Ribbons & Glue

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Ten Must-Have Craft Adhesives

March 23, 2015 by Holly Gagnon 22 Comments

Roundup of my  Ten Must- Have Craft Adhesives and how I use them.   I’ve been crafting for years now and have used all sorts of adhesives.  Heck, my blog even has the word Glue in it.  These are my  Ten {best} Craft Adhesives that I use all the time and have included examples of how they can be used so I can backup my crafty adhesive opinion.

Ten Must- Have Craft Adhesives that every Crafter should own and examples on how to use them.

 {this post contains affiliate links referencing products used}

 1. Scotch Tape Glider

ATG Scotch Gun

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.

 
Cordless Hot Glue GunHow to make crepe paper flowers
 
Use Hot Glue to make Crepe Paper Flowers
 

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.

 

foam tabs

Foam Dimension to make Bunny pop

 

 

 

 

 

 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.

Red Sticky Double Sided TapeOne Sheet Cookie Box Tutorail

 Use double sided tape when making 3D boxes.

 

 5.  Glue Dots

                       Micro Glue DotsMini 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.

Ghost Table Scatter and Glue Dots

 Micro Glue Dots  worked great to adhere tiny googly eyes on to ghost table scatter.

6:  Xyron Create a Sticker

 

5" Xyron

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.

Xyron Glitter Tutorial

Use the 5″ Xryon to make Glitter and Twin Embellishments

7. Glue Pens

Zig Glue Pen

 
 
 
Another  must have in the craft room  Zig Glue Pens.   The Jumbo tip and fine tip pens are both a must.  The fine tip  works fabulous  for small stuff and I use the fat marker primarily to re-stick my die cutting mats.  Yes, you read correctly, die cutting mats.   Clean the mat well using a Magic Eraser, let dry, then apply the fat tip Zig glue all over the mat.  Tah- Dah- new sticky mat!
 Cascading Card
 
 A fine tip Zig glue pen is great to use when assembling those small die cut pieces.
 

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.

Mod Podge MatteMod-Podge-Clothespins

   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!

Fabric FusionUse Fabric Fuse to close pillowsApply 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.

E6000Bottle-Cap-Magnets

 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!

 

Hollysignature

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Comments

  1. katie smith says

    March 24, 2015 at 8:31 am

    I *love* my ATG gun, but I’m currently out of adhesive for it. Need to go to the store and get some! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      March 26, 2015 at 10:29 pm

      Love my ATG too! Now go get yourself some refills. Thanks- Holly πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Rina Gonzales says

    March 24, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    Great recommendations! My fav glue is Aleene’s Turbo Tacky. <3

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      March 25, 2015 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you so much, I’ve used Turbo Tacky too! Holly πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Marilyn says

    March 25, 2015 at 7:39 am

    What a great list of adhesives! I’ve never used the sticker maker before..looks interesting!

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      March 25, 2015 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Marilyn. Yes, the 5″ Xyron works great for those little things. Thanks so much! Holly πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Lesley Bryant says

        June 2, 2015 at 12:44 am

        Got have at at least ONE Xyron product in your stash. LOVE LOVE LOVE it

        Reply
        • Holly Gagnon says

          June 2, 2015 at 3:19 pm

          Yes! Love my Xyron too! Holly πŸ™‚

          Reply
  4. Donna Jimmerson says

    March 25, 2015 at 7:57 am

    Hi 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.

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      March 26, 2015 at 10:26 pm

      HI Donna. Love the idea of a pool noodle wreath! I think I would try good ole’ 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 doens’t show the seem or glue. Thanks again- Holly πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Lynette Ballard says

    March 25, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    I am now on the hunt for a tape runner gun. They even have a purple one, which would match my craft room perfectly! πŸ™‚ 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!

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      March 26, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      Thanks 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

      Reply
      • Sharon Alday says

        February 2, 2020 at 6:23 pm

        Are you talking about the mats you use with a cricut machine?

        Reply
        • Holly Gagnon says

          February 9, 2020 at 8:35 pm

          Yes, you can use the ZIG glue on silhouette or Cricut mats. Thank for visiting- Holly

          Reply
  6. Susie says

    February 24, 2016 at 5:57 am

    This 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!

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      February 24, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Thanks for visiting Susie, you can never have enough adhesive for sure! Holly πŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Judy says

    March 10, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Holly ~ 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?

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      March 10, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      Hi 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 πŸ™‚

      Reply
  8. Denise Ferguson says

    July 25, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Thanks 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 πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      August 13, 2017 at 10:34 pm

      Hi Denise. Yes, Tombow is another great adhesive. Thanks for stopping by. Holly

      Reply
  9. Barb MacAskill says

    July 28, 2017 at 9:57 am

    I would say that the only one missing is Ken Roberts’ Stick-It Adhesive sheets! They are amazing! Versatile, strong hold and priced fairly! TFS!

    Reply
    • Holly Gagnon says

      August 13, 2017 at 10:33 pm

      Hi Barb. I’ve never heard of Stick It sheers but I think I may need some. Thanks for stopping by. Holly

      Reply

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