• About
  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use

Simply Kelly Designs

digital designs, scrapbooking and crafts

  • Home
  • Store
  • Crafts
  • Gifts
    • Baby
    • Birthday
    • Christmas
    • Father’s Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Teacher Appreciation
  • Holidays
    • 4th of July
    • Birthday
    • Christmas
    • Father’s Day
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Mother’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Scrapbooking
    • Cards
    • Completed Albums
    • Layout Inspiration
    • Project 365
    • Project Life
  • Digiscrap
    • New Releases
    • Photoshop Tuts
    • Photoshop Elements Tuts

How To Create DIY Temporary Tattoos

June 9, 2014 By Kelly 58 Comments

The 4th of July is coming up in the United States and my kids love dressing up in their red white and blue for the holiday. They are both currently obsessed with temporary tattoos so I decided to try making my own DIY temporary tattoos.

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

{Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post}

This post is for the June “Patriotic” Silhouette challenge but you do not need a Silhouette machine to make temporary tattoos. You do need the Silhouette Printable Temporary Tattoo Paper. The package comes with supplies to create two 8.5 x 11 inch sheets of temporary tattoos.

Supplies:

  • Silhouette Printable Temporary Tattoo Paper
  • Inkjet Printer
  • Silhouette machine or scissors

You can download my free set of patriotic temporary tattoos in Silhouette Studio format here or PDF here. These files are only for your PERSONAL USE. Please note that that since I made these temporary tattoos for my kids, they are sized smaller for kids.

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

I also have USA Soccer themed designs just in time for the World Cup in this post.

DIY USA Soccer Themed Temporary Tattoos by Simply Kelly Designs #WorldCup #USMNT #1Nation1Team #IBelieve #emporarytattoos #soccer #patriotic

Below are instructions for how to create your own temporary tattoos with a Silhouette machine and without a Silhouette Machine.

Non-Silhouette Instructions:

1. Use the image creating software of your choice to create the graphics for your temporary tattoos on an 8.5 x 11 inch document (or use the free file above). Tip: Printers do not print “white” so any white portions of your graphics will be clear.

2. Flip the images horizontally so they are mirrored from how the final temporary tattoo will look.

3. Print the document out onto the glossy side of the white temporary tattoo paper.

4. Skip down to Apply Adhesive And Tattoo.

Silhouette Instructions:

1. Create an 8.5×11 sized document, go to Page window and select Letter Size  under Use Printer Setting.

Create Letter Size Document in Silhouette Studio by Simply Kelly Design #Silhouette

2. Turn on registration marks by going to the Registration Marks window and select Show Reg Marks at the top of the window.

Turn on Registration Marks in Silhouette Studio by Simply Kelly Designs #Silhouette

The registration marks are key for the Print and Cut feature that will be used later.

3. Create the graphics for the tattoos. I created my images in Photoshop and imported them into the Silhouette Studio document. Be careful not to place any designs in the registration mark areas.

How To Create DIY Temporary Tattoos by Simply Kelly Designs #temporarytattoos #patriotic #USA #4thofJuly

4. Next, you have to flip your images horizontally so that they are the mirrored images of the final images that you want. Just select image(s) you want to flip, right click and select Flip Horizontally. You can select one image to flip or all your images at the same time to flip.

Flip Horizontally in Silhouette Studio by Simply Kelly Designs #Silhouette

5. Next, trace the images you create to add cut lines to each individual shape. The cut lines below are the red outlines. Also notice the mirrored images.

CutLines

6. Load the inkjet printer so it will print on the glossy side of the white temporary tattoo paper. Go to File->Print in the menu to send the file to the printer.

7. Skip down to Apply Adhesive And Tattoo.

Apply Adhesive And Tattoo

1. Remove the small green strip on one end of the adhesive sheet. Line up the exposed adhesive with the corner of the printed temporary tattoo paper and smooth it down.

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

2. Carefully pull back the green backing a little bit at a time and smooth the adhesive sheet as you go. I used my bone folder from my Martha Stewart Crafts Scoring Board to smooth out the sheet. Make sure there are no air bubbles.

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

3. If not using the Silhouette, use scissors to cut out the temporary tattoos with a thin border around each image. If using Silhouette, Go to File->Cut Settings in the Silhouette Studio menu. Then select Temporary Tattoo Paper in the Silhouette Cut Settings Window. Next, Select File->Send to Silhouette in the menu. Select Click here to skip printing. Follow the directions to load the cutting mat and then press Continue. Select Detect automatically for the registration marks. Once the machine detects the registration marks, select Cut. Tip: The tattoo paper is expensive so before I use the cut feature on it, I printed the design out on regular paper first. Then I used the cut feature to make sure my machine was correctly calibrated. If the designs are not cut like they are in the document, calibrate your machine. You can find out how here.

