How to Make DIY Cardboard Photo Props with Custom Stickers
For Her Tech Circle's Gamma workshop, I made some cardboard cut outs to use as photo props. They started as printed Gamma logo stickers and a few cardboard boxes, and I thought I'd share how I put them together!
To make DIY cardboard photo props, stick a custom logo sticker onto a flat piece of cardboard, then carefully cut around the outside of the design. The sticker gives you the printed artwork, while the cardboard makes it sturdy enough to hold up for photos.
It's a simple idea you can adapt for a business event, workshop, birthday party or photo booth. Here's how I made mine.
What you'll need
- Printed custom logo stickers or another design you'd love to turn into a prop
- Cardboard from a clean, dry cardboard box
- A box cutter
- A chopping board or suitable cutting mat to protect the surface underneath
I used our custom kiss cut stickers for the Gamma logos. For your own project, choose a clear design and a sticker size that suits the prop you want to make.
Step 1: Print your logo stickers
First, I printed the Gamma logo stickers. Starting with a printed sticker means the artwork is ready to go, and the adhesive backing lets you attach it directly to the cardboard.
If you're making your own version, you can upload your logo or artwork to our kiss cut sticker product page. The stickers are printed in Australia on waterproof adhesive vinyl and cut to the shape of your design, ready to peel from the backing sheet.
A bold logo or simple shape is a good starting point. Remember that you'll be cutting the cardboard by hand, so a design with lots of tiny details will take more patience.
Step 2: Cut the cardboard slightly larger than the stickers
Next, I cut pieces from cardboard boxes, leaving each piece slightly larger than its sticker. There's no need to get the final shape perfect at this stage. You're just making a backing piece with enough room for the whole design.
Choose a flat section of the box and avoid folds, dents or torn areas where possible. Reusing a box you already have is a handy way to make the backing without buying another sheet of material.
Step 3: Stick the logo onto the cardboard
Peel the sticker from its backing and position it on the cardboard. Gently smooth it down, working from one side to the other so it sits flat.
Once the sticker is attached, you've got a clear outline to follow for the next step. The extra cardboard around it will be trimmed away.
Step 4: Cut around the design with a box cutter
I placed a chopping board underneath the cardboard and used a box cutter to cut around the outside of the sticker.
Take your time around curves and corners. Keep the cardboard supported on a stable surface, keep your fingers out of the cutting path and cut away from your body. Use controlled, light passes instead of forcing the blade through thick cardboard in one go. This is a job for an adult.
You can follow the outer shape without cutting out every little space inside the letters. Keeping the design as one connected piece makes it easier to handle as a photo prop.
Step 5: And voila! Photo props for the event
Once the extra cardboard was trimmed away, the Gamma cut outs were ready for the workshop.
It was lovely seeing something that started as stickers and cardboard boxes being held up in the event photos. Such a simple way to bring the event branding into the pictures!
For these props, the cardboard cut out itself was the part people held. You can use the same idea for your own logo, a party phrase or a simple themed design.
Ideas for your own cardboard photo props
This method is easy to adapt to different celebrations and events:
- Workshops and networking events: use your business or event logo.
- Birthday parties: try a name, age or short birthday message.
- Product launches: turn a simple product illustration or brand symbol into a prop.
- Photo booths: create a few coordinating designs for guests to hold.
Choose artwork you own or have permission to reproduce. A simple outline and readable lettering will make both the cutting and the finished photos easier.
Questions about making cardboard photo props
Can I use an old cardboard box?
Yes, that's what I used for the Gamma props. Pick a clean, dry, flat section that's firm enough to hold its shape. Avoid putting a fold through the middle of your design.
Do I need glue to attach the stickers?
No separate glue was needed for this project. I peeled the backing off the stickers and stuck them straight onto the cardboard.
Do I need a craft cutting machine?
No. Once the stickers were printed, I cut the cardboard by hand with a box cutter and a chopping board underneath.
Are cardboard photo props waterproof?
The vinyl stickers are waterproof, but the cardboard backing isn't. Keep your finished props dry and store them flat if you'd like to use them again.
Can I make photo props with my own business logo?
Yes. Start with a printed sticker of your own logo, attach it to cardboard and trim around the outside. Check the available sticker sizes before ordering so you can plan the finished size of your prop.
Make your own custom sticker photo props
If you've got a logo or design in mind, our Kiss Cut Custom Shape Stickers are a starting point for your own DIY cardboard cut outs. Choose your size, upload your artwork and get your cardboard ready!
For more ways to carry your branding through an event, explore our custom business printing.