What are stickers?
Stickers are small, decorative images that can be stuck onto various surfaces for fun and creative purposes. They come in all shapes and sizes, and often feature colorful designs, characters, logos or text. Stickers are commonly used to personalize belongings, decorate journals or planners, seal envelopes, and much more. With the right materials and techniques, it’s easy and affordable to make customized stickers at home.
Why make your own stickers?
Here are some of the benefits of creating DIY stickers:
- Customization – Make stickers featuring your own designs, photos, text or logo. Personalize them for yourself or to give as unique gifts.
- Cost savings – Buying sticker sheets and materials for homemade stickers is cheaper than purchasing packs of pre-made stickers.
- Creative outlet – Designing and making stickers is a fun craft and creative activity for artists of all skill levels.
- Variety – Homemade stickers can come in any size, shape, color or design. The possibilities are endless!
Whether you want a set of affordable return address labels, fun favors for a kids’ party or personalized decor items, creating your own stickers allows for unlimited customization options.
Sticker Design
The first step when making DIY stickers is coming up with your sticker design. Here are some tips:
- Think about the purpose of your stickers – Are they for labeling, decorating, sealing envelopes? The function can help guide your design.
- Consider size and shape – Smaller stickers work well for journaling and envelopes. Larger stickers are great for decor.
- Incorporate graphics – Use your own illustrations, clip art, photos, digital designs or scanned artwork.
- Add text – Include names, monograms, captions, quotes or whatever words you like.
- Use color – Vibrant colors and patterns help stickers stand out.
- Keep it simple – Overly complicated designs can be hard to cut out neatly.
Sketch out concepts on paper before creating digital files. Try out variations to see what looks best.
Digital Design Tips
Creating sticker artwork on a computer gives the most professional results. Here are some digital design tips:
- Work in a vector-based program like Illustrator or Inkscape.
- Design each sticker element on a separate layer.
- Use high resolution images for maximum print quality.
- Include a 0.125 inch bleed around the edges.
- Convert text to outlines or curves so it won’t be editable.
- Save files as PDFs to preserve layers and quality.
Watch tutorials to learn more about creating vector sticker designs.
Printing Sticker Sheets
Once your sticker design files are complete, it’s time to print them out. Here are some options:
Home Printing
You can print stickers at home using the following materials:
- Inkjet printer – An inexpensive home printer will work for basic stickers.
- Sticker paper – This is specialty paper with an adhesive backing. It’s available at many craft stores.
- CD/DVD labels – Use printable discs with an adhesive back.
- Glossy photo paper – For waterproof, high-quality stickers.
Print your designs onto the sticker paper, being sure to follow package directions.
Professional Printing
For larger quantities or durable stickers, consider having them professionally printed at:
- A commercial print shop
- An online printing company
- A copy shop like FedEx Office
Provide your sticker design file. Request a digital proof before the full print run.
DIY Sticker Materials
As an alternative to pre-made sticker paper, you can create stickers using the following craft supplies:
Paper Options
- Cardstock or decorative scrapbooking paper
- Photo paper for glossy stickers
- Vinyl sheets for waterproof stickers
- Magnetic sheets for magnetic stickers
- Clear sticker sheets for transparent designs
Choose heavyweight paper for the best quality and durability.
Adhesive Options
- Double-sided tape or permanent craft glue
- Spray adhesive for easy coverage
- Rubber cement for repositionable stickers
- Address label sheets
- Glue dots for small stickers like die cuts
Test adhesives to ensure a strong bond. Glossy surfaces like photo paper may need specialty glues.
How to Make Stickers
Follow these simple steps to turn your printed (or hand-drawn) designs into finished sticker sheets:
- Print designs onto your chosen sticker paper or cardstock. Use a high-quality printer and allow ink to fully dry.
- Carefully cut out sticker shapes using scissors or a craft knife. A guillotine paper trimmer helps cut straight lines.
- If using regular paper, apply adhesive to the backs of the stickers. Double-sided tape works well. Let glue fully dry.
