If I knew how easy it was to make DIY foil art prints, I would have starting making my own years ago. It’s funny because something so beautiful seems like it would be crazy difficult to make. But in reality you only need a few key supplies (that aren’t even very expensive). I’ve also provided from free downloadable art files below to get you started.
Watch the video below to see how I make my own DIY foil art prints and then see the supplies and step-by-step directions in the post so you can make your own.
DIY Foil Art Prints Supplies (affiliate links provided for convenience):
- White Cardstock – I use 65lb white cardstock.
- Foil Transfer Sheets – Here are a few of my favorite foil transfer sheet colors rainbow foil, watercolor foil multi-pack, and solids foil multi-pack.
- Laminator – I have this inexpensive laminator and it works wonderfully!
- Art Files – I’ve created three to get your started. You can use any other art files, but it will need to be printed in black and white. Download the files here: llama, whale, flamingo.
- Laser Printer – I have this laser printer. But don’t worry if you don’t have one, just head to your nearest Staples, Office Depot, FedEx Office or anywhere that makes prints and copies and have them make the prints for you. Just be sure they are made with a laser printer.
DIY Foil Art Prints Directions:
Step 1: Print your art prints on white cardstock using a laser printer. Use your own or download the files I created here: llama, whale, flamingo. You might need to reduce the printing % based on the the size of the foil piece you are using. Step 2: Cut the foil down to size and place a single piece of art foil over the image. The foil should have the color side up. See above under supplies for my favorite foil colors.
Step 3: Turn on the laminator and once heated, feed the cardstock art print with the foil on top through the laminator. I hold the foil in place as it’s going through the printer until it takes hold.
Step 4: Once through the laminator, slowly peel the foil back from the cardstock.
Step 5: Preserve your completed foil art prints with a frame and add them to your wall decor.
See it’s much easier that it looks. Now that you know how to make your own foil art prints, there are so many fun possibilities.
For more colorful inspiration, head over to my Instagram page or Facebook page And be sure to come share with me pictures of your finished foil art prints. I love sharing projects that were inspired by my tutorials with my followers.
Techniques and Projects for Painting, Coloring, and Transforming Stones. Order your copy today!
What do I Use when I don’t have a laminator?
Unfortunately you need a laminator to make it work. Did you see the one I listed in the post. It’s a pretty affordable option.
Thanx lovely would the children be able to do there own drawings
Absolutely! You would just need to scan the drawings. They should probably done with black ink though as light colors might not scan well. And I would recommend that they make thicker lines for the drawings.
I was just wondering how long after printing do you add the foil. Immediately or days?
Right away! You don’t have to wait. 🙂
will an ink jet printer work?
Unfortunately no.
Love these but I seem to be having an issue with getting the foil to actually stick to print.. it’s very splotche. Any thoughts?
Unfortunately, thinking it must be your laminator. I didn’t have any problems on over 30 prints.
What laminator do you use please ? Iv tried x2 diff ones now and again the foil isn’t sticking to the whole print , it’s just grabbing onto certain areas , thank you
Did you see the one I linked to in the post? It’s the exact one I used. It’s under the Supplies section.
Can you add the prints in other surfaces? Meaning it only paper?
Not sure if the foil can be added to other surfaces.
My fool smudged onto other parts of the paper I used normal A4
Not sure how that happened. I had no problems with the foil I used.
This is a fabulous little project. Looking forward to trying it with a black and white photo! After trialling some picture effects, this should tut out a master piece!
What laminate machine do we use ?
Did you see the one linked in the post? I posted a link to the exact one I used. It’s under the Supplies section.
How does it work? The ink attracts the foil??
Yes! The toner holds onto the foil.
Do you have to apply the foil right after the image is printed? I don’t have a laser printer, so I would have to go somewhere to have it printed, then bring it home to add the foil.
You don’t! You should be fine 🙂
what brands of foil do you use please?
The one I used is linked in the post above 🙂
Silly question. Doesn’t this machine seal the paper in plastic on both sides?
Thanks 🙂
Ha! Not silly at all. It will only laminate if you add plastic on top. But you’re not adding plastic 🙂
Can you do this on a darker piece of paper? Or does the paper have to be white?
Yes it works on dark colors. Just print as you normally would!
This is awesome! Thanks so much for posting, I’ve made some cool stuff! Do you think it would work if I used black cardstock and had my print be in white lines? Would the foil adhere to the white ink? Does the color of the printing ink matter? Sorry for all the questions, just thought you would be the best person to ask before I buy more foil/cardstock!
It definitely works on black cardstock but you just print black on black…just print your print as normal. The foil adheres to the toner. So glad you’re having fun with it.