Difference between revisions of "Make Stickers"

#Design the stickers. 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 the markers, pastels, or other drawing utensil are not washable.<ref name="rf1">http://www.auntannie.com/FridayFun/StickerFun/Index.html</ref> 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:

#Make the glue. This glue is safe for kids to use as they brush and lick the stickers. It acts as an adhesive that will bind the stickers to most surfaces but doesn't include harsh chemicals.<ref name="rf2">http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/08/26/how-to-make-homemade-stickers/</ref> To make it, mix the following ingredients in a bowl until they are thoroughly combined:

#*A few drops of peppermint extract or vanilla, for flavoring.<ref name="rf3">http://www.auntannie.com/CraftRecipes/SealGum/</ref>

#*When you are finished with the glue, store it in a pill bottle or airtight container in the refrigerator. The glue will gel overnight. To liquefy it, place the container in a bowl of hot water.<ref name="rf3" />

#Cut stickers out of magazines or print your own designs. 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.<ref name="rf4">http://rookiemag.com/2012/11/diy-stickers/</ref> Cut out pictures and words you like using a pair of scissors.

#*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.<ref name="rf5">http://www.favecrafts.com/Unexpected-Ideas/Homemade-Stickers</ref>

#Make reusable stickers. 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!<ref name="rf6">http://craftingagreenworld.com/2011/09/19/how-to-make-re-usable-stickers-from-upcycled-paper/</ref>

#Create stickers with double back tape. 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.<ref name="rf7">http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/do/homemadestickers.html</ref>

#Make stickers with contact paper. 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.<ref name="rf8">http://artfulparent.com/2012/07/make-your-own-contact-paper-stickers-with-kids.html</ref>

#Use a sticker maker. 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.<ref name="rf9">http://jaderbomb.com/2013/06/22/how-to-make-homemade-stickers/</ref>