How to Make Stickers

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Are you looking for a new craft project? Try making some stickers! Stickers are easy to make using materials you probably already have around the house; you can also make professional-looking stickers by using sticker paper, which is available at many office supply and craft stores. Learn how to make stickers in three different ways: using homemade glue, packing tape, or sticker paper.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Making Glue Stickers

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you're making your own stickers, the sky is the limit in terms of design. Use whatever drawing materials you want: colored pencils, markers, pastels, crayons, anything. Make sure your drawing utensil is not washable. [1] Draw the sticker designs on a thin piece of paper, such as loose leaf paper or paper from a notepad. Consider these creative options when you're thinking up sticker designs:
    • Draw a self-portrait, or portraits of your friends or pets.
    • Cut out neat pictures and words from magazines and newspapers.
    • Print out pictures you find online, or pictures you've uploaded to your computer. Print them on thin computer paper, rather than photo paper, for best results.
    • Use sticker sheets you find online with premade stickers you can print out.
    • Make pictures using rubber stamps.
    • Decorate the picture with glitter.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Use scissors to cut out the designs you drew or printed. Make the stickers as large or as small as you like. For an added touch, use scrapbook scissors that cut decorative designs around the edges. [2]
    • Try using a paper puncher to make heart, star, and other shaped stickers from patterned paper.
    Advertisement
  3. This glue is similar to the adhesive on envelope flaps and is safe for kids to use. It will bind the stickers to most surfaces but doesn't include harsh chemicals. [3] To make the glue, mix the following ingredients in a bowl until they are thoroughly combined:
    • An envelope of plain gelatin
    • 4 tablespoons boiling water
    • 1 teaspoon sugar or corn syrup
    • A few drops of peppermint extract or vanilla, for flavoring. [4]
    • Use different kinds of extract for fun flavors! Apply different flavors to different kinds of stickers, make stickers for your friends with surprise flavors, or use certain holiday-themed flavors for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or Easter.
    • When you are finished with the glue, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glue will gel overnight. To liquefy it, place the container in a bowl of hot water. [5]
    • This glue can also be used to seal envelopes .
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Turn the stickers upside down on a sheet of waxed paper or aluminum foil. Use a paint brush or a pastry brush to paint the backs of the stickers with the glue mixture. When you're finished, let the mixture dry completely.
    • There's no need to soak the stickers completely with the adhesive; just brush on a light coating.
    • Make sure the stickers are completely dry before you use them.
    • Store your stickers in a plastic bag or a box until you are ready to use them.
  5. When you're ready to stick the stickers to various surfaces, simply lick the back, like you would a stamp, and press them down against the surface for a moment. The homemade glue is quite strong, so be careful where you stick them.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Making Packing Tape Stickers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    For this method, you'll need designs that have already been printed on paper with water-resistant ink. You can use shiny magazines or books, or you can experiment with the ink your printer uses to print out designs from your computer. If you are printing pictures, make a test copy to get a little wet before you try to make a print sticker. [6] Cut out pictures and words you like using a pair of scissors.
    • When choosing pictures, think about the width of the packing tape. Each sticker should be able to fit on one strip. The picture can be the size of the packing tape or smaller.
    • If you want a larger sticker, you will have to place two pieces of packing tape stacked on each other. This can be tricky. You will have to align the tape so that they overlap just a little bit so you have no paper peeking through. This can mess up your sticker. You will have a seam where the two pieces of tape meet.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Cut a piece of clear packing tape large enough to cover an entire cut-out design. Place it on the front of the design that you cut or printed out. Press down so that the tape adheres to the design.
    • When placing the tape on the sticker, make sure to carefully place the tape over the design. Moving the tape after you have started to adhere it can tear the picture. Also, try to not have any bubbles or wrinkles in the tape when you apply it.
    • Consider using double-sided tape. Double-sided adhesive comes in many forms - rolls, sheets or even sticker maker machines such as Xyron
    • Consider using Washi Tape. Washi Tape is similar to packing tape; it's great to use for stickers because it sticks when you want, and easily peels off when you want. If you are looking for a stronger sticker, you could even use duct tape. Washi Tape is available in various colors and patterns.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Use a penny or your nail to press on the front of the stickers and rub the surface, so that the tape starts to bind with the ink on the paper. Continue for a couple of minutes to ensure that the ink and the adhesive become one.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    One at a time, run them under the water with the paper side facing the stream of water until it begins to fall apart. The ink won't wash away, but the paper should completely dissolve. You can help it along by scratching some away.
    • Make sure you get all of the surfaces of the tape wet instead of only focusing on one spot. If you focus on only one part, only that part will be visible.
    • If the paper won't come off, continue running it under warm water.
    • An alternate way is to submerge the sticker in a bowl of warm water. Place the sticker completely in the water and allow it to soak for a few minutes.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Once the paper is gone, let the stickers completely dry so that the tape's adhesive will become sticky again. Use scissors to trim away any extra tape around the design, then stick the stickers to the surfaces of your choice.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making Sticker Paper Stickers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Craft or office supply stores sell paper that has adhesive on one side. It's usually lined with a paper backing that you can peel off when you're ready to use the sticker.
    • Alternately, you can buy tacky sticker sheets. These sheets allow you to place a picture to the glue, then peel the sticker off, transferring the glue to the back of the sticker. This is great if you want to use sticker sheets with pictures you already have or those cut from magazines. [7]
    • Buy paper that fits the specifications of your printer.
    • If you don't have a printer, you can still use sticker paper by drawing your own designs on the surface of the paper or cutting out pictures from magazines and books.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Design the stickers on your computer or use markers or a pen to draw directly on the surface of your sticker paper. You're only limited by the size of the paper - if you want, you could make an 8 1/2" by 11" sticker!
    • Design stickers on your computer using Adobe Photoshop , Paint , or another program that allows you to draw. You could also simply save some photos from your personal album or the internet to use as stickers. When you're finished, print the sticker designs onto the sticker paper.
    • If you have a physical photograph or drawing that you want to make into a sticker, you can scan it onto your computer or upload a digital photo. Format this file on Photoshop. Paint, Word, or Adobe Acrobat , then print it onto the sticker paper.
    • Draw directly on the sticker paper with pens, pencils, or even paint. Just make sure you don't get the paper too wet, or it may interfere with the adhesive.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Use scissors to cut out the designs you printed or drew. Cut simple square shapes or use scrapbook scissors to give the designs interesting edges. [8] Space all designs of stickers at least 1/8 an inch apart to prevent cutting accidents.
    • When using tacky sticker sheets, simply pull back the protective liner, revealing the glue. Place the back of your sticker to the glue. Press down to make sure the sticker adheres to the glue. Then, peel the sticker - the glue will now be on the back of the sticker. Stick on any surface. You will need to use the sticker right away because there is no protective cover on the back.
    • You can cut slightly wide to leave a white border around the image, or you can cut it close. More advanced sticker creators sometimes leave no border and cut with an X-ACTO knife.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    When you're ready to use the stickers, peel away the paper protective liner and stick them to the surface of your choice.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Making Stickers Other Ways

