I knew when I found out that my son's school wouldn't allow candy with their Valentine's Day cards that I would have to get creative to make up for no candy!

My son is in kindergarten and all the students are quickly learning how to read. I thought it might be fun for all of them to have a bookmark monster that can bite their pages!

I found a picture of a very similar bookmark but it required much folding that I didn't want any part of. I wanted them to be quick and easy since I was making so many. These are simply corners cut off of envelopes!

Step 1: Measure and Cut

On an envelope (flap open) draw out two squares - one on each side using a pencil and ruler. I made mine three inch squares.

If you don't have envelopes sitting around save a few pieces of junk mail and cut the corners off of those!

Once the lines are drawn cut out the squares.

Step 2: Fold Flap for Mouth

Once the squares have been cut out fold one of the bottom corners up to meet the top corner.

Now there will be a guide to fold the flap under.

Fold flap under. No need to glue, it will stay securely in place.

Step 3: Cut Decorative Paper

Cut out three squares using decorative paper of your choice. If the back of the paper is white you will be able to turn one over to make the teeth. If the back side is not white you will need to get white paper to make the teeth - or not if you want orange or green teeth!

Make sure the squares are the same size as the squares you already cut from the envelopes. In this case three inches.

Draw a diagonal line diving one square in half. Cut to make two triangles.

Using a glue stick glue one half to the top part of the folded side of the envelope and one to the bottom part. Making the head and chin.

Glue one square on the back and save the last square for the teeth.

Step 4: Teeth and Eyes

Use the last unused square and turn it over to the white side. Slide it into the mouth of the monster. Draw what you want the teeth to look like and cut them out. Using a glue stick secure them to the inside.

Cut out a set of three different sized circles to make the eyes gluing them together as you go.

Finally glue the eyes to the monster and use it as a bookmark!

Step 5: Custom Option

Let your kids customize their own monster bookmark:

Follow all the previous steps using only white paper. Don't add teeth or eyes.

Give your kids markers, crayons, colored pencils or what ever and let them design their own monster.

When they are done add teeth and eyes!!!

**If your child is a bit older they should be able to complete the project entirely on their own!