin Layer of Glue: Once you’ve added your embellishments, pour a thin layer of clear glue over the top to lock everything in place. This extra layer will help hold the decorations and ensure your bookmark stays intact when it dries.
5. Let It Dry: Patience is key here. Let the glue dry completely—this could take anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on how thick the glue is. Once it’s dry, gently peel it from the container. You’ll be left with a transparent, shiny surface that’s perfect for a bookmark!
6. Trim the Edges: Use scissors to trim any uneven edges and create the perfect bookmark shape. You can make it a traditional rectangular shape or get creative and cut it into a fun design, like a heart or star!
7. Optional: Add a Hole for a Ribbon: For a finishing touch, you can use a single hole punch to create a hole at the top of your bookmark. This is where you’ll tie your ribbon or string. A small piece of ribbon adds a whimsical flair to your bookmark, making it feel even more special.
8. Enjoy Your New Bookmark: Place your new, handmade bookmark in your latest book and get ready to enjoy reading. Not only will it keep your place, but it will also serve as a daily reminder of your child’s creativity.

The Learning Benefits of Pourable Bookmarks

Creating pourable bookmarks isn’t just a fun activity—it’s also a great way to sneak in some learning moments. Here’s how this simple project can boost your child’s development:

1. Creativity at Home: From choosing the colors to selecting the embellishments, your child gets to fully customize their bookmark. This type of artistic freedom encourages creativity and self-expression, helping them build confidence in their own abilities.
2. STEM Learning: While this activity may seem like a straightforward craft, it actually provides valuable STEM learning opportunities. Mixing the glue and food coloring introduces basic science concepts such as mixing and chemical reactions. Your child also experiments with viscosity (how thick or thin liquids are) and how the glue changes as it dries.
3. Fine Motor Skills: Pouring, stirring, and trimming all work on fine motor skills. These are the small muscle movements your child will use for everyday tasks like writing, buttoning a shirt, and using scissors. The more opportunities they have to practice these skills, the better!
4. Sensory Exploration: The texture of the glue, the feel of the embellishments, and the visual appeal of the colors all contribute to sensory exploration. Your child’s senses are being engaged in multiple ways, which helps them learn about the world around them.

Why Pourable Bookmarks Are the Perfect Kids Activity

Pourable bookmarks by Elmer’s Creations are an easy, creative, and educational activity that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking to incorporate some STEM learning into your day, help your child practice fine motor skills, or just provide a fun way to pass the time, this DIY project fits the bill.

The best part? Once the bookmarks are made, they’re not just a craft project—they become a functional, personalized tool for your child’s reading journey. So, next time you’re in need of a bookmark, consider making one together with your little one—and watch as they proudly mark their place in their next story!

Clear Elmer’s Glue

Dye-Free Food Coloring

Single Hole Punch