PDF download Download Article
  1. For stickers, you can pull off and restick, buy some repositionable glue, which can be found at craft stores and online. After designing and cutting your stickers, brush some of the repositionable glue on the back of your sticker. Let them completely dry. Then stick and peel and stick again!
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Draw pictures, shapes, or words onto printable mailing labels. These can be purchased at office supply stores. Cut around the shape, then peel the label off. Place the sticker on wax paper if you don't want to use it right then.
  3. Draw your design on any paper, or cut pictures from magazines. After the sticker has been cut to the shape you want, place double back tape on the back of the sticker. Cut the tape down so it doesn't go over the sides of the sticker. Place on wax paper until you are ready to use the sticker. [9]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Stickers
    Draw your designs on the shiny side of the contact paper using sharpies. Cut out the stickers around your designs. Peel off the paper backing and stick to whatever surface you choose. [10]
    • Contact paper stickers are translucent. They are good to use on colored construction paper.
  5. If you want to make a lot of stickers and you're willing to spend a little more money ($15 - $20), you can buy a sticker maker machine from a craft store or the Internet. Place your sticker (a drawing, a photo, even a ribbon) into the sticker maker and then pull it through the machine. Some have a crank and you just crank it through, or some you stick it in one side and pull it out the other, and it will apply the adhesive for you. When the stickers run through, they're ready to use: just peel and stick.
  6. 6
    Make another type of reusable sticker! On a surface such as a plastic ruler (scale), use some glue (Fevicol advised) to make the outline of the shape, and make sure to fill the gaps with more glue afterwards. Let it dry. When it's dry, use a marker or Sharpie to draw and colour your design onto the sticker. Slowly peel the transparent dry glue off and Voila! Here's your reusable sticker! You could also embed a drawing or picture you want as a part of the sticker when the glue is still wet.
  7. 7
    A really sticky sticker! Draw your designs, scan a newspaper/magazine, or just print them out. Make sure not to cut them out yet. Prepare a mixture of glue (Fevicol advised) and water. Cover the back of your printed/drawn sheet(s) with a layer of the substance using a paintbrush or a pastry brush. Let the sheets dry. When they're dry, you will find they are still quite sticky. Make sure to use them immediately as you have no protector.
    8. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you print your own labels?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    The method for printing your own labels will depend on which software you’re using. Some of the more common methods include: How to Print Labels on Google Sheets , How to Create and Print Labels for a Single Item or Address in Microsoft Word and How to Print Avery Labels in Microsoft Word on PC or Mac . Most operating systems will include instructions for printing labels.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 22 Helpful 40
  • Question
    How do you make a sticker on Snapchat?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    For help with making and user Snapchat stickers, refer to the article How to Use Stickers on Snapchat. This article will teach you how to add smilies, emojis and other animated features to your snaps.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 64 Helpful 24
  • Question
    Can you print stickers?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can print stickers if you want. You’ll need to start by designing them for printable sheets, so if you want to make vinyl stickers that can be printed as one example, see How to Print Vinyl Stickers . Or, for simple sticker paper stickers that are easily printed off, see How to Make Paper Stickers .
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 37 Helpful 42
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      Glue Stickers

      • Thin paper
      • Scissors
      • Gelatin
      • Boiling water
      • Corn syrup or sugar
      • Peppermint extract or vanilla
      • Paintbrush

      Tape Stickers

      • Magazines or books with water-resistant ink
      • Scissors
      • Clear packing tape
      • Warm water

      Sticker Paper Stickers

      • Sticker paper
      • Printer (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Bumper Stickers to Sell
      How to
      Sharpen Scissors
      How to
      Erase Ink from a Paper
      3 Ways to Fix Your Dried Out Markers
      How to
      Load a Staple Gun
      How to
      Staple a Booklet
      How to
      Grip a Pen: Tips and Techniques for Improvement
      How to
      Fix a White Out Tape Dispenser
      How to
      Use a Stapler
      How to
      Get a Blade Out of a Pencil Sharpener (Even Without a Screwdriver)
      How to
      Fix a Jammed Manual Stapler
      How to
      Use a Paper Clip in Many Ways
      How to
      Print Vinyl Stickers with an Inkjet or Laser Printer
      How to
      Restore a Whiteboard
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.auntannie.com/FridayFun/StickerFun/Index.html
      2. ↑ Nicole Bolin. Crafts & DIY Specialist. Expert Interview. 9 September 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.skiptomylou.org/how-to-make-homemade-stickers/
      4. ↑ http://www.auntannie.com/CraftRecipes/SealGum/
      5. ↑ http://www.auntannie.com/CraftRecipes/SealGum/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mw2TRE_EXZA
      7. ↑ http://www.favecrafts.com/Unexpected-Ideas/Homemade-Stickers
      8. ↑ Nicole Bolin. Crafts & DIY Specialist. Expert Interview. 9 September 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mw2TRE_EXZA
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5e8bTF2e74

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make your own stickers, you’ll need paper ,packing tape, and double-sided tape. First, draw or print your design on regular printer paper. Make sure the height of your design is less than the width of your packing tape, usually 3 inches (8 cm). Cover the front of your design with packing tape to give it a glossy, sticker-like feel. Then, use a pair of scissors to cut the sticker out. Leave a little excess paper around your design for later. Next, pull out the roll of double-sided tape with the uncovered sticky side facing up. Place your sticker on the double-sided tape with the design facing away from the sticky side. Press down to flatten the design against the tape. Finally, cut around your design to remove the excess tape and paper. When you want to use your sticker, just peel the cover off of the double-sided tape and press the sticker down against a flat surface. To learn how to make stickers out of packing tape, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,736,014 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Siddhanth Pappu

        Jan 23, 2017

        "This really helped, because now I can make a bunch of stickers for my friends. I am also using these for an exam in ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement