DIY Monster Bookmarks: Fun Halloween Craft for Kids
Reading just got a whole lot more exciting with these quirky, fuzzy, downright adorable DIY Monster Bookmarks. Perfect for little readers who enjoy a bit of mischief, these crafty monsters peek out of your books, guarding your page. Whether youโre crafting at home, planning a classroom activity, or hosting a spooky storytime, this easy bookmark craft for kids adds some silly fun to any reading adventure.
Crafty, colorful, and so simple, this Halloween craft for kids turns ordinary popsicle sticks into goofy friends that make reading impossible to resist. Best of all? They only take about 20 minutes to create, with no scary skills required.
Why Make DIY Monster Bookmarks?
Monster bookmarks are more than just cute. Theyโre also an excellent hands-on activity that blends art, creativity, and a love of reading. Hereโs why this easy bookmark craft for kids is a go-to choice for parents, teachers, and caregivers:
- Perfect for all ages โ With basic supplies and no complicated steps, even preschoolers can help make their own silly monster friend.
- Encourages reading โ What better way to mark a page than with a goofy monster peeking out from the top of your book?
- Great for themed units โ These make excellent additions to monster-themed story time, classroom Halloween parties, or library literacy nights.
- Mess-free and low-prep โ All you need is about 20 minutes, some glue, and a few fun craft materials.
Supplies Needed for DIY Monster Bookmarks
Hereโs what youโll need to create your own wild and wacky monster popsicle stick craft:
- Colored jumbo popsicle sticks
(Use bright or bold colors to make your monsters really pop.) - Various sized pom poms
(These will be the fluffy, silly heads of your monsters.) - Googly eyes
(Use large, small, or mix them up for a wacky look.) - Pipe cleaners
(Twist, curl, or shape them for arms, antennae, or monster hair.) - Hot glue or craft glue
(Hot glue sets quickly, but craft glue is safer for younger crafters with adult supervision.)
Tip: Set everything out on a tray to contain any mess and make cleanup easier.
How to Make a Monster Craft Step-by-Step
This Halloween craft for kids is super simple and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Hereโs how to bring your DIY monster bookmarks to life:
1. Add the Pom-Pom Head
Choose a jumbo popsicle stick in your favorite color. Using hot glue or craft glue, attach a pom pom to one end of the stick. This will be your monsterโs head.
Pro tip: Bigger pom poms give a more dramatic look, while small ones are perfect for mini monsters.
2. Stick on the Googly Eyes
Once the pom pom is secure, itโs time to give the little monster some personality. Add one eye for a silly cyclops, or glue on two (or more) googly eyes for a more classic monster craft.
3. Decorate with Pipe Cleaners and Pom Poms
Let imaginations run wild here. Use pipe cleaners to add arms, curly antennae, horns, or crazy monster hair. Glue on additional mini pom poms as decorations, noses, or ears.
Optional: You can also draw on the popsicle stick with markers to give your monster a body, outfit, or polka dots. This Halloween craft for kids allows for ultimate creativity.
4. Let it Dry
If you’re using craft glue, allow your bookmark to dry completely before use, which usually takes about 15โ20 minutes. Hot glue will set faster, but still needs a few minutes to cool.
Fun Ways to Use Your Halloween Bookmark Craft
Once your monster bookmarks are ready, there are so many ways to enjoy them:
- Reading companions โ Let your monster guard your page in your favorite bedtime story or chapter book.
- Party favors โ These make great take-home crafts for birthday parties, Halloween gatherings, or reading celebrations.
- Classroom rewards โ Teachers can hand them out as reading incentives or for good behavior.
- Library activities โ Host a craft table during a reading event or literacy night.
This easy bookmark craft for kids is the perfect mix of silliness and functionality. They are great for getting even reluctant readers excited to flip pages.
Learning Through Crafting
This monster popsicle stick craft is fun, and it also supports early development. As children create their monster bookmarks, theyโre building:
- Fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, twisting pipe cleaners)
- Color recognition and creativity (choosing compatible or contrasting colors, arranging features)
- Following instructions (step-by-step crafting with adult guidance)
- Imaginative thinking (naming their monsters and giving them personalities)
Itโs a win-win: hands-on crafting that connects to learning and literacy.
Storage & Safety Tips
- Store this Halloween bookmark craft flat in a craft box or small bin to keep them in good shape.
- If using hot glue, be sure younger kids are supervised to avoid burns.
- Encourage kids to make a whole collection of monster crafts to rotate through along with their books.
Get Kids Excited to Read with a Halloween Bookmark Craft
These DIY Monster Bookmarks are a simple, fun, and creative way to get kids more engaged with reading. Whether you make just one or a full dozen, each bookmark is a unique little character ready to mark your page and bring some smiles. Plus, itโs a fantastic way to add a little monster magic to your craft stash or reading routine.
Ready to get started? Grab your pom poms and popsicle sticks and bring your monsters to life.