How to Make Your Own Stickers!

Creating your own stickers using a vinyl cutter is a fun, easy, & rewarding project. With just a few materials and steps, you can design and produce custom stickers that can be used for personal projects, gifts, or even to start a small business. It takes just 10 minutes to create any sticker you can think of! Here is a detailed six-step guide to help you get started and to give you all the tips and tricks necessary to make the stickers of your dreams! 

1. Vinyl cutter 
2. Vinyl sheet 
3. Computer 
4. Cutting mat 
5. Design software 

Before diving into the creation process, gather all the necessary materials like the ones listed above (these details will provide any options or direction of why each material is necessary!): 

1. Vinyl Cutter: This is the most important tool. Popular options include the Silhouette Cameo, Cricut Maker, and Brother ScanNCut. When I went through the process, I chose to use Silhouette Studio as it makes it easy to paste images from the internet into the worksite or use their own drawing features! 
2. Vinyl Sheets: Choose adhesive vinyl in your desired colors. You can use glossy or matte finishes based on your preference.  
3. Design Software: Most vinyl cutters come with their own software (like Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space). Alternatively, you can use Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape for more advanced designs. 
4. Cutting Mat (if necessary): Some vinyl cutters require a cutting mat to hold the vinyl in place. The mat will help hold the vinyl in place and show you where exactly to place the vinyl sheet. 
5. Weeding Tool: This helps you remove excess vinyl from your design. 
6. Transfer Tape: Essential for moving your stickers from the backing to the final surface. 
7. Ruler and Craft Knife (optional): Useful for trimming vinyl or straightening edges. 

Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to design your sticker. 

1. Choose a Theme: Decide on the theme or message for your sticker. This could be anything from a quote, a logo, or a fun graphic. For the stickers I created, I wanted to give the people in Greek Life on campus fun stickers to put on their water bottles and notebooks! 
2. Open Your Design Software: Launch the software associated with your vinyl cutter. If you’re using a program like Adobe Illustrator, create a new document. I used Silhouette Studio and created a new design sheet to work with. 
3. Create Your Design: 
4. Text: If you’re adding text, select a font that reflects your style. Use the text tool to type your message. 
5. Graphics: You can create your own graphics or use images from online sources (make sure they are free for commercial use if needed). Trace or import images into your design software. 
6. Color Selection: Choose colors that contrast well to ensure visibility. Keep in mind that the colors you choose will be the colors of the vinyl you cut. 
7. Resize and Arrange: Adjust the size of your design based on the intended use for your sticker. Make sure it fits well within the cutting area of your vinyl cutter. Also, make sure to place the stickers in the corner of the vinyl sheets to be able to reuse the sheet again for another sticker making project! 

Once your design is finalized, it’s time to prepare your vinyl cutter. 

1. Load the Vinyl: If your cutter uses a cutting mat, place the vinyl sheet on it, ensuring it is adhered well. If it’s a roll-type cutter, load the vinyl according to the machine’s guidelines. 
2. Set the Blade Depth: Adjust the blade depth based on the type of vinyl you are using. Most machines have settings for different materials; consult the user manual for specifics. 
3. Test Cut: Before cutting your actual design, perform a test cut on a small piece of vinyl. This helps ensure that the settings are correct and that the blade isn’t cutting too deep or too shallow. 

With everything prepared, it’s time to cut your sticker. 

1. Send the Design to the Cutter: In your design software, select the option to send the design to your vinyl cutter. Ensure that the correct material type is selected in the settings. 
2. Monitor the Cutting Process: Keep an eye on the cutter as it works. If you notice any issues, such as the blade snagging or not cutting properly, pause the machine and troubleshoot. 
3. Finish Cutting: Once the cutting is complete, the machine will either stop automatically or allow you to pause and cut manually. Carefully unload the vinyl sheet from the cutter. 

Now that you have your sticker cut, it’s time to weed, transfer, & apply it. 

1. Weeding: Use your weeding tool to carefully remove the excess vinyl around your design. Start from one corner and work your way around. Take your time to avoid damaging the sticker itself. 
2. Cutting Out the Sticker: If you want a specific shape around your sticker, use a craft knife and ruler to trim it accordingly. 
3. Transfer the Sticker: To apply your sticker, peel the backing off carefully, leaving the sticker on the transfer tape. Position it on your desired surface and press down firmly, then slowly peel away the transfer tape, leaving the sticker in place. 
4. Apply the Sticker: Also, if you do not have the transfer tape, that is ok! The vinyl sheet comes with its own sticker sheet on the back making it so you can cut your sticker out of the sheet and apply it yourself by simply peeling it off.  

Congratulations! You’ve created your own custom stickers using a vinyl cutter. With practice, you’ll become more proficient in designing and cutting, and you can explore more complex designs and techniques. Whether for personal use or a small business venture, custom stickers are a fantastic way to express your creativity. Enjoy your sticker-making journey!