Heart Collage Bookmark for Kids (Easy Mother’s Day Craft)

This Collage Bookmark art project is perfect for kids of all ages

Collage is one of those glorious art forms that absolutely everybody can do.

You don’t need to worry about mixing colors, drawing perfectly, or knowing any fancy techniques. Your collage can be neat and tidy or wildly expressive. 

Collage is also wonderfully age inclusive. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, grown-ups, grandparents, and even centenarians can all join in.

This particular project combines delicate tissue paper, a lovely heart shape, and a big blousy ribbon to create a beautiful handmade bookmark that makes a wonderful gift, particularly for Mother’s Day!

We used colorful tissue paper and blue glitter glue to create soft, luminous layers. Our version was delightfully messy because we painted on the glitter glue with a brush. If that sounds like too much excitement for your kitchen table, no worries! Break out a glue stick or even shipping tape to stick your pieces down!

It's hard to make pictures do justice to the lovely twinkle our glitter glue brings to our collage bookmark. You can certainly see how well the tissue paper layers colors tho!

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There’s Big Learning in this Cute Bookmark Project

There are so many wonderful skills packed into this cheerful little project.

This project helps artists of all ages practice:

• Drawing and cutting heart shapes

• Exploring symmetry

• Using glitter glue

• Handling delicate tissue paper

• Choosing colors thoughtfully

• Practicing collage composition

• Punching holes

• Tying knots

• Making handmade gifts

• Encouraging a love of reading

I’ve been a professional artist for over 15 years and this project definitely helps me flex my skills. It’s a great project for kids of all ages to take their artsy know-how to the next level.

Little moments of practice build up to big skills. There are many fine motor and artsy skills we can hone in this project.

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Supplies for Your Heart Collage Bookmark

• White cardstock (my favorite crafting paper)

• Blue Elmer’s glitter glue*

• Torn pieces of tissue paper in various colors

• Small paper scraps from your Little Bits Scrap Jar

• Large Paintbrush

• Cup of water

• Ribbon, about 5 inches long

• Hole punch or scissors

• Paper towels

• Apron or old clothes

• Table covering such as a paper bag or laminated sheet

*A Quick Note to Adults about Glitter Glue

Glitter glue in a bottle is one of my all-time favorite kids' art supplies. When I bring it out in the art classroom my students will literally give a little cheer!

Unlike most of the kids' art supplies that I recommend however, it's not really washable. Once it dries, it can be impossible to get off of fabric and tricky to remove from some textured table surfaces. The key is to make sure to clean it up when it's wet. Also, it helps to have something down protecting your table in the first place.

This art supply is SO inspiring for kids however, I think it is totally worth the trouble. If glitter glue is not your cup of tea however, a glue stick works beautifully too.

It's just a fact that many important art supplies are messy, especially adhesives. When we learn how to use them responsibility however, a whole new world of projects and techniques becomes available!

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PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS

How to Make a Heart Collage Bookmark

Step 1: Set Out Your Supplies

Gather everything you need and protect your workspace.

Remember that glitter glue can get quite messy so have wet paper towels on hand and clothes you aren't too attached to!

Step 2: Paint Glitter Glue on your paper

Place a blob of glitter glue onto your paper.

Dip your paintbrush in water first so it does not absorb too much glue.

Paint a layer of glitter glue over the heart.

Helping Younger Artists

If your child paints glue beyond the edges of the heart, that is completely fine. Extra decorated paper can always be cut up and added to your scrap jar.

Step 3: Add Tissue Paper

Lay tissue paper pieces onto the wet glue.

Brush a little more glitter glue over the top to seal them down.

Overlap colors and let them wrinkle and crinkle.

That is where the magic happens.

Step 6: Add other Special Scraps

If you like, add other small bits of paper from your Lil Bits Scrap Jar! This is a great way to add color, texture and visual interest. As you go, make sure to add glitter glue to the top of each piece so the bookmark is sealed.

Step 7: Dry Time!

Then grab a snack and let your collage bookmark dry!

Step 8: Cut Out the Heart

Cut a heart out of your paper! If you need a guide, you can flip the paper over and light draw on a heart to follow. Just remember to use pencil so you can erase it later.

One of the most delightful parts of collage is discovering which colors and textures ended up inside your final shape!

Helping Younger Artists

Young children may need help with the tight curves at the top of the heart.

Step 9: Punch a Hole and Add Ribbon

Punch a hole near the top of the heart.

Thread your ribbon through and tie a knot.

Think about how long you want the ribbon to be when it peeks out from the top of a book.

Step 10: Personalize the Back

Write a message, add a date, or draw a tiny picture on the back.

This simple touch turns your bookmark into a treasured keepsake.

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A Handmade Bookmark Gift for Mother’s Day

Nice job making your beautiful heart collage bookmark!

Of course you can slip this lovely art project into a favorite book, but it also makes a wonderful Mother’s Day present. That heart, the blousy ribbon, and the translucent scraps of tissue paper placed by their favorite kiddo? A perfect recipe for Mother’s Day smiles!

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Liked this Heart Collage Bookmark made with tissue paper? You might also like:

If you enjoyed this heart collage bookmark, you might also enjoy:

• Meet Lil Bits Scrap Jar... A Magical Kids' Art Supply Organizer!

• DIY Suncatcher Bookmark with Tissue Paper and Packing Tape

• Let’s Make a Watercolor Bookmark with Tissue Paper!

Or just browse all my Tissue Paper Art Projects for Kids!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Collage Bookmarks

How do you make a heart collage bookmark?

To make a heart collage bookmark, draw a large heart on cardstock, cover it with tissue paper and glue, cut it out, punch a hole at the top, and tie on a ribbon. It is a simple and beautiful craft for kids and adults alike.

What is the best paper for a heart collage bookmark?

Cardstock is the best paper for a heart collage bookmark because it is sturdy enough to hold layers of tissue paper and strong enough to last inside your favorite books.

Can kids make this heart bookmark craft on their own?

Yes! This heart bookmark craft is great for kids of all ages. Younger artists may need help drawing and cutting the heart, but even toddlers can enjoy tearing tissue paper and gluing colorful pieces onto the bookmark.

Is this a good Mother’s Day bookmark craft?

Absolutely. This heart collage bookmark makes a wonderful Mother’s Day bookmark craft because it is handmade, heartfelt, and practical. Grandmothers, moms, teachers, and other book lovers are always delighted to receive one.

Can I make a tissue paper bookmark without glitter glue?

Yes. You can make a tissue paper bookmark using a glue stick, school glue, or even clear tape. Glitter glue adds a magical shimmer, but any adhesive that holds the tissue paper in place will work beautifully.

What can I use to decorate a DIY heart bookmark?

In addition to tissue paper, you can decorate a DIY heart bookmark with ribbon, magazine cutouts, stickers, ticket stubs, pressed flowers, or tiny treasures from your Little Bits Scrap Jar.