If you love adding a handmade touch to your gifts, this project is for you. Today I’m sharing how to make DIY foam stamps using a Sizzix Big Shot so you can create your own custom wrapping paper for any occasion. So let’s get started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
How to Make DIY Foam Stamps with a Sizzix Big Shot
I’ve shared how to make foam stamps with a Cricut before, but in this tutorial we’re using my die cutting machine instead. This is such a great option if you already own a Big Shot and want another creative way to use it.
I created this wrapping paper for a gift I’m giving my mom, but you can customize this for birthdays, holidays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, baby showers… you name it.
I’ll walk you through everything step by step below, and you can watch the full video tutorial embedded here in the post.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
Why Make Your Own Wrapping Paper?
There is something so special about wrapping a gift in paper you made yourself. It instantly feels more thoughtful and personal.
With DIY stamped wrapping paper, you can:
• Match your theme or holiday
• Coordinate colors perfectly
• Use shapes that mean something to the recipient
• Create one-of-a-kind designs
• Use supplies you already have
And the best part? It’s easy!
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what I used for this project:
✂️ Machine & Dies
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Sizzix Bigz Die (Bigz dies are perfect for thick materials like foam)
Materials
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Cutting pads (for the Big Shot sandwich)
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Tape (to hold foam in place)
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Stamp block or plate
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Ink pads (I used red and black)
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Baby wipes (for cleaning between colors)
Adhesive
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Xyron Sticker Maker
(You can also use glue or adhesive tape runner)
Step 1: Cut Your Craft Foam
Bigz dies are fantastic because they can cut through thicker materials like chipboard, felt, leather, and for this project, craft foam.
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Cut your foam into smaller pieces that will fit over the design area of your Bigz die.
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Stack multiple layers of foam to create thickness and dimension.
I stacked three layers because I wanted a raised stamp effect. -
Tape the foam stack down so it doesn’t shift.
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Create your sandwich:
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Cutting pad
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Bigz die
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Foam stack
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Top cutting pad
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Run it through the Big Shot a couple of times since we’re cutting thick foam.
Repeat for all shapes you want. I made lips and hearts for my wrapping paper.
Step 2: Layer the Foam to Create Thick Stamps
Once all your shapes are cut, we’re going to stack them to create dimension.
I used my Xyron Sticker Maker because it’s quick and mess-free, but you can absolutely use glue if that’s what you have on hand.
To use the Xyron:
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Insert the foam shape into the machine.
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Pull it through.
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Tear it off.
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Rub the surface.
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Remove the carrier sheet.
Now the back becomes a sticker.
Layer the foam shapes directly on top of each other until you reach your desired thickness. I layered mine three times since I’ll be attaching them to a stamp plate.
Repeat this process for each design.
Step 3: Attach to a Stamp Plate
Once your foam shapes are layered, attach them to a stamp block or plate.
For my heart design, I slightly offset the shapes to create a more interesting pattern when stamping. You don’t have to make everything perfectly symmetrical. Handmade projects are supposed to feel handmade.
This is where you can get creative.
Step 4: Stamp Your Custom Wrapping Paper
Now the fun part.
Place a stamping pad or soft surface underneath your wrapping paper for even pressure.
I used:
• Red ink for the lips
• Black ink for contrast
• Baby wipes to clean between colors
Pro tip: Craft foam will stain, but that’s okay. Wipe it down and let it dry before switching colors.
Start stamping across your paper in whatever pattern you like. Random, diagonal, evenly spaced, there’s no wrong way.
And remember: If they’re not perfectly even, that’s what makes it charming.
Step 5: Wrap Your Gift
Once your ink is dry, use your custom wrapping paper just like you normally would.
The finished result is adorable, completely personalized, and something you won’t find in stores.
For my mom’s gift, the lips and hearts gave it a sweet, handmade Valentine vibe, but you could easily swap shapes for:
• Christmas trees
• Pumpkins
• Stars
• Snowflakes
• Birthday balloons
• Floral designs
The possibilities are endless.
Tips for Best Results
Here are a few things I learned:
✔ Use multiple layers of foam for better stamping depth
✔ Run thick foam through the machine more than once
✔ Tape foam stacks before cutting to prevent shifting
✔ Use a padded surface under your paper
✔ Clean between ink colors to avoid muddying
If you can find extra thick craft foam, you may not need to layer, I just used what I had on hand.
Can You Make Foam Stamps Without a Cricut?
Yes and that’s exactly what we did here.
If you don’t have a cutting machine like a Cricut, your die cutting machine is a great alternative for making custom stamps. The Sizzix Big Shot paired with a Sizzix Bigz Die makes cutting thick materials simple and clean. And if you do own both machines? Even better. More creative flexibility.
I love projects like this because they’re:
• Budget-friendly
• Great for using stash supplies
• Totally customizable
• Perfect for adding a personal touch
Making your own DIY foam stamps opens up so many possibilities beyond wrapping paper too. You could stamp:
• Handmade cards
• Gift bags
• Scrapbook pages
• Party decor
• Fabric (with fabric ink)
It’s such a versatile technique.
You can even use paint and a stencil with your sizzix like I did in my CHristmas Wrapping tutorial.
If you try this project, I’d love to see what you create. Drop your questions below and let me know what shapes you’d use.
And don’t forget to watch the full video tutorial above for the complete step-by-step walkthrough!
See you next time
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