How to Make Temporary Tattoos

Content contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission (at no cost to you) when you shop the links. Thanks for supporting my small business!

DIY Temporary tattoos are great way to personalize any occasions. Make them as wedding favors, classroom treats, or use them as way to test out permanent designs you might be considering. You can even make them at home in just a few simple steps!

As an adult with a fair amount of tattoos, I have always had a love for temporary tattoos. There’s something so fun about getting to play around with art in a tangible and wearable way without it having to be permanent.

Temporary tattoos just got even better because you can create your own custom designs! That’s right, you can make your own DIY temporary tattoos at home!

I teamed up with one of my favorite illustrators, Ann Shen, to make these crafty temporary tattoos a free printable and I can’t wait to see how you wear them.

Supplies to Make Your Own Temporary Tattoos

• Printable tattoo paper (here’s another option)
• Ink Jet Printer
• Scissors
• Art/download

If you happen to have a laser printer at home, I also found this tattoo paper. I haven’t tried it myself, but it could work!

Even though the tattoo paper I used is made by Silhouette, you don’t need a machine to do this project. You really just need your ink jet printer at home! The Silhouette is great if you’re cutting out a bunch, or are gifting them, but if you’re just making a few, scissors can easily get the job done.

Tips for Making Temporary Tattoo Designs

You can make your own temporary tattoos designs in Photoshop or Illustrator. Play around with fonts and text if you’re using these for an event or birthday party.

Ann Shen, who is an amazing artist, created the crafty temporary tattoos pictured in this project and we’re sharing them with you! Click here to download the free printable.

You can also search Pinterest for other free designs that you can turn into temporary tattoos. Remember: if it can be printed, it can be turned into a temporary tattoo. Photos, text, and illustrations all work so have fun while you’re creating! Just be sure to resize your image before printing.

How to Make Temporary Tattoos

After you have your printable tattoo design, and it’s resized to fit, all that’s left to do is print!

When printing at home, be sure to follow the instructions on the back of the tattoo paper you purchased (this could vary brand to brand). You’ll want to select the photo paper option on your printer to get the richest colors possible.

Once they’re printed and dried, cut out your tattoos with scissors.

To apply: peel off the plastic layer, lay design side down on skin and wet the back with a sponge or cloth for 10-15 seconds. Remove the tattoo backing, let dry, and you’re done!

Making your own temporary tattoos can be fun, no matter the occasion! Be sure to save this project for later because with so many designs to choose from, you’re sure to repeat this project again and again!

Related Projects: Temporary Tattoo Vase, Temporary Tattoo Hangers, Temporary Tattoo Ornaments

P.S. Thanks to my friend Lisa for hand modeling for this shoot!