Preparation

Begin by placing a piece of clear packing tape onto the magazine image. We suggest thin packing tape usually the least expensive tape works best. Next, carefully burnish the tape to the image using a burnisher or a plastic card like a gift card. Smooth the surface so that there are no air bubbles.

Die Cutting

Die cut the shape from the image. Because of the plastic tape you may need to run it through your machine more than once.

Adults may need to help young children with this part.

Soaking

In a small bowl, place enough warm water to completely cover the die cut shape. Let the paper soak for about five minutes before checking to see if the paper is beginning to loosen from the back.

Place the shape on a towel and start to rub off the back paper. If the paper does not rub off easily then place it back in the water and let it soak a bit more. Try rubbing again to carefully remove just the back paper. You do not want to scratch off the paper adhered to the tape.

You can hold the shape up to the light to check if any of the backing paper is still attached. If there is no backing paper then the shape will be almost translucent

Finishing

Sometimes the packing tape will still be sticky but if not then apply liquid adhesive if needed. Young children can use a child-safe glue stick.

Apply the shapes wherever you would use a sticker. These make great embellishments for junk journals that already promote recycling our resources.

These are also a great way to teach children about the significance of Earth Day and recycling. Plus they can learn about shapes, colors and the joy of crafting all while decorating with an endless supply of free stickers. Yay Earth Day!