This donut corner bookmark is a charming paper craft that turns the corner of your page into a frosted, sprinkle-topped treat. It’s a simple origami-style fold that holds your place securely while adding a playful pop of color to any book, and it makes a great gift for readers of all ages. The project comes together in about ten minutes with just a few basic supplies, and the folding technique is forgiving enough for beginners.

Ingredients

1 sheet of brown craft paper or light cardboard, 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm) – for the donut base
1 sheet of white paper, 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm) – for the frosting (or pink, if you prefer)
Scrap of contrasting paper for sprinkles, about 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm) – any color
Glue stick or craft glue
Scissors
Pencil (optional, for tracing)
Black marker or pen (for the face, optional)

Instructions

Take the brown square of paper and fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press the crease firmly, then unfold it so you have a diagonal crease line.
Fold the bottom left corner of the square up to the center point where the crease lines meet. Repeat with the bottom right corner, folding it up to the same center point. You should now have a smaller square shape with two triangular flaps meeting in the middle.
Fold the top point of the square down to the bottom edge, creating a smaller triangle. Crease well, then unfold this last fold completely so you are back to the smaller square from step 2.
Take the bottom left corner of the square and tuck it up into the pocket created by the top flap. Do the same with the bottom right corner. You should now have a triangle-shaped pocket that looks like a folded envelope. This is the basic bookmark base.
Now create the frosting. Take the white (or pink) square of paper and fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle. Place it on top of the bookmark base so the long edge of the triangle aligns with the top edge of the pocket. The frosting should cover the top portion of the brown base.
Fold the two bottom corners of the frosting triangle up and over the top edge of the bookmark base, tucking them inside the pocket. This will hold the frosting in place. Trim any excess paper from the corners if they stick out too far.
Cut small irregular shapes from your contrasting scrap paper to make sprinkles. These can be tiny rectangles, circles, or squiggles. Glue them onto the frosting area in a scattered pattern.
If you want to add a face to your donut, use the black marker to draw two small dots for eyes and a little smile on the brown base just below the frosting. Let the glue dry completely before using the bookmark.

Tips

Paper weight: Standard printer paper works, but slightly heavier paper like cardstock or scrapbooking paper makes a sturdier bookmark that holds its shape better. If using very thin paper, the pocket may feel flimsy.
Perfect frosting: For a wavy frosting edge, cut the bottom edge of the frosting triangle with a gentle zigzag or scalloped pattern before folding it onto the bookmark. This gives a more realistic drippy look.
No glue? No problem: The bookmark base itself requires no glue at all. If you want to skip the sprinkles and face, you can simply tuck the frosting triangle into the pocket without gluing it, making the bookmark fully removable and reusable.
Common mistake: A frequent error is folding the frosting triangle too large, which makes it cover the entire bookmark. Keep the frosting triangle smaller than the base, or trim it after folding to ensure the brown donut body is visible below.

Serving Suggestions

These bookmarks are perfect for marking your spot in a novel, a cookbook, or a notebook. They also make delightful party favors for a book-themed birthday party, a teacher appreciation gift, or a small token to include with a gift card for a bookstore. Slip one onto the corner of a journal or planner to add a touch of whimsy to your daily reading.

Variations

Chocolate frosting: Use brown paper for the frosting and a lighter tan paper for the donut base to create a chocolate-glazed donut.
Strawberry glaze: Use pink paper for the frosting and add tiny red or white dots for a strawberry-flavored look.
Holiday theme: Use red or green paper for the frosting and gold or white sprinkles for a festive Christmas donut bookmark.
Monster donut: Instead of a smile, draw a goofy monster face with sharp teeth and googly eyes on the brown base.

Storage and Reheating

These paper bookmarks are not food items, so there is no reheating involved. To store them, keep them flat in a box or a drawer to prevent bending. They are durable enough to be used repeatedly, but avoid getting them wet, as the paper will warp and the colors may run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a square of any size?
Yes, the bookmark will scale proportionally. A 6-inch square makes a bookmark that fits comfortably on a standard paperback page. For larger books, you can use a 7- or 8-inch square.

What is the best paper to use?
Origami paper is ideal because it is thin enough to fold crisply but holds its shape well. However, lightweight cardstock or even a page cut from a magazine will work. Avoid using paper that is too thick, like cardboard, as it will be difficult to fold and tuck.

How do I keep the frosting from falling off?
The frosting is held in place by tucking its corners into the pocket of the base. If it feels loose, apply a small amount of glue stick to the back of the frosting before tucking it in. This will secure it permanently.

Can children make this?
Absolutely. With help cutting the paper and folding the initial creases, children aged 6 and up can complete this project. The folding is simple, and decorating the sprinkles is a fun, creative step.

Why is my bookmark not staying on the page?
Make sure the pocket is deep enough. The top flap of the base needs to be folded down far enough to create a substantial pocket. If the flap is too shallow, the bookmark will slip off the corner of the page.

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Donut Corner Bookmark DIY: Cute Origami Craft