How to Make a Paper Parrot Bookmark

The world of parrots is a fascinating world – a colorful world. Children love parrots and love to make paper parrot bookmarks. As a career educator, I found that instructions for hot to make a paper parrot bookmark are hard to find. Now that I have created my own paper parrot bookmark, I share it here for parrot lovers of all ages. It will help if you have a picture of a parrot to guide you.

Materials for a Paper Parrot Bookmark

* Heavy white cardstock for base of your paper parrot bookmark
* Heavy colored cardstock – colors you want on your parrot
* Heavy yellow cardstock for parrot’s feet
* 2 small plastic wiggle eyes
* Brown and black markers or pens
* Scissors
* Glue

Instructions for a Paper Parrot Bookmark

* Cut strip of heavy white cardstock 6″ x 2.5″ for each bookmark
* Using cardstock in a color suitable for your parrot’s wings, cut an arc 4″ x 1.5″
* Scallop the bottom of your arc to resemble feather tips.
* Center the arc over the top of your paper parrot bookmark, at the back of the bookmark. Match the top of the arc to the top of the white strip. Glue in place.
* Using cardstock in a color suitable for your parrot’s head, cut an oval 2″ x 1.5″
* Position the head at the top of your paper parrot bookmark, overlapping 1/2 inch. Glue in place.
* Using cardstock in a color suitable for your parrot’s body, cut an egg shape 2.5″ x 2.5″. Remove the top 1/2″ of the egg in a straight line.
* Position the straight part of the body at the top of your paper parrot bookmark. Glue in place.
* Cut a strip of wing-colored cardstock 3″ x 1.5″. Curl the strip lengthwise around a pencil to make a narrow cylinder. Glue the cylinder at the top of your paper parrot bookmark, extending evenly on both sides.
* Using cardstock in a color suitable for your parrot’s breast, cut a “Santa Clause beard” shape about 2″ x 1.5″. Make the beard straight at the top. Taper it to fit the parrot’s “chin.”
* Position the straight part of the beard at the top of your paper parrot bookmark and curve it down over the wing cylinder. Glue in place.
* Draw a branch about a half inch below the parrot’s body.
* Cut feet of yellow cardstock. Draw 4 toes on each foot – 2 forward and 2 backward. Glue feet to bottom of parrot body, overlapping branch.
* Cut a beak of cardstock, leaving tabs on either side. Fold tabs under and glue to the center of the head.
* Glue tiny wiggle eyes on either side of the head to complete your paper parrot bookmark.

Tip for Teachers or Parents

If you plan to make a paper parrot bookmark with a child, always take time to make one yourself first. Then you will be better able to guide the child’s work. For younger children, it helps to have a finished bookmark to see.