There’s just something magical about October. The air feels crisp, pumpkin spice is everywhere (sometimes even where it doesn’t belong—pumpkin spice potato chips, anyone?), and haunting stories call from every bookshelf. Every book needs the perfect bookmark, which got us to thinking that a handmade Halloween bookmark is just what we need. Perhaps we should start creating seasonal or holiday-specific bookmarks all year round! 

Making bookmarks is such an easy and fun craft. It doesn’t matter who you are, from tweens and teens to teachers and parents; it’s perfect for anyone wishing to add that personal touch to their reading happiness. 

And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or a trip to the craft store, so let’s get that bookworm creativity working. And if you’re looking for even more seasonal fun, pair your bookmark-making session with an OUABC Tween Box or YA Box to keep the reading magic alive.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before we start snipping and sketching, let’s gather a little cauldron of supplies. These basics will help you create bookmarks that last beyond just one ghostly season, and you probably have most of them lying around the house already!

• Cardstock or heavy paper (the sturdier, the better)

• Scissors (safety scissors for little hands)

• Markers, gel pens, or watercolors for decorating

• Stickers or Halloween-themed washi tape for extra flair

• Ribbon or tassel string to add that finishing touch

• Optional: lamination sheets if you want bookmarks tough enough to survive snack crumbs and backpack shuffles

Pro tip: If you have a laminator, you can make laminated bookmarks that stand up to years of haunted house re-reads!

5 Hauntingly-Cute Bookmark Ideas

1. Classic Jack-O’-Lantern Faces

Let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with a pumpkin design. Firstly, you will need to cut your orange cardstock (or grab some orange paint) into a rectangle; we recommend a size of 2 x 7 inches. Now for the fun part! Use black markers or stickers to create silly or scary Jack-O’-Lantern faces. We’re thinking goofy grins and menacing smirks!

For a twist, punch a hole at the top and thread through green ribbon as the “pumpkin stem.” For a glow-in-the-dark effect, add a layer of neon paint or outline with glow-in-the-dark markers. This one is great for a last-minute Halloween bookmark craft—quick, budget-friendly, and instantly recognizable.

2. Ghostly Silhouettes That Glow in the Dark

Nothing says Halloween like glow-in-the-dark silhouettes! Draw or trace ghost shapes onto white cardstock, then cut them out and decorate with big, friendly (or not-so-friendly) eyes. Add a splash of glow-in-the-dark paint or tape to make the ghost stand out during those nighttime reading sessions. 

Corner bookmarks are simple and fabulous to make! For this Halloween twist, start with a square of white cardstock and fold it into a neat triangle, securing the edges with glue. Use markers to draw a cute ghost face, or stick on googly eyes for extra personality. Slip it over the corner of your page, and you’ve got a cheeky little ghost peeking out of your book—a playful companion for every read.

3. Witchy Hats and Cauldrons

It’s time to grab some cardstock and cut a bookmark in the shape of a pointed hat or bubbling cauldron. Black cardstock makes the perfect base, while metallic gel pens can add shimmering stars or potion bubbles. And glitter, we love adding a bit of glitter for that magical effect. 

Use green or purple ribbon as a tassel to match your Halloween theme. To make it interactive, glue or stick on small foam stickers shaped like bats, moons, or even glittery potions. This craft is especially fun as you can easily personalize your cauldrons with your own “potion recipes” written on the back.

4. Haunted House Cutouts

Nothing says Halloween like a haunted house. Use black cardstock for the base and cut small windows into the bookmark with scissors or a craft knife (adults only!) Behind the windows, glue bright yellow or orange paper to create a glowing effect. Add ghost or bat stickers flying around the house, and outline with silver gel pens for that moonlit vibe.

If you want to keep it extra sturdy, slip the finished piece into a lamination sheet—laminated bookmarks hold up better against eager page-flipping and candy-sticky fingers.

5. Black Cats and Bats with Tassels

When it comes to Halloween, black cats and bats are two of our favorites. Trace the silhouette of a cat or bat onto black cardstock and cut them out. It’s time to get creative! You can color the eyes bright green or orange or add googly eyes or glow-in-the-dark stickers. For a tassel, use black yarn for a cat’s tail or purple ribbon for bat wings. 

These designs are perfect for making sets—cats, bats, and pumpkins bundled together make adorable DIY gifts for book lovers.

Tips to Personalize Your Bookmarks

If you’re looking to take your bookmark to the next level, personalizing it is the only way to go. Why not add your name or a favorite Halloween quote, match your colors to your current ghostly read, or create entire themed sets to give as gifts? A “ghostly library” set or “witchy potions” set makes a wonderful addition to boo baskets for book lovers.

Make It a Reading Tradition

We love creating new traditions, and turning this craft into a reading ritual is the perfect opportunity to start something new! Hosting a family night where everyone makes bookmarks before reading a new or old favorite Halloween special is the way to go! Add some hot chocolate and marshmallows, and you will have an evening to remember!

You can even up the ante with our OUABC Reading Journal or Tween Reading Passport, which is guaranteed to encourage kids to track their Halloween reads. And if you’re looking for even more ideas, our blog on Halloween Bookish Crafts for Tweens is a must-read.

Bookmarks that Cast a Spell All Season Long

Handmade bookmarks aren’t just fun to create—they add magic to every page you turn. Whether it’s a Jack-O’-Lantern face, a ghostly glow-in-the-dark design, or a black cat with a tassel tail, these DIY bookmarks make Halloween reading even more enchanting. So gather your supplies, put on some ghostly music, and craft away! 

And don’t forget, you can keep the seasonal spirit alive with our Book Phone Cases featuring Dracula, Edgar Allan Poe, or Frankenstein. Looking for the ultimate treat? A No Commitment Monthly Book Box makes the perfect gift for readers who love to mix crafting with cozy fall reading.

Pinterest has some wonderful ideas and templates; check out these printables for additional inspiration! Happy Halloween from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club, and don’t forget to tag us when you share your Halloween Bookmarks. We would love to see what you have all created!