How to Make Homemade Scratch and Sniff Stickers

Whether you're searching for a way to make your sticker collection stand out or bring back memories of a particular scent, scratch and sniff stickers can combine the hobby of collecting with your favorite aromas. Scratch and sniff stickers, which work by releasing scent when they're rubbed or "scratched," are available at craft and card stores, but you can make your own for free at home. Use your computer's Paint graphics program and a couple of supplies from around your home to make your own collection of homemade scratch and sniff stickers.

Things You'll Need

• Paint software program
• Printer
• Ink
• Sticker paper
• Paper towels
• Scissors
• Essential oil droppers
• Perfumes
• Deodorizers/air spray

Instructions

1. Open Paint, pull down the Image menu at the top of the screen and click the "Attributes" option. Set the dimensions for your sticker. To maximize sticker paper, set the page size to 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches and click "OK."

2. Click the "Paintbrush" tool, select the small round brush head and a paint color from the "Color Picker" at the bottom of the screen. Draw the outline of the sticker, such as a shamrock, flower, cupcake or ice cream cone.

3. Click the "Paint Bucket" tool and click inside the drawing, filling it with color.

4. Switch back to the "Paintbrush" and select the slash mark brush head. Choose a new paint color and add designs to the drawing.

5. Move to an empty space on the page and draw another sticker, creating more stickers until the page is full.

6. Turn on your printer and load in sticker paper; take care not to jam the print tray. Pull down the Paint File menu and click "Print." Click the "Number of copies" box up to the number of pages of stickers to print and click "Print" to start printing.

7. Cut out the stickers from the sheets and lay them face up on paper towels. Drop a single drop of essential oil or perfume onto each sticker. For stickers you're using a spray or aerosol on, arrange them close together on the towels, stand back a foot and aim the spray nozzle towards the center of the stickers. Wave your hand back and forth so all of the stickers get scented. Let dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Sticker paper is packets of 8.5 inch by 11 inch standard paper (which fits in your computer) which is one single sheet of sticker. You print your stickers, then cut around them on the paper. This paper is sold in craft stores, office supply shops and stationers. You can also find pre-cut sticker paper, which people use to make labels, but you run the risk of your stickers printing in between the cut lines.

• Be careful when adding the scent to your stickers; some people are highly sensitive to particular smells.

References

• Windows: Using Paint