Supply List:

• Ribbon or Fabric Scraps
  • 7 inches (vertical)
    5 inches (horizontal)
• Patterned Paper or Cardstock
  • 4 x 6 inches
  • 3 ½ x 5 ½ inches
  • 3 x 5 inches
• Twine
• Scissors
• Button
• Black Faber-Castell Pitt Pen
• Liquid Glue
• Hot Glue

If you’re looking for a simple but deeply meaningful faith-based craft, this DIY Ribbon Cross Bookmark is a beautiful project to create. With just paper, ribbon, and a few embellishments, you can design a handmade cross bookmark that serves as a daily reminder that we are not held together by perfection; we are held together by grace.

This project is perfect for Bible journaling, card fronts, gift tags, bookmarks, or even framed devotional art. It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and full of heart!

Step 1: Secure the Vertical Ribbon

Start with your 3 x 5 inch cardstock panel (this will be your front layer).

Turn it over and apply a small line of hot glue near the top. Press one end of the 7-inch ribbon strip into the glue. Do not pull it tight. Allow it to sit slightly raised so there is gentle dimension.

Repeat at the bottom with another small line of glue. Again, leave a little slack in the ribbon. This prevents the cross from feeling rigid and adds beautiful movement.

Once secured, add a small dot of hot glue at the center (about the top third) and gently scrunch the ribbon inward to create soft gathering. This replaces tying a bulky knot and keeps your project flatter, especially important if you plan to use it in a Bible.

Step 2: Add the Horizontal Ribbon

Now place the 5-inch ribbon strip across the center to form a cross.

Flip the piece over and secure the ends with hot glue, again leaving a little extra slack. Allow the ribbon to have natural movement rather than pulling it tight.

Add a small dot of glue in the center and gently scrunch the ribbon inward, just like you did with the vertical strip.

At this stage, your cross should have beautiful soft dimension without bulky knots.

Step 3: Layer Your Cardstock

Turn your ribbon panel face down and apply craft glue around the outer edges (not the center).

Adhere it to your 3 ½ x 5 ½ inch patterned cardstock (such as polka dots). This hides all the ribbon ends neatly on the back.

Then layer that piece onto your 4 x 6 inch base cardstock using craft glue. Press flat and allow to dry.

You now have a beautifully framed ribbon cross.

Step 4: Add Doodled Detail & Finishing Touches

Using a black Black Faber-Castell Pitt Pen, draw loose, doodled lines around the pink panel. Let your hand lift naturally as you draw – these lines are meant to look imperfect and whimsical.

Tie a simple bow with black and white twine (or coordinating string). Knot the ends of the tails.

Add a tiny dot of hot glue in the center of the ribbon cross and press the knot of the bow into place. Add a small white button on top of the bow for a finished look. 

Step 5: Create the Meaningful Back Message

Cut a 3 x 5 inch piece of white paper for the back.

Write this reminder:

“I am not held together by perfection.
I am held together by grace.
Thank you, Jesus.”

Embrace your handwriting. Whether print or cursive, it carries meaning because it is yours.

If you’d like to elevate your lettering, try faux calligraphy by thickening your downstrokes. Simply trace over the downward parts of each letter and fill them in to create a hand-lettered look. Glue this message panel onto the back of your bookmark.

If desired, punch a hole at the top and add ribbon or twine for a traditional bookmark look. Or leave it as-is for a clean, modern style.

How to Use Your Ribbon Cross Bookmark

This project is versatile and meaningful. You can:

• Use it as a Bible journaling bookmark
  
• Tuck it into a devotional
  
• Add it to a gift bag
  
• Attach it to a card front
  
• Use it as a spring faith decor piece
  
• Display it on a small easel
  
• Add washi tape to create a flip-up journaling element

It’s a visual reminder of grace wherever you place it.

Watch the full replay here!If this project sparked something in your heart and you’re curious about faith journaling, consider joining me in the Faith Journaling Experience! You’ll learn techniques, get access to printables, and connect with an amazing group of creative soul sisters.