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

4. The temporary tattoos application is the same as for any temporary tattoo. Peel the clear adhesive off the tattoo and place it with the image face down on the skin. Place a damp washcloth on the tattoo for 20 seconds. Peel off the white backing and that’s it!

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

I just love my fun kids!

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

Learn how to create your own DIY temporary tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs

More Silhouette Patriotic Projects

My Silhouette Challenge friends and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so check out the projects below for more inspiration! The collage is clickable so click on any project you want to see and you will be taken there.

Monogrammed Patriotic Serving Tray Captain American Romper Patriotic Burlap Stars (Pottery Barn Knockoff) Patriotic Onesie {Plus Free Cut File} Patriotic Shirts with Layered Heat Transfer Vinyl DIY Patriotic Tote Bag Red, White & Blue - Patriotic Decorations How To Create DIY Temporary Tattoos Made in America Freezer Paper July 4th Shirts Red, White, and Blue Paper Star Lanterns Fourth of July Rustic Flag Paper Sparklers Pretty Patriotic Pillow Nautical Star Burlap Banner: Stencil Material Tutorial Patriotic Map Art Wooden Fire Crackers; July Silhouette Challenge DIY Chalkboard and Vinyl World Map Let's Talk about Red White and Blue! DIY 4th of July Baby Outfit How To Make A Pinwheel {+ Free Template} Patriotic Nail Art Star Jewelry Vinyl on Wood Blocks Land That I Love Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Placemats DIY Paint Splattered Patriotic Tote Bag Patriotic Mason Jar Candle Holders

1. Our Rosey Life // 2. My Mom Made That // 3. The Kim Six Fix // 4. Create & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True // 13. It Happens in a Blink // 14. McCall Manor // 15. The Thinking Closet // 16. unOriginal Mom // 17. Sowdering About // 18. Weekend Craft // 19. The Outlandish Momma // 20. Adventures in All Things Food // 21. Practically Functional // 22. Silhouette School // 23. Please Excuse My Craftermath… // 24. Ginger Snap Craft // 25. Pineapples And Pinecones // 26. Black and White Obsession // 27. TitiCrafty // 28. Architecture of a Mom //

SKD_Logo_Square72_1inch

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase through one of those links, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Related

Filed Under: Challenges, Crafts, Silhouette Tagged With: 4th of July, Patriotic, Temporary Tattoos

Comments

  1. Hasani Blue says

    July 9, 2018 at 10:58 PM

    How can I make metallic jewelry flash tattoos like this?

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      July 10, 2018 at 7:05 AM

      I can’t help you. I don’t know if that’s possible.

      Reply
  2. Amali says

    July 31, 2015 at 3:39 AM

    Hello I really want to try this but I was wondering if I could use a laser printer as I don’t have an inkjet or will that not work. Also was wondering how many sheets come in one packet of the tattoo paper and do you know where I could buy it in Australia. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      July 31, 2015 at 7:24 AM

      Hi Amali. I don’t believe that the temporary tattoo paper will work with laser jet printers because the instructions say to use inkject printers specifically. There are two sheets of printable tattoo paper in each package. You might be able to order from Amazon.com and have it shipped to Australia (the link is in the supplies section). Or you could check your local crafts stores. It would be near the Silhouette die cutting materials. Good luck.

      Reply
  3. Brittany @ DIY Just Cuz says

    June 26, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    Thanks for this tutorial! I’m doing a princess party and I really wanted to do some tattoos! This was so helpful 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      June 28, 2015 at 12:55 PM

      You are welcome Brittany! I love to make temporary tattoos and my kids love them too. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says

    June 6, 2015 at 10:24 PM

    I bought some tattoo paper to use with my son’s Halloween costume last year but I ended up going with another idea. This makes me want to give it a go now! Thanks for the great tutorial and the free files!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      June 7, 2015 at 7:21 AM

      You are welcome Christine! My kids are always requesting temporary tattoos so I make them for all the holidays. This year I even brought some into the class parties at school. They were a hit!

      Reply
  5. Glenna @ My Paper Craze says

    June 23, 2014 at 12:08 AM

    These are so cute Kelly! I’m going to have to order some of this paper and make some for the grandkids. Sorry I’m so slow commenting but I have the grandkids now since school is out and it’s total chaos. Have a great week.

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 23, 2014 at 6:47 AM

      Thanks Glenna! I certainly understand about having kids at home for the summer! I can hardly get a thing done but we are having a lot of fun! I hope you are too!

