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Crafter's Guide: How-To Glue It!

gods_grace_notes by gods_grace_notes

Glue is an Essential For a Well-Equipped Crafter's Toolbox

For a successful craft project, it's essential to be familiar with your equipment, and how to use it.

The same is true when it comes to gluing your projects together. I use several different types of glue on a regular basis...as you can see by my photograph!

So, how do you know what kind of glue will work on the project at hand?

Personal experience is the best teacher, but your first step will be to read the labels. The manufacturers directions are one of the best ways for you to begin to determine which glue best fits the project you are working on.

There are a vast number of glues on the market, so it could be a little bit intimidating if you're new to crafting, and need to choose a glue from the plethora of bottles, tubes and glue sticks that are on the maket today.

But...lucky you! You've come to the right place for an inside look at the world of crafting glues and how to use them! 

I'm a total craft-a-holic, so please join me as I share some of the inside tips I've learned about the world of glues, and my thoughts on the best way to use them!

My Favorite Glues

Table of Contents

  1. My Favorite Glues
  2. Guide
  3. Stick With Me...
  4. Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
  5. Crafty Storage For Your Glue Sticks
  6. Paper & Glue Go Together Like A Crafty Teacher & An Enthusiastic Student...
  7. Simply Charming
  8. Tacky, Tacky, Tacky... Aleene's Got Tacky!
  9. Here's Everything You Need to Know About Gorilla Glue But Were AFraid to Ask!
  10. E6000 Industrial Strength Craft Glue
  11. Hot Glue Will NOT Create A Permanent Bond When Using Clay Pots
  12. Super Glue is a Household Basic
  13. Rubber Cement
  14. Miscellaneous Glues
  15. Wood Glue
  16. Fabric Glues
  17. Sticky Dots
  18. Glue With Dispensers
  20. I Love Feedback, Stick It Right Here!
  21. About Me
  22. Lens Love Widget

Guide

Stick With Me...

There's a lot to learn about how to glue it right the first time!

Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

Crafty Storage For Your Glue Sticks

Yes, I am a glue-gun wielding crafter!

Many of the projects I assemble lend themselves well to the multi-purpose glue gun! Home decor items, paper, foam, felt, poster board...

Many projects have taken their turn at a quick fix; or a quick and easy sample for a group project.

Glue guns are available in high and low temperatures; as well as decorative glues...

A good quality glue gun is a mainstay for the busy crafter!
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Paper & Glue Go Together Like A Crafty Teacher & An Enthusiastic Student...

Like Me & YOU!

They're made to stick to each other...like a crafty instructor and a crafty pupil...they fit together like a hand and glove!

Here are some of my favorite glues that are just made for paper...

The Scotch glue is my favorite for scrapbooking that involves tiny little pieces of paper...

Look for it in your local office supply store; it's about half the price as the craft stores, so you can save those name brand Craft Store coupons for bigger purchases!

From Left to Right

* Scotch Quick Dry Tacky Adhesive is my favorite glue for scrapbooking. It has a nice applicator tip, and a smooth consistency... it "grabs" really fast; so place your paper carefully! This is a 5-star glue...

* Aleene's Tacky Glue is terrific for poster board, construction paper, and card stock. It's also a good glue for kids projects.

* Elmer's is the all-time favorite for paper projects, craft sticks and balsa wood. It dries clear, dries fast, and is inexpensive. It's perfect for the many crafts that are designed to keep little fingers busy!

* Glue sticks are another good choice for kids paper crafts.
It's easy to use; especially for little ones who haven't yet come to understand what you mean when you say..."That's enough!"
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Simply Charming

Here's a token of affection for your favorite crafter!

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Tacky, Tacky, Tacky... Aleene's Got Tacky!

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Aleene's Offers More Than Just Tacky Glue

The Aleene's family of products are some of my favorites....they have a special glue designed for almost any type of gluing you can imagine! Just follow manufacturers directions!
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Here's Everything You Need to Know About Gorilla Glue But Were AFraid to Ask!

Use sparingly! This glue expands to about 4 times it's volume, and dries to a light tan color. It can also be sanded, stained or painted.

This is my favorite glue for assembling projects with clay pots. Because it's waterproof, I can use it for my birdbaths and planters...
Gorilla Glue Website
"For the toughest jobs on Planet Earth!"
Material Safety Data Sheets
The scientific stats...

Here's What the Manufacturer Has to Say About Gorilla Glue

Gorilla glue is an all purpose polyurethane wood glue which is catalyzed by moisture. Once cured it is totally resistant to solvents yet excess can be easily removed with a scraper chisel or sandpaper. Strong and easy to use, Gorilla Glue cures with exposure to moisture in the wood and atmosphere.

Gorilla Glue is stainable and self-spreading. Bonds exotic and common woods, as well as ceramics, plastic, metals, stone, and much more. 100% waterproof, solvent-free, and environmentally friendly.