- Alternatively, peel off adhesive label sheets and adhere stickers face down onto the backing. Press down firmly.
- Trim around stickers to remove excess adhesive backing. Round sticker corners for safety.
- Make sure stickers peel off their backing easily. Adjust adhesive amount if needed.
- Package finished stickers in plastic bags, containers or envelopes. Label your custom sticker creations.
Applying a layer of clear tape, laminate or varnish will add further durability. Refrigerate stickers to make the glue last longer if needed.
Advanced Sticker Making Techniques
Take your homemade stickers to the next level with these added techniques:
Die Cut Stickers
Use a manual die cutting machine or electronic die cutter/plotter to precisely cut sticker shapes. Great for making shaped stickers, labels or decals to sell.
Holographic Stickers
Print sticker designs onto holographic foil paper for an eye-catching iridescent effect.
Glitter Stickers
Coat sticker adhesive with glitter glue before applying protective laminate to create sparkly glitter stickers.
Puffy Stickers
Apply adhesive foam dots under printed sticker designs for cute dimensional puffy stickers. Foam tape strips also work.
Scratch-Off Stickers
Top stickers with a layer of black acrylic paint. Let dry fully, then scratch off the paint to reveal designs underneath. Fun for kids!
Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers
Print designs onto glow-in-the-dark sticker paper. Charge up the stickers under light to make them glow in darkness!
Fun Ways to Use DIY Stickers
Once you’ve created custom stickers, get creative and have fun using them:
- Decorate laptops, phones, water bottles and other belongings
- Seal envelopes and packages
- Make cute DIY gifts like decorated notebooks or jewelry
- Label storage bins or folders
- Customize scrapbooks, cards and invitations
- Make decorative fridge magnets
- Embellish holiday gifts like ornaments and candles
- Create wearable stickers for kids
- Design unique party favors or prize labels
The possibilities are endless when you make your own personalized stickers!
Sticker Making Tips
Follow these tips to get the most success making stellar stickers:
- Use high quality materials for durability and print vibrancy.
- Trim sticker edges neatly and round corners to prevent peeling.
- Apply adequate adhesive for the sticker size and paper weight.
- Consider weatherproofing options like laminate for outdoor stickers.
- Print extra copies in case of mistakes when cutting out stickers.
- Work on a smooth, clean surface and change utility knife blades often.
- Store unused sticker sheets flat and away from moisture and heat.
- Share your custom stickers – They make wonderful personalized gifts!
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about DIY stickers:
Are homemade stickers waterproof?
Printable sticker paper and vinyl sheets create waterproof stickers. Laminating paper stickers will also make them water resistant.
What’s the best adhesive for stickers?
For paper, try repositionable glue sticks. For plastic and metal, use super glue. Double-sided tape works on most surfaces.
How do you make stickers with Cricut or Silhouette?
You can create stickers with a die cutting machine by using printable or vinyl sticker materials. Upload your designs to cut out shapes.
Can you reuse sticker backing paper?
Yes, sticker backing can be reused in most cases. Carefully peel off stickers and store the clean backing to print more stickers later.
What are the best paper and vinyl brands for stickers?
Top options include OnlineLabels, Papilio, Silhouette and Cricut for paper. Oracle and Siser make quality vinyl. Shop label material sample packs.
Conclusion
Creating DIY stickers is an easy, crafty way to make customized products for your unique needs. With some simple design and printing steps, you can quickly turn any artwork or photo into a sticker. Use specialty materials like vinyl, foil and glow-in-the-dark paper for cool effects. Stock up on sticker supplies so you can make stickers whenever inspiration strikes.
Experiment with sizes, shapes, materials and printing methods to achieve the perfect results. Try out different adhesives until you find ones that work well. Laminate stickers or apply a topcoat varnish for extra durability. Now go make some stickers to call your own! They make heartfelt handmade gifts, party favors, home decor items, and more. Your personalized stickers will shine with your own creativity.