This Thanksgiving, keep your place in your favorite cookbook with a festive turkey bookmark that folds neatly over the corner of any page. Made from just a few sheets of colored paper and a bit of glue, this craft is quick enough for kids and satisfying for adults. The clever corner design means it stays put without slipping, and the googly eyes give it plenty of personality.

Ingredients

1 sheet brown construction paper (or cardstock), 8.5 x 11 inches (21.5 x 28 cm)
1 sheet orange construction paper, small scrap (about 2 x 2 inches / 5 x 5 cm)
1 sheet red construction paper, small scrap (about 1 x 1 inch / 2.5 x 2.5 cm)
1 sheet yellow construction paper, small scrap (about 2 x 2 inches / 5 x 5 cm)
1 sheet assorted fall-colored paper (red, orange, yellow, brown) for feathers – about 4 sheets, each 8.5 x 11 inches (21.5 x 28 cm)
2 googly eyes (optional, or draw with marker)
Black marker (for beak and details)
Glue stick or white school glue
Scissors
Ruler (optional)
Pencil

Instructions

Cut the base square: From the brown paper, cut a square that is 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm). If you don’t have a ruler, use a piece of printer paper as a guide – fold the corner to the opposite edge to make a triangle, then cut off the excess.
Fold the corner: Place the brown square so it looks like a diamond (one point facing you). Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point, pressing the crease firmly. You should have a triangle.
Make the pocket: With the triangle pointing down (folded edge at the top), take the left corner and fold it up to the top point. Repeat with the right corner. You now have a smaller diamond shape with a slit in the middle.
Unfold and refold: Unfold the last two folds back to the triangle. Now, take the top layer of the bottom point and fold it up to the top point, but only the top layer – you should see a crease line. Then, fold the left and right corners back up to the top point, tucking them into the pocket you just created. This forms the corner pocket that will hold the page.
Create the feathers: From the fall-colored paper, cut 4 to 5 feather shapes. Each feather should be about 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide at the widest point. You can make them pointed or rounded – just cut an oval that tapers at one end. For a more realistic look, cut small slits along the edges to mimic feather barbs.
Attach the feathers: Turn the brown pocket over so the folded pocket is facing down. Apply glue to the bottom (pointed) end of each feather and fan them out in a semi-circle on the back of the brown triangle. The feathers should stick out from the top edge (the folded edge) of the pocket. Press them down firmly.
Add the turkey body: Cut a small brown circle, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter, for the head. Glue it to the top point of the pocket, overlapping the feathers slightly. This will be the turkey’s head.
Make the beak and wattle: From the orange paper, cut a small triangle for the beak, about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. From the red paper, cut a tiny teardrop shape for the wattle (the dangly bit under the beak). Glue the beak to the head, pointing downward, and the wattle just below it.
Add the eyes: Glue the two googly eyes onto the head, just above the beak. If you don’t have googly eyes, draw them with a black marker.
Let it dry: Allow the glue to dry completely for about 5 minutes before using your bookmark.

Tips

Use cardstock for sturdiness: Regular construction paper works, but cardstock or light cardboard will make the bookmark last longer. If you use printer paper, it may bend easily.
Make a template: If you plan to make several bookmarks (for a class or party), cut a template from cardboard first, then trace it onto the colored paper. This saves time and ensures all bookmarks are the same size.
Adjust the pocket size: The 6-inch square makes a pocket that fits most book pages. For thicker books, make the square slightly larger (7 inches / 18 cm). For thin paperbacks, a 5-inch (12.5 cm) square works better.
Glue stick vs. liquid glue: Glue sticks are less messy and dry faster, but liquid glue gives a stronger bond. If using liquid glue, apply it thinly to avoid wrinkles.

Serving Suggestions

These bookmarks make wonderful place settings for Thanksgiving dinner – tuck one into each napkin with a name card. They also work great as gift tags, party favors, or a fun craft activity for kids while the turkey roasts. Slip one onto the corner of a cookbook page to mark the pumpkin pie recipe for easy access.

Variations

Pilgrim hat: Instead of a turkey head, cut a black rectangle and a yellow buckle to make a pilgrim hat. Glue it to the top point of the pocket.
Fall leaves: Skip the turkey features and just glue a cluster of real or faux fall leaves to the pocket for a simpler autumn bookmark.
Monogrammed: Write a person’s name or a short message on the turkey’s body with a marker before assembling.
Fabric version: Use felt instead of paper and sew the pocket with a simple running stitch. This makes a more durable, washable bookmark.

Storage and Reheating

Store your paper bookmarks in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer or a box, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. They will last for years if handled gently. If a corner gets bent, you can flatten it with a heavy book overnight. Do not expose them to moisture, as they will warp. There is no reheating needed – this is a no-cook craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size of paper? Yes, you can use any square paper. The key is that it must be a perfect square. If you start with a rectangle, fold one corner to the opposite edge and cut off the excess to make a square.

What if I don’t have googly eyes? You can draw eyes with a marker, use buttons, or cut small circles from white and black paper. Even a simple dot for an eye works fine.

How do I make the pocket stay closed? The fold itself should hold, but if it feels loose, add a small dot of glue inside the pocket to seal the two sides together. Just be careful not to glue the pocket shut – you want the page to slide in.

Can I laminate the bookmark? Yes, laminating will make it waterproof and more durable, but you need to laminate before folding the pocket. Laminate the flat square, then cut and fold as instructed. The laminated paper may be stiffer, so score the folds with a bone folder or the edge of a ruler.

How do I make the feathers look more realistic? Cut small fringes along the edges of the feather shapes, or use a scalloped scissors to create a wavy edge. You can also layer two colors of paper for each feather.

Is this craft safe for young children? Yes, with adult supervision for cutting. For younger kids, pre-cut the shapes and let them do the gluing and folding. The folds are simple enough for most children aged 6 and up.

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

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Turkey Bookmark Corner DIY: Easy Paper Craft