If you’ve ever looked at your journal and thought, “I wish I had stickers that matched my style,” you’re not alone. That curiosity is what led me down the DIY stickers rabbit hole — and honestly, it was way more fun (and eye-opening) than I expected.

I kept seeing different DIY sticker methods pop up everywhere, so instead of telling you what you should do, I decided to try a few myself and see what actually worked for creative journaling in real life.

Below are three easy DIY sticker methods you can try at home, what you’ll need for each, and a few side notes from my own experience — things I’d do again, and things I probably wouldn’t.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about experimenting with your journaling supplies and finding what fits you.

Method 1: Paper + Glue Stickers (The Simplest Start)

What you’ll need:

• Any paper (printer paper, sketch paper, etc.)

• Scissors

• Glue stick

• Your favorite drawing tools (markers, pens, colored pencils)

How it works:
Draw your designs, color them in, cut them out, and glue them directly into your journal. That’s it.

What I noticed:
This method is incredibly approachable — you probably already have everything you need. I like leaving a small white border around my designs because it gives more of a “sticker” feel, but that part is totally optional.

That said, these felt more like decorative paper pieces than true DIY stickers. Without a protective layer, they can wrinkle, tear, or peel at the edges if the glue isn’t perfect.

Best for:

• Collaging

• Journal spreads

• Low-pressure creative days

Probably not for:
Anything long-term or frequently handled (like water bottles or planners that get tossed around).

Method 2: Tape Stickers (A Step Up, With a Learning Curve)

What you’ll need:

• Clear tape

• Parchment paper

• Thicker paper (mixed media worked best for me)

• Scissors

How it works:
You draw and cut out your designs, place them face-up on parchment paper, and layer clear tape over the top to create a protective surface.

What I noticed:
These felt closer to real stickers, especially once placed in my journal. The added tape layer gives them a sturdier, more finished feel.

The tricky part is the tape itself. The designs can slide around before everything is sealed, and I definitely messed this up a couple of times (including accidentally placing stickers face down — learn from my mistakes 😅).

Helpful tip:
If you try this, double-sided tape for the base might make things easier and less slippery.

Best for:

• Journals

• Occasional sticker making

• When you want something sturdier but still handmade

Method 3: Drawing Directly on Sticker Paper (My Favorite)

What you’ll need:

• Sticker paper (I used matte)

• Drawing tools

How it works:
You draw directly onto the sticker paper, cut out your designs, and peel and stick.

What I noticed:
This was by far the most practical method for me. No glue. No tape. No extra steps. Even without a protective layer, the stickers felt clean and finished.

Because sticker paper can feel more “precious,” I made sure to fill the page so nothing went to waste — which actually pushed me to be more creative.

This is the DIY sticker method I’d personally reach for again when working in my journal.

Best for:

• Consistent creative journaling

• Cleaner results

• Less mess and setup

Bonus Option: Printing Your Designs

If you have a printer, this is a great add-on to Method 3.

When I want reusable designs, I’ll create them digitally and print them onto sticker paper. It’s perfect for designs I love and want to use more than once — while still keeping that personal, handmade feel.

Some days I want full creative freedom. Other days, I want convenience. Both can exist.

Final Thoughts

Trying these DIY stickers helped me realize something important: it’s not about finding the best method — it’s about finding what fits your time, energy, and creative mood.

Even the methods I probably won’t use again taught me something about my preferences and how I like to work with my journaling supplies.

If you’re curious, I really encourage you to try at least one of these and see how it feels for you.

👉 I also shared this process in a YouTube video if you’d like to see everything in action — consider it a visual bonus, not a requirement.

Which DIY sticker method sounds most like your style? Or is there one you swear by that I didn’t try? I’d love to hear about it.