Gorilla Glue (c) All rights reserved

Gorilla Glue

Gorilla glue is perfect for wood, stone, metal, ceramic...
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E6000 Industrial Strength Craft Glue

E6000, Clearly a Winner!

This is my glue of choice when I'm working with clear glass...it's another industrial strength glue that bonds items permanently. This is the glue I use to attach glass to glass, clay pots, or ceramic.

It takes a while to dry, but once it's set...it's set for good!

A word of caution: Use proper ventilation!
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Hot Glue Will NOT Create A Permanent Bond When Using Clay Pots

Girls Are Flower Powered!

I use Gorilla Glue or E6000 to assemble projects like my painted pots for fancy flower pens.

Super Glue is a Household Basic

This little glue is great for when you need a "quick fix!"
I have used super glue to mend a broken part on chidren's toys, small appliance knobs, or the handle on the lid of a sauce pan...

It bonds everything...on contact...even your fingers!
It takes a while to wear off, so use with care!
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Rubber Cement

Rubber cement offers a natural rubber formulation that spreads easily. The ability to reposition work makes it ideal for projects that require accurate placement. It is acid free, and safe for photos, but I typically use it for projects that are made with foam or foam rubber.
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Miscellaneous Glues

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Wood Glue

These are the proper glues when you're working with wood...you'll find yourself frustrated if you try working with glues that aren't made for the job, so when it comes to wood; stick to wood glue!
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Fabric Glues

These glues are used regularly in the wedding industry...they're perfect for attaching rhinestones, beads, and tiny embellishments.

A little goes a long way!
They tend to stiffen the fabric if you use too much!
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Sticky Dots

Lensmaster MotorPurr asked for the little roly-poly glue that comes on the back of those cards we all receive in the mail.

I'm not familiar with that particular glue, but I think these little memory book dots may serve the same purpose.

As always... for best results, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions!

Pssst... if you are familiar with the glue she's looking for; how about sharing your info with all of us?

More Glue Dots

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Glue With Dispensers

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Connie's Crafts 4 Kids Blog

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Are You New to Squidoo?

To find examples of the many ways you can use Squidoo for fun, business, or charity...

...stop by my Squid Angel Lens for some great how-to's and God's Grace Notes Lensography to see the index of my personal lenses...
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I Love Feedback, Stick It Right Here!

  • fionamckay9 Oct 27, 2011 @ 12:59 pm | delete
    Thanks for comparing these different types of glue - great lens.
  • Walt May 4, 2010 @ 9:33 am | delete
    Wonderful informative website! Would appreciate a recommendation on what will glue the sole back on my tennis shoe. Thank you so much. Walt at anebaystore@comcast.net
  • BusyQueen Mar 11, 2009 @ 4:06 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It's well done. 5 *****'s
  • Johnby Feb 26, 2009 @ 7:34 pm | delete
    How about a glue for plastics. Can't seem to find one that will work for any long period of time.
  • Wysiwigs Nov 15, 2008 @ 3:47 am | delete
    Great lens ~ it's amazing how many different kinds of glue there are floating around out there...tough to know what works best 5* for some very helpful information! :o)
  • SemperFidelis Sep 1, 2008 @ 3:10 am | delete
    I'll stick this lens with a Squid Angel Blessing at ya! ~ Colleen :)
  • SemperFidelis Sep 1, 2008 @ 3:10 am | delete
    I'll stick this lens with a Squid Angel Blessing at ya! ~ Colleen :)
  • motorpurrr Jun 25, 2008 @ 1:04 pm | delete
    Hi! Again. The Poster glue dots was just what I was looking for. They don't stick permanently so the cards on the items can be removed with out any damage to the item or cards. Thank you so much for finding that for me.
  • jzorro May 22, 2008 @ 5:42 pm | delete
    Great Lens. Thanks for sharing this information!

    Mike Geary
  • motorpurrr May 11, 2008 @ 8:56 pm | delete
    Nice lens! I have tons of different glues also. I'm looking for the stuff that comes in on the back of credit cards in the mail. It's thick, but you can take it off and play with it? I want to attach a small tag/card on the back of an item that can't be tied to or taped. Thanks
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gods_grace_notes

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This author recommends...

I Recommend E6000 For Heavy Duty Crafting 

Commercial Grade Glue

E6000 Multi-Purpose Adhesive-3.7 Ounce

E6000 Multi-Purpose Adhesive-3.7 Ounce

Amazon Price: $3.79 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now

I LOVE E6000!

This glue creates a permanent bond on smooth, glossy surfaces. You can glue things like glass to porcelain, glass to glass or many other non-porous surfaces. This is a hard working glue... just like you!

Connie's Crafts 4 Kids Blog  

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