My Polaroid Zip stopped connecting and printing, and buying more ZINK paper was getting expensive fast. I still wanted cute photos in my journal though, so I figured out a way that’s cheaper, easier, and way more customizable. Now I print my favorite photos on sticker paper and stick them right into my pages.
Here’s exactly how I do it.
Table of Contents
What You Need
Sticker paper
Make sure you get the right kind for your printer. Sticker paper comes in versions for inkjet printers and versions for laser printers. Most home printers are inkjet like mine, so I always grab inkjet sticker paper. These are two I use:
https://amzn.to/49QA7wT (Inkjet sticker paper)
https://amzn.to/4kfJkT6 (Another great option)
A home printer
Any basic inkjet printer will work.
A paper cutter or scissors
A paper trimmer makes cutting super quick and clean.
My free Canva photo template
Grab the exact template I use here:
Your journal
I stick my photos into the blank pages in the back of my planner for daily journaling.
Step 1: Open the Canva Template
Click this link and make your own copy in Canva. The template includes a mix of photo sizes so your journal layout stays varied and interesting. There are small squares, medium rectangles, and landscape photo spots too.
Step 2: Upload Your Photos
Upload the pictures you took over the week. I include random moments like funny texts, coffee runs, outfits, kids being cute, sunsets, whatever feels meaningful to me that week.
Drag and drop them into the template frames. No need to overthink it.
Step 3: Fill Every Frame
I try to fill the whole page with pictures before printing. This way I’m not wasting any sticker paper. Variety in sizes makes the layout look more like a scrapbook spread and less like a boring photo dump.
Step 4: Download Your PDF
When your page is ready in Canva:
Click Share
Click Download
Choose PDF Print
This gives you the best quality for printing.
Step 5: Print on Sticker Paper
Load your sticker paper into your printer. Double-check which side prints on your printer so you don’t end up with the blank side printed. I learned that the hard way.
Use normal or high-quality print settings depending on your printer. Let the ink dry for a minute after printing so it doesn’t smear.
Step 6: Cut Out Your Photos
A paper cutter is my secret weapon here. It makes slicing these into neat little photo stickers super simple. You can absolutely use scissors if that’s what you have.
I cut around each photo loosely rather than obsessing over perfect edges. Slightly imperfect cuts just make it feel more handmade.
Step 7: Peel and Stick
Now peel the backing off and stick them straight into your journal. I use the blank pages in the back of my planner for daily memories. I usually add 1 to 3 photos per day and write a little caption or thought next to them.
Sometimes I throw in a sticker or bit of washi for texture.
Important Tip When Reusing This Template
When you come back to this template to make a new batch of photos, do not select everything and hit delete.
If you drag and select all, Canva will delete the frames along with the photos. Then you’re stuck rebuilding the whole layout, which is annoying and totally avoidable.
Instead, do this:
Click on one photo at a time
Press delete
This removes only the image and keeps the frame in place. Once the frame is empty, you can drag a new photo right into it.
It takes a few extra clicks, but it saves you from accidentally wrecking the template layout.
Why I Love This Method
• Much cheaper than buying ZINK paper
• I can fit lots of photos on one sheet
• I make different sizes instead of everything being the same
• No Bluetooth or connection drama
• Sticker backing means no glue or tape needed
The only thing I don’t like about this method is that I have to wait weekly to get “enough” pictures to fill the template. I can just print bigger pictures though. Hopefully now I can journal easily and fill my pages with memories!
Similar post: DIY Instax/Polaroid Photos for Journaling and More
