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1. Scotch Tape Glider
LaLa -Lovve my ATG gun! I used to watch YouTube videos when I was learning how to use my die cutting machine and I’d always see those gals using a huge tape runner. I was like why would you want something that big? Seriously? A huge tape gun? Then, I got one and now, I see why it’s a must have Mack Daddy tape runner. Worth the investment. Perfect for general papercraft projects, cards, layouts and cheaper in the long run since you only need to purchase the tape refill cartridges. Plus, you can use a coupon at the craft stores too.
2. Cordless Glue Gun
When in doubt, Hot Glue! It’s like duct tape. I tend to be get impatient waiting for regular glue to dry. Big project, I hot glue that sucker. I don’t change the temperature much but I do like the cordless. Hanging a banner up or a wreath outside and an embellishment falls off? Just unplug the glue gun and hot glue that sucker back on. I’ve re-used a grapevine wreath a few times and just use a heat tool to melt off the hot glue so I can re-use it. I’m sorta cheap like that and I really don’t need another wreath stored in my house. Just ask my husband opinion on that one. Got those messy glue strings all over your project? Use the heat tool to melt them off. Done.
3. Dimensional Foam Adhesives
Wanna add a lil’ pop or dimension to projects? Foam adhesives is a must. They come in a variety of sizes and are prefect to use for card making, banners, scrapbooking and party decor.
Dimensional foam made the bunnies pop off this Canvas
4. Double Sided Tape
Red Sticky Tape is what I call it. This stuff is the da-bomb adhesive for 3D projects. Putting a 3D box together ? Double Sided sticky tape will hold it together. Done.
Use double sided tape when making 3D boxes.
5. Glue Dots
Love Glue Dots. I previously designed for Glue Dots so fortunately, I was able to try all there products. Even thought I don’t create for Glue Dots anymore, I’m still faithful to Mini and Micro Dots. Love them. Micro is perfect to use for those itty-bitty embellishments.
Micro Glue Dots worked great to adhere tiny googly eyes on to ghost table scatter.
6: Xyron Create a Sticker
I have a few Xyron systems but my favorite and most useful of them all is the 5″ Xyron. I prefer the small system basically since I feel like I’m not wasting a big ole’ sheet of adhesiveusing the bigger systems. It’s perfect for adhering delicate lace, sheer ribbon and intricate die cuts. It also works great when making glitter embellishments.
Use the 5″ Xryon to make Glitter and Twin Embellishments
7. Glue Pens
8. Mod Podge
Mod Podge. There are lots of decoupage on the market but Mod Podge is the generic staple in my house. Like how tissues are called Kleenex. Mod Podge it. Use it to adhere photos, papers, fabric.. etc, etc, etc.
Use Mod Podge to adhere patterned paper on to clothespins
9. Fabric Fusion
Wanna make a no-sew pillow? Anyone dread hand stitching a pillow together after stuffing it? Yes, That would be me. Fabric Fusion to the rescue!
Apply Fabric Fusion along the seams of a pillow.
10. E6000 Industrial Strength
The Mega Strong Craft Adhesive of all time is E6000. Need permanent adhesion? E-6000 Industrial Strength is the answer. Great for adhering magnets, gemstones and even glass. Use it in a well ventilated area though, the fumes can get to ya.
E-6000 is strong enough to adhere magnets on to bottle caps.
There you have it! The Ten Must- Have Craft Adhesives every crafter should own. Of course, there are many more adhesives out there to choose from and I know we all have our personal Favs.
Would love to hear what your favorite adhesives are!
katie smith says
March 24, 2015 at 8:31 amI *love* my ATG gun, but I’m currently out of adhesive for it. Need to go to the store and get some! π
Holly Gagnon says
March 26, 2015 at 10:29 pmLove my ATG too! Now go get yourself some refills. Thanks- Holly π
Rina Gonzales says
March 24, 2015 at 8:11 pmGreat recommendations! My fav glue is Aleene’s Turbo Tacky. <3
Holly Gagnon says
March 25, 2015 at 3:36 pmThank you so much, I’ve used Turbo Tacky too! Holly π
Marilyn says
March 25, 2015 at 7:39 amWhat a great list of adhesives! I’ve never used the sticker maker before..looks interesting!
