Putting a happy birthday sticker on a picture is a fun way to celebrate someone’s special day. Whether you want to decorate a photo to give as a gift or just spice up your Instagram story, adding a festive sticker can make your image pop.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to put a happy birthday sticker on a picture. We’ll cover:
- Choosing the right sticker
- Finding happy birthday stickers
- Adding stickers on your computer
- Putting stickers on printed photos
- Using phone apps to add stickers
- Positioning the sticker
- Matching the style
With just a few simple steps, you can easily customize a photo with a fun happy birthday sticker. So let’s get started decorating!
Choosing the Right Sticker
When selecting a happy birthday sticker, you’ll first want to consider the photo you’re decorating. Pick a sticker that matches the color scheme and style of the picture. Some things to think about:
- Size – Make sure the scale of the sticker looks proportional to the photo. A large sticker will look awkward on a small picture.
- Color – Match the colors of the sticker to your photo’s palette. For example, don’t add a bright neon sticker to a vintage sepia image.
- Style – Choose a font, artwork, and design that fits the overall aesthetic of the picture. Formal scripts suit sophisticated headshots, while silly cartoons work well on a funny candid photo.
- Message – Look for a sentiment that matches the relationship with the birthday person. A fun, playful sticker full of inside jokes is perfect for a friend, while a warm wish works for close family.
Taking a minute to consider the sticker design will ensure your image looks its best. When in doubt, go for a simple, classic sticker in muted colors. Next, let’s look at where to find great happy birthday sticker options.
Finding Happy Birthday Stickers
You can find an endless array of happy birthday stickers both online and in stores. Here are some of the most popular places to look:
- Craft Stores – Shops like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby have a huge selection of stickers for scrapbooking and craft projects, including many birthday designs.
- Office Supply Stores – Check the stationery section for sticker sheets, which often include celebratory motifs.
- Party Stores – Stores with party supplies like Party City and Oriental Trading Company sell themed packs of birthday stickers.
- Online Retailers – Websites like Etsy and Zazzle have thousands of cute, customizable birthday sticker designs.
- Apps – Lots of phone apps like PicsArt and Photoroom let you add stickers from their libraries.
- Print Shops – Local print shops may be able to print custom sticker designs you create.
Browse sticker selections in stores or online to find the perfect happy birthday sticker for your picture. Now let’s go over how to apply them.
Adding Stickers on Your Computer
If you want to decorate a digital photo on your computer, adding a sticker is quick and easy using photo editing software or apps. Here’s how:
- Open your photo in an editing program like Photoshop, Canva, PicMonkey or Microsoft Word.
- Browse the stickers in the program’s library or graphics and upload a sticker you’ve downloaded.
- Click the sticker you want to add and drag it onto your photo.
- Resize and position the sticker as needed.
- Save and export your completed image.
Most editing programs make the process very intuitive, with options to layer stickers over photos and customize them. Take time playing around with fonts, colors, and positions until your sticker looks just right.
Putting Stickers on Printed Photos
For print photos you want to decorate by hand, follow these instructions:
- Print out your chosen sticker on paper, cardstock, or sticker paper.
- Cut out the sticker design carefully with scissors or a craft knife.
- Prepare your photo by cleaning the surface thoroughly so the sticker will adhere well.
- Peel off the backing of your sticker and place it on your photo. Smooth it out gently to prevent air bubbles.
- For best results, seal your sticker by covering with tape, laminating the picture, or using a fixative spray.
Applying stickers by hand takes a delicate touch, but can give your photo an artsy, homemade look. You can print stickers at home or have them professionally made at a print shop.
Using Phone Apps to Add Stickers
To instantly spruce up pics on your phone, turn to handy mobile apps. Some top options include:
- PicsArt – This popular photo editor has thousands of free stickers to jazz up images.
- Photoroom – Includes lots of birthday motifs to overlay on your photos.
- Snapseed – Provides precise positioning for stickers over any part of your image.
- Motame – Offers cute, customizable stickers perfect for birthdays.
- PicCollage – Lets you layer multiple stickers on a collage-style photo project.
Most phone photo apps are free or low cost and very user-friendly. Look for one with lots of great design options to have fun decorating pics on the go or to share online.
Positioning the Sticker
Where you place your happy birthday sticker can have a big impact. Try out some of these possibilities to find the perfect position:
- Over a plain background area – Position the sticker over a solid-colored background without important details so it stands out.
- Next to the person’s face – Put the sticker near the face so it’s associated with them, but avoid covering their features.
- At the top or bottom – Stickers positioned at the top or bottom of a photo look classic and balanced.
- On a corner – Placing a sticker on a corner adds energy without overwhelming the image.
- Following lines – Align your sticker to flow along lines and shapes within the picture.
- Overlapping elements – Layering stickers over each other or other design elements adds dimension.
Feel free to break compositional “rules” too for an artistic look! Moving the sticker to an unexpected spot can make the picture more dynamic.
Matching the Style
Besides placement, you’ll also want to make sure your sticker matches the overall style of the photo. Keep these design considerations in mind:
- Use colors that coordinate with the image’s palette.
- Select a font that works with the mood such as playful, vintage or formal.
- Make sure the scale suits the photo, so it doesn’t look too big or small.
- Consider adding artistic effects like distressed textures or glitter to enhance the style.
- Include design motifs that align with the theme like candles on a birthday cake shot.
- Add complementary decorative elements like borders, ribbons, or patterns.
Blending your sticker with the existing style creates a cohesive, polished look. The sticker should enhance the photo rather than looking haphazardly stuck on.
Conclusion
Personalizing a picture with a happy birthday sticker is so much fun and easy to do. Follow this guide to choose the perfect sticker, decorating digitally or by hand, position it smartly, and match its style. With endless options for images, messages, and designs, you can get creative celebrating birthdays in pictures. So grab your favorite snapshot, pick out a festive sticker, and enjoy dressing up your photos for someone’s special day!