      Reply
  6. Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says

    June 19, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    Oh my goodness, these are soooo cute (and so are your kidlets too).

    I just bought a Silhouette a month or so ago. I’d love to use these, but I’m in the UK so would need to make my own flag (which is simple since it’s just a red cross, lol).

    I’ll have to see if I can find the tattoo paper either online or locally.

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 23, 2014 at 6:46 AM

      I hope you can find the paper in the UK. I was sad to see England eliminated from the World Cup.

      Reply
  7. Randi Sowders says

    June 13, 2014 at 12:52 AM

    Oh these are great! I want to play with the tattoo paper eventually but it just hasn’t been a need yet! You did such a great job on these ones!!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 23, 2014 at 6:45 AM

      Thanks Randi! It is oh so easy and I am sure once you make it your kids will keep asking for more!

      Reply
  8. Karen Marie Kedzuch says

    June 12, 2014 at 3:33 PM

    Kelly, I absolutely Love the, All American Princess. Just filled with pride and fun this project is great.
    SC Love,
    Karen Marie
    Dragonfly & Lily Pads

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 12, 2014 at 6:23 PM

      Thank you Karen. The all American princess was inspired by my princess… I think you may have noticed the red tiara she was wearing in the picture. Thanks for dropping by!

      Reply
  9. Emily @ Two Purple Couches says

    June 11, 2014 at 12:06 PM

    These would be perfect to pass out at a parade or grill-out! So fun!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 13, 2014 at 8:08 AM

      Thank you Emily. I have a lot left over for the 4th and any other holiday things we go to as well.

      Reply
  10. Melanie says

    June 10, 2014 at 8:35 PM

    I have some of this paper but have not tried it. Cool!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 13, 2014 at 8:07 AM

      If you already have the paper there is no excuse not to try it Melanie! Just do it! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Kim (TheKimSixFix) says

    June 10, 2014 at 1:46 AM

    I’ve never tried tattoos.. you make it look so easy! I love the motifs your chose too.

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 13, 2014 at 8:07 AM

      Thank you Kim! My kids have already asked for more designs. LOL!

      Reply
  12. Emily @ My Mom Made That says

    June 9, 2014 at 11:42 PM

    Thanks for the great cut file. I haven’t tried the temporary tattoos yet, but I know my kiddos would love them!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 13, 2014 at 8:06 AM

      I was surprised how easy they were to make. Hope you try them Emily!

      Reply
  13. pam meeks says

    June 9, 2014 at 10:09 PM

    thanks for the file and for these awesome directions – cant wait to give it a try! I have a few ideas brewing now

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 12, 2014 at 10:11 PM

      There are so many possibilities with this printable tattoo paper! I would love to see what you create!

      Reply
  14. Ginger says

    June 9, 2014 at 9:20 PM

    So cute! I need to try this. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 12, 2014 at 10:09 PM

      Thanks Ginger!

      Reply
  15. Heather says

    June 9, 2014 at 1:07 PM

    Hooray! I just bought some tattoo paper and this is EXACTLY what I’ll do with it! The kids will have some tattoos for their bodies and us ladies can have some to decorate our faces. Thanks for the cut file!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 9, 2014 at 1:50 PM

      Yay Heather! I am glad to hear that someone will use my designs. I am sure your kids will have fun with the tattoos. My kids keep asking for more! Have fun!

      Reply
  16. Rachel @ Architecture of a Mom says

    June 9, 2014 at 12:09 PM

    Love these cute tattoos! My kids would love them too…gotta get some tattoo paper!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 9, 2014 at 1:47 PM

      Thanks Rachel. I got the tattoo paper at Joann and was able to use my coupon. They just added Silhouette products at my Joann recently and I am thrilled!

      Reply
  17. Kristy gd says

    June 9, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    Temporary tattoos are always a hit, and your designs are absolutely adorable! Thanks so much for sharing the free cut file!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 9, 2014 at 1:46 PM

      Thank you Kristy! I’m glad you liked the designs. I tried to keep them simple and let my kids choose the final ones.

      Reply
      • Kristy gd says

        June 15, 2014 at 10:02 AM

        Looks like your kids liked them. 🙂 Thanks for linking up to Creative Spark this week Kelly!

