As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, our minds naturally drift toward the spooky and the spectacular. October is a month of transformation, not just for the trees, but for how we view the world around us. While many associate this season solely with Halloween, it is also Bat Appreciation Month—a time to celebrate one of the most misunderstood and fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom.
To help spread awareness and add a touch of seasonal flair to your reading, we have designed a project that is as functional as it is fun: the Bat Corner Bookmark. This easy DIY craft is perfect for rainy afternoons, classroom activities, or as a “non-candy” treat for friends. Let’s dive into why bats deserve our respect and how you can make your very own “wing-man” for your favorite books!
The Secret Superpowers of Bats
Nature is full of surprises. Consider this: the ostrich and the kiwi are birds that cannot fly, yet the bat is a mammal that takes to the skies with ease! In fact, bats are the only mammals capable of true, sustained flight.
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Beyond their flying skills, bats are the unsung heroes of our environment. Here is why they are so important:
- Pest Control Extraordinaire: A single little brown bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in just one hour! Farmers love them because they act as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, eating up the bugs that would otherwise destroy crops.
+1 - Essential Pollinators: Without bats, we might not have some of our favorite foods. Over 300 species of fruit depend on bats for pollination, including bananas, avocados, and mangoes.
- Forest Regenerators: Fruit-eating bats are vital for spreading seeds. As they fly across deforested areas, they drop seeds that help new trees grow, making them essential for healthy tropical ecosystems.
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Unfortunately, many bat species are currently at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and disease. By making this craft and sharing it on social media with hashtags like #BatAppreciationMonth or #BatWeekAllMonth, you can help change the conversation from “scary” to “essential.”
Why a Corner Bookmark?
Traditional bookmarks often slip out, but a corner bookmark hugs the page. It’s an origami-based design that sits securely on the edge of your book, ensuring you never lose your place. Plus, the bat’s wings and fangs make it look like it’s “taking a bite” out of your story!
Supplies Required
Before you begin, gather these simple materials:
- Colored Cardstock Paper: We recommend grey for the main body. While black is traditional for bats, using grey allows the eyes and details to pop! You’ll also want a splash of purple for the inner wings.
- Plain White Paper: For the fangs and eyes.
- Pencil & Scissors: For tracing and cutting.
- Craft Glue: A glue stick works best for the paper layers.
- Sharpies: To add pupils to the eyes or a cheeky smile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to assemble your bat.
1. The Origami Base
To create the “pocket” that sits on the corner of your page:
- Start with a square piece of grey paper (6×6 inches is a good size).
- Fold it diagonally to form a large triangle.
- Take the top layer of the triangle’s peak and fold it down to meet the center of the base.
- Fold the left and right corners up to meet the top peak, then tuck them into the pocket you’ve just created. You should now have a sturdy, square-shaped pocket.
2. Prepare the Bat Features
Download and print a bat template or free-hand your own shapes. You will need:
- Wings: Two sets—one larger (grey) and one smaller (purple) for a layered look.
- Ears: Two pointed ears.
- Eyes: Two white circles.
- Fangs: Two tiny white triangles.
3. Assemble the Wings
Glue the smaller purple wing pieces onto the larger grey wings. This adds dimension and makes your bat look more professional. Once dry, glue the wings to the back of your corner bookmark so they span out on either side.
4. Add the Face
Glue the ears to the top inside of the pocket. Attach the eyes to the front, and use your Sharpie to draw in the pupils. Finally, glue the fangs to the underside of the top flap so they hang down over the “page.”
Pro-Tips for Success
- Avoid Over-Gluing: When attaching the fangs or wings, make sure the glue only touches the top flap. If glue seeps into the pocket, you’ll accidentally seal your bookmark shut!
- Personalize Your Bat: Who says bats have to be grey? If you’re making a set for a party, try using vibrant colors like neon green or bright orange to give each bat a different personality.
- Reading Challenge: Use your new bookmark to track your progress in a nature book or a spooky mystery.
