Hi everyone! This is Bea, from the Archer & Olive Ambassador Team. You can find me as @bealettering on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Digital products like stickers and printable tabs are a creative way to personalize your journal and many other projects. One of their biggest advantages is that they don't sell out, and you can adapt them to your own style by choosing different papers, finishes, and cutting methods.
In this post, we’ll explore different ways to use digital stickers and printable tabs, from selecting the right paper to creative project ideas.
Supplies I used
- Archer & Olive Digital downloads. Each specific file is linked in the images below
- A few cutting accesories, like a paper cutter, scissors and sticker tweweers.
- Different types of sticker paper (always check compatibility with your printer!)
Get 10% OFF with affiliate code BEALETTERING at Archer & Olive!
What Are Digital Products and why should I buy them?
Digital stickers and printable tabs are downloadable designs that you can purchase from the Archer & Olive website, print at home, and use on a variety of surfaces. One of their main advantages is that you can still access the designs even when pre-cut stickers are sold out, and there’s no need to pay for shipping. Plus, digital products allow you to choose the size, paper type, and finish that best suit your project.
Printable stickers are perfect for decorating journal pages, folders, notebooks, or personal items, while printable tabs help organize planners, binders, and journals in a practical and visual way. They are perfect for both functional planning and creative decoration.
Choosing the Right Paper for Digital Stickers
One of the biggest advantages of digital stickers is that you can adapt them to your style simply by changing the paper you print them on. Each paper type creates a different look and feel, so experimenting with a few options can completely transform the final result.
Choose the right paper according to your printer type (inkjet/laser) and adjust the print settings based on the paper finish (glossy/matte). Always the design to dry completely before handling.
White sticker paper
White sticker paper is a versatile option and works especially well with cutting machines. Depending on the finish you choose, you can achieve very different results:
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Matte sticker paper
Matte paper has a soft, non-reflective finish and is ideal for a clean, minimal look. It’s easy to write on, making it perfect for functional stickers, labels, and planner elements. -
Gloss sticker paper
Gloss paper has a shiny finish that makes colors appear more vibrant. It works well for decorative stickers and designs you want to stand out, although it’s less suitable for writing on. -
Vinyl sticker paper
Vinyl is more durable and resistant than standard paper. It’s a great choice for tabs and stickers that will be handled frequently, as well as for decorating items like folders, notebooks, or water bottles.
Transparent sticker paper
Transparent sticker paper creates a softer, more subtle effect. It’s perfect for layering stickers over handwriting, watercolor backgrounds, or patterned pages, allowing the design to blend naturally into your journal.
Holographic paper
Holographic paper is a fun way to add shine and dimension to your stickers. It works best when applied on top of adhesive paper and cut by hand, making it ideal for small decorative details or accent pieces.
Cutting Methods: Machine vs. Hand Cutting
Once you’ve chosen your paper, the next step is deciding how to cut your stickers and tabs. Both cutting machines and hand cutting have their advantages, and each method works better with certain paper types.
Cutting with a machine
Cutting machines are ideal for achieving clean, precise results, especially when working with full sticker sheets or repeated shapes.
Best paper options for machine cutting:
- White matte sticker paper
- White gloss sticker paper
- Vinyl sticker paper
Using a machine is perfect when you want consistency, sharp edges, or when you’re cutting multiple stickers at once.
If you’re new to cutting machines or want a step-by-step guide, Archer & Olive has created a detailed video tutorial showing how to cut digital stickers using a Cricut machine and a Cameo. It walks you through the entire process, from preparing your file to getting clean, accurate cuts, and is a great resource if you’re just getting started.
Hand cutting
Hand cutting offers a more relaxed and organic approach. It’s ideal for specialty papers and for those moments when you want to slow down and enjoy the process.
Best paper options for hand cutting:
- Holographic paper
- Transparent sticker paper
Keep in mind that some special papers, such as holographic or transparent sticker paper, can be more challenging to cut with a machine. In some cases, the sensor may have difficulty detecting the cut marks, which can affect accuracy.
Hand-cut stickers add a more handmade feel to your pages. Slight imperfections can enhance the charm and personality of your journal.
Creative Ways to Use Stickers and Tabs
Digital stickers and printable tabs can be used in many different ways, depending on your needs and creative style. They’re not limited to planning pages and can easily be incorporated into everyday objects.
In your journal or planner
Use stickers to decorate monthly and weekly spreads, journaling pages or title pages and collections. Combine them with hand lettering, washi tape or simple doodles.
For organization
Use printable tabs to mark months, sections or specific colletions. Make sure you use vinyl tabs for sections than are accessed frequently.
On everyday items
Personalize folders, notebooks or sketchnooks. Decorate water bottles, phone cases or storage box. You can create beautiful and creative presents and decorate the envelope with stickers too! Here you have some visual examples:
Water bottle decorated with Lunar veil printable stickers, printed on clear and holographic sticker paper
Phone case decorated with Raven and books printable stickers hand cut on holographic paper
Decorative frame using Forest impressions printable stickers on clear sticker paper.
Watch the video and download your free templates
You can download this reference table as a quick guide to help you choose the most suitable sticker paper for each project. By comparing finishes, recommended uses, and cutting methods, you’ll be able to decide which paper works best depending on the result you want to achieve. Keep it handy whenever you’re preparing new sticker sheets or experimenting with different materials!
And last but not least, head over to our YouTube channel to take a better look at each project.
Digital stickers and printable tabs are a flexible and creative way to personalize your journal and everyday items. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and enjoy the process along the way!
I’d love to see your sticker projects! Share them on social media and tag @archerandolive and @bealettering using the hashtags #AOShare and #archerandolive.
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