Making Homemade Stickers

Kids love Stickers. Now here is the chance to create your own stickers and be totally original, at the same time. Follow these simple instructions and quickly become a budding Picasso in the "Sticker World!"

The sticker designs should be made before the adhesive. Use plain, white drawing paper. With a ruler, divide paper into equal "sticker size" portions or just draw stickers into the shapes you want. (It is much easier to apply adhesive to the entire sheet of stickers and cut apart when dry).

Decorate stickers with paints, crayons, markers, colored pencils etc. To make more elaborate embellishments use glitter, sequins, cut pictures from magazines, lace or fabric pieces. The possibilities are only and limited by your imagination!

Sticker Adhesive

1 packet (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
3 tablespoons boiling water
1/2 teaspoon sugar or corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (or flavor of choice)

Sprinkle gelatin into cold water and soften for 5 minutes. Pour boiling water into gelatin mixture, stirring until dissolved. Add corn syrup or sugar and extract. Mix well.

Using a paint brush, thinly apply a layer of adhesive to the back of the sticker sheet. Allow to dry completely. Page will curl. Place it under a heavy object like a phone book until it flattens out. Using sharp scissors cut stickers apart.

Any leftover adhesive will gel overnight. Store these leftovers in a glass container with tight fitting lid. To return to original state, place container in a pan of hot water unti the glue becomes usable again. Unused adhesive can be refrigerated for several months.

To use stickers, moisten with a damp cloth.

This is a great homeschool craft project. It is also something you might want to consider offering as a slumber party, Sunday school or day camp activity. It is inexpensive and only limited by your imagination.