        Reply
  18. Jessi @ Practically Functional says

    June 9, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    Great tutorial! I haven’t tried their tattoo paper yet, but it looks pretty simple! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Kelly Hedgespeth says

      June 9, 2014 at 1:45 PM

      I was a little intimidated by the tattoo paper at first but it truly was a breeze! Give it a try Jessi!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Diy Temporary Tattoos – todoityourself.com says:
    September 9, 2019 at 12:32 PM

    […] Download Image More @ simplykellydesigns.com […]

    Reply
  2. 20 Patriotic Projects for Your Silhouette - unOriginal Mom says:
    June 30, 2017 at 8:36 AM

    […] Patriotic Temporary Tattoos from Simply Kelly Designs […]

    Reply
  3. DIY Paint Splattered Patriotic Tote Bag | The Crafting Nook by Titicrafty says:
    June 2, 2016 at 4:23 PM

    […] How To Create DIY Temporary Tattoos » Simply Kelly Designs says: August 8, 2015 at 19:19 […]

    Reply
  4. 10 Easy Patriotic Crafts For #Kids #Crafting says:
    June 30, 2015 at 2:31 PM

    […] DIY Patriotic Temporary Tattoos – You will need a Silhouette cutting machine for this project, and if you have one this […]

    Reply
  5. Patriotic Onesie {Plus Free Cut File} - Create and Babble says:
    June 15, 2015 at 9:10 PM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  6. 27 Fun Patriotic Crafts Tutorials for 4th of July & Canada Day says:
    June 10, 2015 at 11:02 AM

    […] Kelly Designs has fun DIY Temporary Tattoos  that the kids will love! Speaking of kids, before heading to the parade, make this  Patriotic […]

    Reply
  7. Captain America Tie Dye Shirts » Simply Kelly Designs says:
    May 28, 2015 at 4:50 PM

    […] If you are looking for another fun 4th of July project, check out my DIY patriotic temporary tattoos. […]

    Reply
  8. 4 Leaf Clover Temporary Tattoos for St. Patrick’s Day says:
    April 26, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    […] more temporary tattoo goodness, check out my free temporary tattoo designs: U.S. patriotic, U.S. soccer, Dr. Seuss and conversation […]

    Reply
  9. DIY Glittery All American Princess Shirt With Free Cut File says:
    April 5, 2015 at 9:48 PM

    […] always ask me if it is her birthday and it makes me smile. A couple of weeks ago, I designed DIY Patriotic Temporary Tattoos and one of the designs was “all AMERICAN princess.” That designs was specifically for […]

    Reply
  10. DIY USA Soccer Themed Temporary Tattoos says:
    April 5, 2015 at 9:48 PM

    […] and they commented on all people in the stands who had their face painted. Last week I shared my DIY Patriotic Temporary Tattoos. My daughter told me I should make soccer themed temporary tattoos that we could wear to watch the […]

    Reply
  11. DIY Patriotic Wooden Sign with USA Map unOriginal Mom says:
    September 2, 2014 at 8:48 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  12. 10 Easy 4th of July Kid's Crafts says:
    June 27, 2014 at 7:59 PM

    […] DIY Temporary Tattoos by Kelly Designs […]

    Reply
  13. 40 ideas for 4th of July Fun #July4th #recipes #crafts says:
    June 24, 2014 at 11:43 AM

    […] How To Create DIY Temporary Tattoos […]

    Reply
  14. Pretty Patriotic Pillow - McCall Manor says:
    June 19, 2014 at 8:28 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  15. CraftCrave | DigiFree | CraftCrave says:
    June 10, 2014 at 6:37 AM

    […] How To Create DIY Temporary Tattoos – 2 freebie(s) […]

    Reply
  16. Nautical Star Burlap Banner: Silhouette Stencil Material Tutorial — the thinking closet says:
    June 9, 2014 at 11:47 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  17. Fourth Of July Rustic Flag - Tried & True says:
    June 9, 2014 at 10:34 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  18. Faux Paper Sparklers - It Happens in a Blink says:
    June 9, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  19. How To Make A Pinwheel {+ Free Template} | Practically Functional says:
    June 9, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  20. Monogrammed Patriotic Serving Tray {Silhouette Vinyl}Our Rosey Life says:
    June 9, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply
  21. Metal Star Earrings | Please Excuse My Craftermath… says:
    June 9, 2014 at 10:02 AM

    […] & Babble // 5. The Frill of Life // 6. My Paper Craze // 7. Kate’s Paper Creations // 8. Simply Kelly Designs // 9. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 10. Mama Sonshine // 11. Lil Mrs. Tori // 12. Tried & True […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Amali Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Simply Kelly Designs
Rss   Facebook   Pinterest   Instagram   Twitter   Mail

My Stores

Simply Kelly Designs Store Simply Kelly Designs Store

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Affiliates



Silhouette Training

Archives

Categories

Copyright © 2021 · Simply Kelly Designs