Holly Gagnon says
March 25, 2015 at 3:37 pmHi Marilyn. Yes, the 5″ Xyron works great for those little things. Thanks so much! Holly π
Lesley Bryant says
June 2, 2015 at 12:44 amGot have at at least ONE Xyron product in your stash. LOVE LOVE LOVE it
Holly Gagnon says
June 2, 2015 at 3:19 pmYes! Love my Xyron too! Holly π
Donna Jimmerson says
March 25, 2015 at 7:57 amHi Holly, Awesome ideas! What adhesive would you use to connect a pool noodle end to end? They come in such pretty colors. I made a wreath for my Mom’s front door but it came loose. Thank you for yoyr great ideas.
Holly Gagnon says
March 26, 2015 at 10:26 pmHI Donna. Love the idea of a pool noodle wreath! I think I would try good oleβ fashion hot glue. A strong adhesive like E6000 may melt the foam. I would try hot glue, then maybe wrap a ribbon or Washi tape around the two connecting ends so it doensβt show the seem or glue. Thanks again- Holly π
Lynette Ballard says
March 25, 2015 at 6:35 pmI am now on the hunt for a tape runner gun. They even have a purple one, which would match my craft room perfectly! π I also love fabric fusion and E6000 is great but the smell lingers sometimes so I am choosy what I use it on. It’s great for shoes that separate from the soles! I really like tombow mono glue for paper. I have used it on boxes, but it doesn’t allow for much adjusting but it’s super strong! I will have to try re-sticking mats with the stuff you like too. Great post, thanks!
Holly Gagnon says
March 26, 2015 at 10:28 pmThanks Lynette. Yes, I really only use the big Zig pen to re-sticky my mats. I actually haven’t used Tombow but have heard it’s great too! Thanks- Holly
Sharon Alday says
February 2, 2020 at 6:23 pmAre you talking about the mats you use with a cricut machine?
Holly Gagnon says
February 9, 2020 at 8:35 pmYes, you can use the ZIG glue on silhouette or Cricut mats. Thank for visiting- Holly
Susie says
February 24, 2016 at 5:57 amThis is wonderful! Some of these I do use already, some of these I’m going to run out and buy since I do so many crafts that require adhesives. Thank you thank you thank you!
Holly Gagnon says
February 24, 2016 at 9:49 amThanks for visiting Susie, you can never have enough adhesive for sure! Holly π
Judy says
March 10, 2016 at 10:31 amHolly ~ This article is AWESOME and super informative!! I can’t thank you enough!!
What glue would you suggest for gluing felt parts together? The new fad seems to be die cutting wool felt to make embellishments for cards, layouts, etc. I’ve seen it suggested that sticky strip be used to adhere the felt embellishments to the card/layout, but the creators never tell what glue they used to actually adhere the felt parts together.
Any suggestions?
Holly Gagnon says
March 10, 2016 at 3:43 pmHi Judy, thanks for visiting! I typically use hot glue for felt projects but if it was a layered flower, a Glue Dot would prob work too. Hope this helps! Holly π
Denise Ferguson says
July 25, 2017 at 8:47 amThanks Holly! I’m re-doing my craft room & the first drawer I organized was adhesives! I love that there are so many different options for different jobs. I guess my go-to is Tombow mono liquid adhesive. I so many times need to have the wiggle time it allows π
Holly Gagnon says
August 13, 2017 at 10:34 pmHi Denise. Yes, Tombow is another great adhesive. Thanks for stopping by. Holly
Barb MacAskill says
July 28, 2017 at 9:57 amI would say that the only one missing is Ken Roberts’ Stick-It Adhesive sheets! They are amazing! Versatile, strong hold and priced fairly! TFS!
Holly Gagnon says
August 13, 2017 at 10:33 pmHi Barb. I’ve never heard of Stick It sheers but I think I may need some. Thanks for stopping by. Holly