Supplies I Use to Make My Stickers (2026 Edition)
If you've ever wondered how I make my stickers from start to finish, here are the exact tools and supplies I use in my studio.
From drawing the artwork to printing, laminating, and cutting, these are the supplies that help me create the stickers you see in my shop.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through them. Thank you for supporting my small business!)
1. Drawing My Sticker Designs
All of my stickers start as digital drawings before they get printed and turned into physical stickers.
When I first started designing stickers, I didn’t have expensive equipment. I actually began with a $30 Huion drawing tablet connected to my computer, and I used Krita, which is a completely free digital art program.
That setup worked perfectly for learning digital art and creating my first sticker designs. If you're just getting started, you definitely don’t need fancy equipment to begin.
Where I Started: Huion Tablet + Krita
My first setup was a simple Huion drawing tablet paired with Krita on my computer.
Why this setup is great for beginners:
- Very affordable drawing tablet
- Krita is completely free
- Great for learning digital drawing
- Works well for line art and coloring
- Perfect if you're testing out digital art for the first time
Huion
Wacom
You can download Krita for free from their website.
2. Sticker Printer
Once the designs are ready, I print them on sticker paper.
I use a Canon Pixma G620 printer because it produces vibrant colors and works really well with sticker paper.
Why I like it:
- Bright colors
- Affordable ink
- Handles sticker paper well
- Great for small sticker businesses
Canon g620
3. Sticker Paper
For my stickers I use matte waterproof sticker paper so they feel smooth and durable.
Why matte paper:
- Colors print beautifully
- No glare
- Perfect for journaling and planners
- Easy to laminate
Premium Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper
or
Koala Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper
4. Laminate for Waterproof Stickers
After printing, I apply a matte clear laminate sheet to protect the stickers.
This makes them:
- Waterproof
- Scratch resistant
- Longer lasting
It also gives the stickers a nice professional finish.
Turner Moore Edition Matte Clear Sticker
5. Cutting Machines for Stickers
Once my stickers are printed and laminated, the final step is cutting them into their shapes. This is where a cutting machine comes in.
There are several options out there, and each one has its pros and cons.
My Experience with Cricut
Many people use Cricut machines for stickers because they’re widely available and beginner-friendly.
However, in my personal experience I wasn’t a huge fan of Cricut for sticker cutting. The software and calibration can sometimes be frustrating, especially when you're trying to get clean cuts around small designs.
Some people love Cricut machines, but they didn’t end up being my favorite option.
Recommended Alternative: Silhouette Portrait 4
If you're looking for a cutting machine specifically for stickers, many artists recommend the Silhouette Portrait 4.
Why people like it:
- More control over cutting settings
- Software gives more customization
- Great for sticker sheets and small businesses
- Compact size for small desks
Portrait 4
Cameo 5a
Even though I personally haven't used it yet, many sticker shop owners say it performs better than Cricut for sticker cutting. Please do research to find out if this machine will fit your needs!
Professional Option: Siser Juliet
If you're looking for a more professional machine, many small businesses recommend the Siser Juliet (MY FAVORITE MACHINEEEEE)
Why it's popular:
- Very accurate cuts
- Faster than many other machines
- Excellent for small sticker businesses
The downside is that it costs more than most beginner machines, but many people say the performance is worth it.
💕Siser Juliet💕
6. Other Helpful Tools
A few extra tools I use in my sticker-making process:
Squeegee / scraper
- Helps apply laminate smoothly
Paper trimmer
- Cuts sheets to size before placing them on the cutting mat
Cutting mat
- Protects the desk and keeps everything aligned
Final Thoughts
Starting a sticker shop doesn't require a huge studio or expensive equipment. Most of my stickers are made right at my desk!
If you're thinking about starting your own sticker business, these tools are a great place to start.
And if you want to see the finished stickers I make with these supplies, you can check them out here: