Rationale for Making Stickers

I chose to make stickers for both personal enjoyment and a practical, professional purpose.

First, I made a sticker of my dog simply for fun. It was a creative way to explore the vinyl cutting process, and I enjoyed sharing the final result with friends and family. This helped me build confidence using design software and the vinyl cutter in a low-pressure, enjoyable way.

Second, I created a sticker with a QR code as a quick professional solution. While designing a flyer to recruit students for a STEM camp, I accidentally left off the link for scholarship information. Instead of reprinting all the flyers, I used the vinyl cutter to make stickers with the QR code linking to the scholarship page. I then applied them to the existing flyers. This approach was efficient, resourceful, and demonstrated how creative tools like sticker making can solve real-world problems.

To make the QR code sticker:

• I started in Canva, where I generated the QR code, added a border, and included "Scan Me" text for clarity and visual appeal.
  
  

• I then transferred the design to Adobe Illustrator, where I created the cut and score lines needed for the new sticker printer and cutter to recognize and properly cut the sticker shape.
  
  

This process showed how design tools can be combined to create professional solutions quickly and effectively. It also taught me how to adapt to new equipment and software to meet a need in a resourceful way.

Learning Outcomes:

1) Students will design a sticker for sharing self-identification or branding of their choosing to demonstrate ability to turn an image (digital, hand drawn, or photograph) and use the vinyl cutter to create their stickers

• demonstrate proficiency using the vinyl cutter

• demonstrate proficiency creating, modifying, or transferring a digital image

• demonstrate proficiency sharing self-identification or branding

How does this process relate to what you are teaching in the classroom?
This process directly connects to the skills I teach in the classroom, particularly in areas like design thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. By integrating tools like a vinyl cutter, students get hands-on experience using digital design software, understanding machine operation, and seeing how technology can be used creatively and practically. It bridges the gap between abstract learning and real-world application.

How does this project inspire you?
This project inspires me by showing how even small, creative solutions—like making a sticker—can solve real problems. The QR code sticker I created for the STEM flyer wasn’t just a fix; it became a functional, engaging tool. It reminded me how accessible digital fabrication is, and how empowering it can be to give students tools that let them solve problems, personalize projects, and take ownership of their work.

Educational Activity Using the 5E Model: School Spirit Decal Project

Engage:
I would begin by showing students a variety of sticker and decal examples from everyday life—laptops, water bottles, car windows, etc. We’d discuss how these small designs can make a statement, show identity, or raise awareness. This sparks interest and introduces the idea that stickers are both personal and powerful design tools.

Explore:
Students would explore existing vinyl sticker designs and begin working in vector-based programs like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator. They would also investigate how vinyl cutters work and look at different materials (e.g., permanent vs. removable vinyl). During this phase, they’d choose a theme for their decal—something school-related or meaningful to them.

Explain:
Students would learn five key vocabulary terms and foundational ideas related to digital fabrication:

1. Vector Graphic – A type of image made from paths and points, essential for precision cutting.

2. Weeding – The process of removing unwanted vinyl from around a cut design.

3. Cut Line – A path in the design that tells the cutter where to cut.

4. Transfer Tape – A clear adhesive used to lift the weeded design and apply it to a surface.

5. Kiss Cut – A shallow cut that slices through the vinyl but not the backing, used for sticker paper.We would discuss how each of these terms fits into the overall sticker-making process and why they matter for successful fabrication.

Elaborate:
Students would apply their understanding by creating their own decal in a vector design program. They would refine their designs based on peer feedback and prepare the files for cutting. Then, they would operate the vinyl cutter, weed their designs, and apply the stickers to a chosen surface. This hands-on step brings together technical skill and creativity.

Evaluate:
Students would present their final decals, explaining the choices they made and how they used the tools and techniques they learned. Evaluation would focus on their understanding of the vocabulary and fabrication steps, the clarity and originality of their design, and their ability to reflect on the design process.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand and apply the design thinking process. 

• Learn to use vector-based design tools. 

• Operate a vinyl cutter safely and effectively. 

• Communicate a message and/or purposeful use through visual design and fabrication
  
  

Where I Feel Most Comfortable on the Digital Fabrication Continuum
I feel most comfortable in the "Graphics & 2D Design" portion of the digital fabrication continuum. I'm confident using design software to create visual assets and feel at ease preparing files for 2D output devices like vinyl cutters and printers. This area also offers a strong entry point for students who are new to digital fabrication. And as a teacher- this could be a challenge when having 1 machine and upwards of 25-30 kiddos.

Tasks in the Fab Lab
In the Fab Lab, I would enjoy supporting students with:

• Brainstorming and refining design ideas.

• Teaching software basics and file preparation.

• Helping with machine setup and troubleshooting.

• Encouraging iteration and learning through mistakes.

• Creating real-world connections for student projects.